What is the effect of high dissolved solids in boiler water?

High dissolved solids in boiler water can lead to foaming and priming in the boiler because these solids contribute to the formation of bubbles and carryover of water along with steam. When the concentration of dissolved solids increases, it can disrupt the surface tension of the water, leading to foam formation. This foam can travel with the steam into the system, causing issues such as reduced heat transfer efficiency and operational disturbances.

Foaming reduces the quality of steam produced, potentially leading to water hammer or other problems in steam distribution systems. In essence, effective boiler operation requires maintaining the correct levels of dissolved solids to avoid these detrimental effects, which is why high dissolved solids are a concern for boiler management and efficiency.