Adding amines to steam for humidification

Abstract

Humidity control is required in all health care facilities. Direct injection of steam from a central boiler plant is the most economical humidification system. The steam carries neutralizing amines—corrosion-inhibiting chemicals—that are added to boiler feedwater to prevent pipe corrosion. When the steam condenses, the amines neutralize the resulting carbonic acid and raise the pH of the condensate, which helps reduce, slow down, or prevent corrosion to the condensate system. This technical review compares the use of ‘clean steam’ to ‘utility’ steam and discusses the health effects, regulation, and control of three of the most commonly used amines in ‘utility’ steam: morpholine, cyclohexylamine (CHA), and diethylaminoethanol (DEAE) to make the point that proper application, control, monitoring and oversight of amines in a ‘utility’ steam system of a health care facility is safe, feasible and economical.