What reduces the corrosion risk in the re-circulation of water to boilers via condensate return pumps?

• A. Regular maintenance
• B. Use of distilled water
• C. Minimized addition of make-up water
• D. Installing water softeners

Answer: (C)

The reduction of corrosion risk in the recirculation of water to boilers via condensate return pumps is best achieved by minimizing the addition of make-up water. When make-up water is added, it can introduce impurities, such as oxygen and minerals, which contribute to corrosion in the boiler system. By limiting the amount of make-up water required, the concentration of these potentially harmful impurities in the boiler water is reduced. This leads to a more stable and controlled chemical environment, which is less prone to corrosion.

In contrast, while regular maintenance, using distilled water, and installing water softeners play important roles in maintaining boiler efficiency and water quality, they do not directly address the primary issue of impurities introduced through excessive make-up water. Regular maintenance ensures the boiler functions correctly and can help identify corrosion issues, distilled water can reduce some impurities but is not always practical for continuous use in a system, and water softeners primarily address hardness rather than overall purity and oxygen levels. Thus, minimizing make-up water is the most effective strategy for reducing corrosion risks in this context.