Office of Steam Forum for Model & Toy Steam Gas & Hot Air Engines

Quote from: RichSteamTx on November 13, 2024, 10:33:31 am

I don't use tap but purified and distilled water mix.

I have always read to mix 5% - 10% tap water with distilled water as by itself its to aggressive for boilers.

I will tell you that I formally was an Aquarium builder, which I got out of the hobby.  I learned a lot about water quality and the chemistry of it.

Distilled water in very acidic. The pH is something like 4.5 which is very acidic.  Acidity will react heavily.  One way to bring the pH up is add maybe a half a teaspoon or less of sodium bicarbonate to a gallon of water. Stir well.  Neutral water or slightly alkaline will probably do less damage to your boiler and brass fittings. Problem is “steam” is distilled water so once you open the steam line, that condensate will be acidic again.