What initial reaction occurs between pure oxygen-free water and iron in boiler water after light-off?

What initial reaction occurs between pure oxygen-free water and iron in boiler water after light-off?

• A. Corrosion layer formation
• B. Oxidization
• C. Formation of a magnetite layer
• D. Boiling reaction

Answer: (C)

The reaction that occurs between pure oxygen-free water and iron in boiler water after light-off primarily leads to the formation of a magnetite layer. This is a crucial process for protecting iron surfaces within boiler systems. When water is heated, iron begins to react with the water, and if the water is oxygen-free, it tends to form a layer of magnetite (Fe3O4) on the surface of the iron. This magnetite layer acts as a protective barrier, reducing further corrosion of the underlying iron. In boiler systems, maintaining this protective layer is essential for ensuring longevity and efficiency, as it minimizes the potential for pitting and other forms of corrosion that could compromise the structural integrity of the boiler components. The formation of a stable magnetite layer is considered beneficial and is part of good boiler water chemistry management. Other potential responses, while having some relevance in various contexts—such as general oxidation processes or boiling reactions—do not specifically highlight the crucial formation of magnetite, making it the most accurate option in this scenario.

The reaction that occurs between pure oxygen-free water and iron in boiler water after light-off primarily leads to the formation of a magnetite layer. This is a crucial process for protecting iron surfaces within boiler systems. When water is heated, iron begins to react with the water, and if the water is oxygen-free, it tends to form a layer of magnetite (Fe3O4) on the surface of the iron.

This magnetite layer acts as a protective barrier, reducing further corrosion of the underlying iron. In boiler systems, maintaining this protective layer is essential for ensuring longevity and efficiency, as it minimizes the potential for pitting and other forms of corrosion that could compromise the structural integrity of the boiler components. The formation of a stable magnetite layer is considered beneficial and is part of good boiler water chemistry management.

Other potential responses, while having some relevance in various contexts—such as general oxidation processes or boiling reactions—do not specifically highlight the crucial formation of magnetite, making it the most accurate option in this scenario.