Silica and Phosphate Analyzer

Silica analyzers provide dependable, automated, on-line measurements of ppb silica and ppb phosphate for pure water treatment and power cycle chemistry monitoring. METTLER TOLEDO silica analyzers combine a silica meter with a phosphate analyzer to provide reliable measurement under one footprint.

In the water/steam cycle, silica volatilizes with steam and deposits in the turbine. Even a modest thickness of silicate reduces capacity, lowers efficiency and can cause imbalance. In the worst cases, silica build-up can cause vibration that can ultimately result in an unplanned shutdown. Silica deposits can accumulate in a very short time when steam quality is poor; therefore, continuous monitoring with a silica analyzer is crucial for early detection.

Used within power plant drum-type boilers, phosphate treatment plays two important roles. First, maintaining proper alkalinity within the boiler water. Second, phosphate controls scale build-up for effective blowdown and protection against corrosion. A silica and phosphate analyzer allows the monitoring of phosphate levels to enables reliable control of dosing in boilers while ensuring excessive and often harmful concentrations do not occur.

Silica contamination that dries on integrated circuit (IC) surfaces can lead to a number of quality issues, including reduced film adhesion and contact resistance. Out of specification silica levels at resin columns or elsewhere may result in product delay and lost earnings while the source of contamination is identified and remediated. To mitigate these issues, a silica analyzer ensures that silica levels in UPW are continuously monitored down to sub-ppb levels.