Deaerator facts for kids
A deaerator is a special machine that helps clean water. It takes out tiny bubbles of gas that are mixed in the water. This cleaned water is then used in big machines called steam boilers.
Why is this important? Gases like oxygen can cause a lot of damage to the boiler system. They can make the metal parts inside the boiler rust. Also, carbon dioxide mixed with water can cause even more damage by eating away at the metal. Removing these gases helps keep the boilers working safely and for a long time.
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How Deaerators Work
Deaerators work by heating the water and spraying it. When water gets hot, gases become less "sticky" to the water. They want to escape. The deaerator creates conditions where these gases can easily bubble out of the water. This process is called "deaeration."
Types of Deaerators
There are a few main types of deaerators, but they all do the same job: remove gases from water.
Tray-Type Deaerator
- A tray-type deaerator uses many trays stacked inside a tank.
- Water flows over these trays, spreading out into thin layers.
- Steam is sprayed through the water as it falls.
- The steam heats the water, which helps the dissolved gases escape.
- These gases then leave the deaerator through a special vent.
Spray-Type Deaerator
- In a spray-type deaerator, water is sprayed into a tank as tiny droplets.
- This creates a large surface area for the water.
- Steam is also sprayed into the tank, heating the water droplets.
- The heat makes the dissolved gases come out of the water.
- The gases are then vented away, leaving cleaner water behind.
Why We Need Deaerators
Imagine a bicycle chain left out in the rain. It gets rusty, right? That's because oxygen in the air and water reacts with the metal. The same thing can happen inside a boiler.
- Preventing Rust: Oxygen in the water can cause rust (corrosion) on the metal pipes and parts of the boiler. Rust can block pipes and make the boiler less efficient.
- Stopping Acid Damage: Carbon dioxide, when mixed with water, can form a weak acid. This acid can slowly eat away at the metal, causing leaks and damage.
- Keeping Boilers Safe: By removing these harmful gases, deaerators help keep the boiler system safe and working well for many years. This is very important in places like power plants that use steam to make electricity.
Images for kids
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Figure 3: A diagram of a rotating disc deaerator
See also
In Spanish: Desgasificador para niños
