Cation conductivity provides one of the most sensitive and dependable on-line means of detecting anionic contamination in the boiler/steam cycle, such as chlorides, sulfates, nitrates, bicarbonates, and organic acids, such as formic and acetic.

High sensitivity is provided by intentionally eliminating the pH adjusting treatment chemical(s), for example, ammonia and amines, from the sample and converting remaining salt contaminants into their acid forms which are approximately three times as conductive.

Guidelines on cation conductivity limits for various cycle chemistry and boiler types have been established by EPRI (2-4) and by ASME (5,6).

The sample effluent from the cation exchange column also may be used, and in some cases is preferred, for ion chromatography or other anion measurements.

1.1 This practice describes continuous sample conditioning by hydrogen ion exchange and measurement by electrolytic conductivity. It is commonly known as cation conductivity measurement in the power industry although it is actually an indication of anion contamination in high purity water samples. Measurements are typically in a range less than 1 μS/cm.

1.2 The actual conductivity measurements are made using Test Method D5391.

1.3 This practice does not provide for separate determination of dissolved carbon dioxide. Refer to Test Methods D2186 and D4519.

1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.