SWAN

AMI CACE – Continuous Monitoring of Cation Conductivity in Steam-Water Cycles

In power plants and industrial steam systems, cation conductivity is one of the most important parameters for detecting contamination in the water-steam cycle.

The SWAN AMI CACE analyzer provides continuous measurement of specific conductivity and conductivity after cation exchange (CACE). This enables early detection of corrosive ionic impurities and helps protect turbines, boilers, and condensate systems.

With its electrodeionization (EDI) module for automatic resin regeneration, the system ensures uninterrupted monitoring with minimal maintenance.

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Accurate conductivity monitoring with continuous resin regeneration

The AMI CACE system continuously measures:

  • Specific conductivity (SC) before the cation exchanger
  • Cation conductivity (CACE) after the cation exchanger

The difference between these measurements allows the instrument to detect anionic contaminants and calculate parameters such as sample pH and alkalizing agent concentration.

Unlike conventional systems, the AMI CACE uses electrodeionization (EDI) to continuously regenerate the cation exchange resin. This eliminates the need for periodic resin replacement or chemical regeneration and ensures stable long-term operation.

Technical overview

Feature Value
Measured parameters Specific conductivity (SC), cation conductivity (CACE)
Measurement range 0.055–1000 µS/cm
Additional calculated parameters pH and alkalizing agent concentration
Resin regeneration Continuous regeneration via EDI module
Sample flow Approx. 3–4 L/h
Sample temperature Up to 50 °C

Part of a Steam & Water Analysis System (SWAS)

This analyzer is commonly used in Steam & Water Analysis Systems (SWAS) for monitoring water chemistry in power plant steam-water cycles. These systems provide continuous monitoring of critical parameters to protect boilers, turbines, and condensate systems.

Key features supporting reliable conductivity analysis

  • Continuous measurement of specific conductivity and cation conductivity
  • EDI-based automatic resin regeneration for uninterrupted monitoring
  • Integrated calculation of pH and alkalizing agent concentration (e.g. ammonia)
  • Automatic monitoring of sample flow and temperature for measurement validation
  • Self-diagnostics for reliable long-term operation
  • Compact panel-based system with transmitter and CACE module
  • Industrial communication interfaces for control systems

These capabilities provide continuous and reliable data for monitoring water-steam cycle purity.

Applications in power and industrial water systems

AMI CACE analyzers are primarily used in systems where water purity directly affects plant reliability.

Typical applications include:

  • Power plant steam-water cycle monitoring
  • Condensate quality monitoring
  • Boiler feedwater monitoring
  • Combined cycle and district heating plants
  • Industrial steam generation systems

Cation conductivity monitoring is particularly valuable for detecting chloride, sulfate, and other corrosive contaminants before they cause damage to turbines and boilers.

Benefits for your plant operation

By continuously monitoring cation conductivity, you gain several operational advantages:

  • Early detection of ionic contamination in the water cycle
  • Protection of turbines, boilers, and condensers
  • Continuous measurement without resin exhaustion interruptions
  • Reduced maintenance and operating costs
  • Reliable data for water chemistry control

This helps ensure stable and safe operation of power and steam generation facilities.

These products are used within these applications

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