point and dissolved gases are released from the feedwater and vented from the deaerator through the vent. The treated water falls into a storage tank below the deaerator. Oxygen scavenging Oxygen scavenging chemicals are very often added to the deaerated boiler feedwater to remove any last traces of oxygen that were not removed by the deaerator. The type of chemical added depends on whether the location uses a volatile or non-volatile water treatment program. Most lower pressure systems (lower than ) use non-volatile treatment programs. The most commonly used oxygen scavenger for lower pressure systems is sodium sulfite (Na2SO3). It is very effective and rapidly reacts with traces of oxygen to form sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) which is non-scaling. Most higher pressure systems (higher than ) and all systems where certain highly alloyed materials are present are now using volatile programs, as many phosphate-based treatment programs are being phased out. Volatile programs are further broken down into oxidizing or reducing programs [(AVT(O) or AVT(R)] depending whether the environment requires an oxidizing or reducing environment to reduce the incidence of flow-accelerated corrosion. Flow-accelerated corrosion related failures have caused numerous accidents in which significant loss of property and life has occurred. Hydrazine (N2H4) is an oxygen scavenger commonly used in volatile treatment programs. Other scavengers include carbohydrazide, diethylhydroxylamine, nitrilotriacetic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, and hydroquinone. Inspection and maintenance NACE International (now known as Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP)) and CIBO (Council of Industrial Boiler Owners) have several recommendations to increase the life of the deaerator unit. First, regular inspections (and testing) of the pressure vessel for cracking of welds, and repairing of any weld defects. Second, maintaining a proper water chemistry to reduce deaerator deterioration. Third, minimize temperature and pressure fluctuation. Fourth, internals and accessories should be inspected for proper operation. NACE had created a Corrosion Task Group in 1984 that studied causes of corrosion and provided recommendations; NACE still provides recommendations to improve operations of the equipment. Fabrication of deaerator Welding of the steel pressure vessels during the manufacturing process sometimes require Post weld heat treatment, XRAY, Dye Penetration, Ultrasonic, and other type non-destructive testing. ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, NACE International, and HEI (Heat Exchange Institute) have recommendations on the type of testing required. Thermal insulation is sometimes required after fabrication or after installation at the project site. See also Air preheater Economizer Feedwater heater Fossil fuel power plant