The primary objective of any water treatment program is the long-term reliability and health of all materials in the steam/water cycle. This requires that water and steam purity be constantly monitored and controlled to prevent corrosion and deposition. Corrosion and deposition are often related; corrosion in one area of the steam/water cycle often results in deposition further downstream in the process. An accumulation of deposits can, conversely, promote corrosion of the underlying metal.

Chemical control limits are of little value without frequent and accurate monitoring to ensure compliance. The use of continuous on-line monitoring of pH, specific conductivity, cation (acid)...