What is a common method for assessing water quality in a boiler feedwater system?

Testing for pH and total dissolved solids is a fundamental method for assessing water quality in a boiler feedwater system. This assessment is crucial because the water that feeds into a boiler must be properly treated and conditioned to prevent issues such as scaling, corrosion, and foaming that can severely impact the efficiency and longevity of the boiler.

Measuring the pH is essential as it indicates the acidity or alkalinity of the water. A pH outside the recommended range can lead to corrosion of boiler components or scaling due to precipitate formation. Similarly, total dissolved solids (TDS) measure the concentration of dissolved substances in the water, including salts and minerals, which can lead to scaling if they exceed acceptable levels.

This testing provides insights into the chemical characteristics of the water, allowing operators to take corrective actions such as water treatment or adjustments to the conditioning process, ensuring that the boiler operates efficiently and safely. The other options, while possibly providing some information about water, do not assess the chemical properties that are directly relevant to boiler operations.