New York Low Pressure Boiler COF Practice

What is the purpose of adding sodium sulfite to water in boiler systems?

1. To increase temperature

2. To prevent corrosion

3. To enhance pressure stability

4. To facilitate steam generation

The correct answer is: To prevent corrosion

Sodium sulfite is commonly added to water in boiler systems primarily for its role in preventing corrosion. When water is heated in a boiler, it can interact with oxygen in the water, leading to the formation of rust and other corrosive elements that can damage the internal components of the boiler. Sodium sulfite acts as an oxygen scavenger, meaning it reacts with dissolved oxygen in the water to form sodium sulfate, thereby reducing the amount of free oxygen present. This process helps to protect the boiler’s metal surfaces from corrosion and extends the life of the equipment. While the other options may relate to boiler operations in some context, they do not directly address the primary benefit of sodium sulfite. For example, increasing temperature or enhancing pressure stability does not specifically involve the addition of sodium sulfite, and facilitating steam generation is more about the operational efficiency of the boiler rather than the chemical treatments used to maintain system integrity.