Interaction of ions in water system containing copper-zinc alloy for boiler energy saving

Copper-zinc alloy element for boiler energy saving was put in the intake of simulated boiler system to investigate the interaction and transfer of ions in water system both theoretically and experimentally. The fouling was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray detector (EDX). The results show that the transfer of calcium and magnesium ions in heat-transfer-surface-water system is affected by zinc ions dissolved from the alloy because of primary battery reaction. Some calcium ions of calcium carbonate crystal are replaced by zinc ions, the growth of aragonite crystal nucleus is retarded, and the transition of calcium carbonate from aragonite to calcite is hampered.