Alberta Special Oilwell Boiler Practice Test

In feedwater pH control, you use volatile amines that ride along with the steam into the condensate and feedwater system to keep the pH alkaline and protect metal surfaces from corrosion. The two amines most commonly used for this purpose are morpholine and cyclohexylamine. They vaporize with steam, travel to the condensate lines, and buffer the condensate against the acidity formed from dissolved CO2, while also helping form a protective film on metal surfaces. Because either one can be effective, systems often use morpholine or cyclohexylamine, or a combination of both, depending on the specific water chemistry and corrosion-control goals. Ammonia is another volatile amine, but morpholine and cyclohexylamine are the typical choices favored for condensate pH control due to their pairing of volatility with corrosion-protective properties.