Roy,
The use a polymery-based internal treatment would not directly cause pinholes (pitting in the steam and condensate lines.) The polymer is not volatile. (It is designed to stay in the boiler.) Low pH condensate will cause general thinning of the condensate return lines. The thinning will occur in the bottom of the pipe; where the condensate flows.
Pinholes in steam and condensate lines are generally related to Oxygen attack. In looking at the failed sections of piping, what can you tell me about the pitting? Tell me more about the severity and locations of the pitting. How old are the sections that have experienced the pitting? What has changed in the system to cause the low pH condensate over the past 3 months? What has been the history of condensate pH prior to now? When you "add extra treatment" what are you adding, how are you adding it, how much is being added and what results are you seeing as a result of the manual addittions? Do you have any pictures of the pitting that could be viewed via e-mail? |