Which condition is critical for a deaerator to operate effectively?

For a deaerator to operate effectively, maintaining a high temperature is essential. The primary function of a deaerator is to remove dissolved gases, particularly oxygen and carbon dioxide, from the water used in boilers. When water is heated to higher temperatures, it has a greater capacity to release gases. As the temperature increases, the solubility of gases in water decreases, allowing for efficient removal through the deaeration process.

In a typical deaerator system, the water is heated to temperatures that are often above 200°F (93°C). This heating process, which is facilitated by the use of steam, is critical as it ensures that the gases are effectively driven out of the solution. A high temperature not only enhances gas removal but also helps to prevent corrosion in the boiler system, which can occur when oxygen and carbon dioxide are present in the water.

While other factors like continuous feedwater supply contribute to the operation of a deaerator, they are not as fundamentally critical as high temperature for the primary function of gas removal. Thus, the effectiveness of a deaerator hinges significantly on its ability to maintain high temperatures throughout its operation.