At what T.D.S. level does a steam boiler start to experience issues?

A steam boiler typically starts to experience operational issues when the Total Dissolved Solids (T.D.S.) level reaches approximately 3000 parts per million (ppm). At this level, the concentration of dissolved solids can lead to increased scaling, corrosion, and other forms of damage within the boiler system.

When dissolved solids accumulate in the boiler water, they can precipitate out as scale on the heat transfer surfaces, which reduces efficiency and can cause overheating or even failure of boiler components. High T.D.S. levels may also affect the purity of the steam produced, potentially leading to operational problems in systems that require high-quality steam.

Moreover, at elevated T.D.S. levels, the water may also carry over into the steam, resulting in the presence of impurities in the steam that can contaminate processes or equipment downstream. Therefore, maintaining T.D.S. levels below 3000 ppm is crucial for optimal boiler operation and long-term reliability of the system.