How to determine conductance of steam condensate
Conductance of Steam Condensate
Theory of Test
Ionizable solids and gases in condensed steam have the ability to conduct an electric current through a solution. This property of electrical conductance of solids and gases makes it possible to detect small quantities of these materials in solution by means of suitable conductance equipment.
Apparatus Required
Conductivity Meter (variable range) - 1
Procedure for Test
Samples such as makeup water, feed water condensed steam, return condensate and recirculating cooling water should not be neutralized prior to determining conductivity.
High purity waters, such as demonized water and condensed steam, are easily contaminated, even by air. Never test a sample that has been standing; measure the specific conductance immediately after sampling.
Rinse the cell-cup repeatedly with sample. Fill the cell cup with sample to above the disc electrode and read the specific conductance (in micromhos) directly off the meter scale. In the case of an ultra pure water, chances of contamination may be minimized by measuring the conductivity at the point of sampling as the water being sampled flows continuously into and out of the cell-cup. The meter should be tilted so the sample over flows the back of the cell; the sample temperature must be maintained between 60 F (16C) and 150 F (66C).
Calculation of Results
The specific conductance in micromhos is read directly from the calibrated scale as indicated by the needle movement.
An average value for converting micromhos of conductance to dissolved solids in condensed steam samples is approximately 0.5 to 0.6 ppm dissolved solids per micromhos of conductance. This factor is subject to some slight variation depending on the individual steam condensate measure, but for normal work this factor can be used.
In evaluating the conductance of a condensed steam sample and expressing conductance in terms of dissolved solids through the use of a conversion factor, it is necessary to check the steam condensate for dissolved gases such as ammonia and carbon dioxide which impart conductance. If either gas is present, its concentration must be determined and the correction described below applied.
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