What is the typical action taken to prevent tube marriages in boilers?

The typical action taken to prevent tube marriages in boilers is the control of water chemistry. Tube marriages refer to the unwanted fusion or bonding of boiler tubes due to conditions such as high temperatures and chemical reactions. When the chemical balance of the water used in the boiler is not properly maintained, it can lead to the formation of deposits, which can create localized heating and increase the risk of tube failures or marriages.

Controlling water chemistry involves monitoring and adjusting various parameters, such as pH, hardness, alkalinity, and the concentration of dissolved solids. Maintaining the appropriate water chemistry helps to minimize corrosion, scale buildup, and other detrimental effects on boiler tubes, thus preventing tube marriages. Regular inspections, while essential for overall boiler maintenance, do not address the underlying chemical issues that lead to tube marriage as comprehensively as controlling water chemistry does. Similarly, reducing pressure or changing fuel type do not directly mitigate the chemical factors that contribute to the problem. Therefore, effective management of water chemistry is crucial to ensuring the reliability and longevity of boiler systems.