SWAN
AMI Silitrace – Trace Silica Monitoring for Steam-Water Cycles
In modern power plants, even extremely low levels of silica can lead to deposits on turbine blades and reduced efficiency. Reliable detection at trace levels is therefore essential.
The SWAN AMI Silitrace analyzer provides high-sensitivity online measurement of dissolved silica at trace levels, enabling early detection of contamination and ensuring effective control of the steam-water cycle.
With continuous monitoring, you can protect turbines and boilers from silica-related scaling and maintain long-term plant performance.
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High-sensitivity silica measurement for ultra-low concentrations
The AMI Silitrace is designed to measure very low concentrations of dissolved silica, typically in the low ppb range.
The analyzer uses a colorimetric photometric measurement method, optimized for trace detection. A reagent reacts with dissolved silica to form a colored compound, which is measured photometrically.
The system continuously performs:
- automatic reagent dosing
- controlled reaction timing
- high-resolution optical measurement
This ensures accurate and stable monitoring of silica at extremely low concentrations.
Why trace silica monitoring matters for turbine protection
Silica can volatilize with steam and later deposit on turbine blades as hard silica scale.
Even at very low concentrations, this can lead to:
- reduced turbine efficiency
- imbalance and mechanical stress
- increased maintenance requirements
- reduced equipment lifetime
Continuous trace silica monitoring allows you to detect rising levels early and take corrective action before damage occurs.
Part of a Steam & Water Analysis System (SWAS)
This analyzer is typically installed as part of a Steam & Water Analysis System (SWAS), where samples from the steam-water cycle are conditioned and distributed to online analyzers.
SWAS systems allow continuous monitoring of key water chemistry parameters such as conductivity, silica, oxygen, and sodium to protect boilers and turbines from corrosion and deposits.
Key features supporting trace silica monitoring
- Continuous online measurement of trace dissolved silica
- High sensitivity detection in the low ppb range
- Accurate photometric colorimetric measurement
- Automatic reagent dosing and measurement cycles
- Stable measurement for long-term monitoring
- Integrated diagnostics and alarm functions
- Industrial communication interfaces for control systems
These features provide reliable monitoring of silica in critical steam-water cycle applications.
Typical monitoring points in power plants
Trace silica analyzers are installed at key locations where silica carryover must be controlled.
Typical monitoring points include:
- Boiler feedwater
- Condensate systems
- Boiler drum water
- Steam purity monitoring
- Demineralized water systems
Monitoring these points allows operators to detect contamination early and prevent silica from entering the steam phase.
Benefits for your plant operation
With high-sensitivity silica monitoring you gain:
- Early detection of contamination in the water cycle
- Improved protection of turbines and boilers
- Reliable data for water chemistry control
- Reduced risk of scaling and deposits
- Improved operational stability
These benefits support safe, efficient, and long-term operation of power generation systems.
These products are used within these applications
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