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Guest Post By NARA Member, Eric Schnakenberg, Area Manager at Chem Aqua Midwest
In animal rendering facilities, steam boilers play a crucial role in processing and sterilizing animal byproducts. However, when these systems malfunction, some might consider chemically compensating for the issue as a quick fix. While this approach might offer temporary relief, it introduces several significant disadvantages.
- Short-Term Solution with Long-Term Risks: Chemically compensating for boiler issues often masks underlying problems rather than addressing them. This can lead to more severe long-term damage to the boiler system, increasing the risk of catastrophic failures and costly repairs. Instead of solving the root cause, this method merely postpones necessary maintenance. Example; Dosing oxygen scavenger at heavier rates to overcome a DA tank that isn’t venting properly.
- Increased Safety Hazards: Using chemicals to compensate for boiler malfunctions can create safety hazards. Incorrect chemical use or over-reliance on them might lead to dangerous conditions, including pressure build-up, leaks, or even explosions. Ensuring the safe operation of a steam boiler should never be compromised by chemical shortcuts.
- Reduced Efficiency and Increased Costs: Chemicals fed at incorrect rates may degrade the efficiency of the boiler system. Over time, they can lead to scaling, corrosion, and other issues that lower operational efficiency and increase energy consumption. This inefficiency results in higher operating costs and diminishes the overall performance of the facility.
- Environmental and Regulatory Concerns: The use of chemicals in an attempt to compensate for boiler problems can lead to environmental and regulatory issues. Discharge of improperly managed chemicals might contaminate waste streams or violate environmental regulations, leading to potential fines and damage to the facility’s reputation.
- Impact on Product Quality: Maintaining optimal conditions is critical for the safety and quality of the end product. Chemically compensating might compromise the quality of the processed material, affecting both product safety and compliance with your customer standards.
Conclusion: While chemically compensating for boiler system issues might seem like a quick fix, it poses several serious risks. Chemistry should only be used as an emergency short-term fix until proper mechanical repairs can be made. The sooner the correct repair can be made, the better. Proper maintenance and repair is essential for the safe and efficient operation of your facilities.
Your chemistry plan is designed to assist these machines in their operation, not mask mechanical issues. Therefore, its important that your chemical team understands the mechanical operation of your facility.
Contact Chem Aqua Midwest if you’re chemically compensating for mechanical issues.
