Analytical techniques for determination and control of silica content in the water in thermal power plants

Ultrapure water with minimum contents of impurities is used for the preparation of steam in thermal power plants. More recently it has been found that the corrosion process is also influenced by sodium ions, chloride ions, and all forms of silicon in water. At higher temperatures and under...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Ignjatović Nataša R., Ilić Maja D., Rajaković Ljubinka V.
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Association of Chemical Engineers of Serbia 2015-01-01
Series:Hemijska Industrija
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.doiserbia.nb.rs/img/doi/0367-598X/2015/0367-598X1400084I.pdf
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Summary:Ultrapure water with minimum contents of impurities is used for the preparation of steam in thermal power plants. More recently it has been found that the corrosion process is also influenced by sodium ions, chloride ions, and all forms of silicon in water. At higher temperatures and under high pressure the less soluble compounds of silicon are extracted, which form deposits on the walls of the boiler, the piping system and the turbine blades. Silicon is found in water in the form of different types (species) which are characterized by specific physical and chemical properties. Distinctions can be made between highly reactive species of ionic (silicate anions) and molecular forms (silicic acid) and relatively inert types (suspended, colloidal, and polymerized silicon). The determination of various forms of silicon in water is a complex analytical task. This paper covers relevant research in the field of silicon specification analysis. Maintaining the unchanged, original composition of silicon species during various stages of analysis (sample collection, storage, and conservation) has been given special attention. A large number of methods and procedures have been developed for the analysis of species of silicon, including chromatographic, spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques and combinations thereof. The techniques used for determining both the total amount and individual forms of silicon have been singled out. There is also an overview of the coupled techniques used most frequently in practice by using the methodology which involves preliminary separation of species and then individual specification. The paper offers an overview of analytical properties, advantages and disadvantages of the most representative analytical methods developed specifically for the analysis of silicon species in ultrapure water. The most important studies focusing on the silicon species in water have been highlighted and presented in detail. The determination of silicon content in water is of great importance because of various effects of silicon species (corrodibility and toxicity) and the selection of methods for the efficient removal of silicon from water.
ISSN:0367-598X
2217-7426