Which of the following is a common water treatment chemical used in boilers?

Sodium hydroxide is commonly used in water treatment for boilers primarily due to its role in controlling pH levels. Maintaining an appropriate pH level is crucial for preventing corrosion and scaling within the boiler system. When sodium hydroxide is added to boiler water, it increases the alkalinity, which helps to prevent the formation of acidic conditions that could lead to metal deterioration.

This chemical is particularly effective in neutralizing acids that may be introduced into the system, thus protecting the integrity of boiler components. Additionally, sodium hydroxide aids in the removal of dissolved solids by promoting the precipitation of hardness-causing minerals. This is essential because minimizing these impurities helps enhance the efficiency and longevity of the boiler operation.

In contrast, while calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, and magnesium sulfate have roles in various industrial applications, they are not typically utilized in boiler water treatment to the same extent as sodium hydroxide. Calcium carbonate is more commonly associated with scale formation rather than treatment, potassium chloride might be used in certain culinary or chemical processes, and magnesium sulfate is often linked to other types of chemical applications rather than boiler water chemistry.