Minnesota Boiler License Practice Exam

Sodium sulfate may be used to:

1. Diminish caustic embrittlement

2. Remove oxygen corrosion

3. Charge zeolite softener

4. Increase boiler efficiency

The correct answer is: Remove oxygen corrosion

Sodium sulfate is utilized in the context of boiler water treatment primarily for its ability to remove oxygen from the water, which can lead to corrosion. Oxygen corrosion is a common issue in boiler systems, as the presence of oxygen can promote the formation of rust and other impurities that may compromise the integrity of the boiler and its components. By introducing sodium sulfate into the water system, it helps to form sodium compounds that can neutralize and remove oxygen, thereby mitigating risks associated with oxygen corrosion. While other functions such as diminishing caustic embrittlement or increasing boiler efficiency are important considerations in boiler operation, they typically involve different chemical agents or approaches. For example, caustic embrittlement is usually addressed by controlling the levels of caustic soda or other alkaline substances within the system. Similarly, enhancing boiler efficiency often depends on factors like heat transfer optimization, rather than solely relying on sodium sulfate. Therefore, sodium sulfate's specific role in removing oxygen corrosion is what makes it the correct answer in this context.