Boiler Water Treatment Chemicals Market

Market Overview

The global boiler water treatment chemicals market size was valued at USD 3,539.6 million in 2022. It is expected to reach USD 6,355.9 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6.72% during the forecast period (2023–2031).

The raw water used in boilers to produce steam is known as boiler water. It is a liquid form of steam inside the boiler. The expression describes treated boiler feedwater, steam condensate redirected to a boiler, and removed boiler blowdown. Boiler water treatment is the process of protecting boiler water from contaminants such as corrosion. Boiler water is treated and conditioned to ensure continuous heat exchange, corrosion prevention, and the production of high-quality steam.

Highlights

• The scale and corrosion inhibitors segment is the highest contributor to the market by type.
• The blended/specialty chemicals segment is the highest contributor to the market by application. 
• The power generation segment is the highest contributor to the market by end-user.
• Asia-Pacific is the most significant revenue contributor by region. 

Market Dynamics

Global Boiler Water Treatment Chemicals Market Drivers:

Increasing Demand from Power Generation Industry

The use of thermal energy for power generation raises several environmental issues. The capacity expansion of new thermal-based power plants worldwide is still driven by the ability to deliver secure, dispatchable, and affordable electricity. In turn, this is increasing the number of boilers in use. The installed capacity of thermal power plants in India is predicted to rise from 230,599.77 megawatts in 2020 to 243,037 megawatts by 2022, as stated in the National Electricity Plan released by the Ministry of Power, New and Renewable in March 2020. As a result, the boiler water treatment chemicals market has been primarily driven by the rising demand from the power generation sector.

Rising Demand from The Pharmaceutical Sector

Due to the system's ease of use and effectiveness, most pharmaceutical companies choose high-pressure steam boilers. High-pressure steam boilers can be used for both direct and indirect heating simultaneously. These factors have made high-pressure steam boilers the go-to for pharmaceutical process heating. Due to rising illnesses, an aging population, and other factors, the global pharmaceutical industry has experienced significant growth over the past ten years. The pharmaceutical sector's expansion has increased the use of industrial boilers, increasing the demand for chemicals used in boiler water treatment. As a result of the factors above, the pharmaceutical industry is experiencing increased demand, which is a significant factor in the market's growth.

Global Boiler Water Treatment Chemicals Market Restraints:

Abnormal Knowledge of Boiler Water Management

Boiler water chemicals are crucial to properly maintaining heat exchange equipment because they stop equipment from fouling by lowering scaling, corrosion, and bacterial growth. Boiler water chemicals reduce the total cost of operation (TCO) by decreasing the cost of preventive maintenance, lengthening the time between maintenance tasks, consuming less energy, using less water, spending less on water treatment, and, most importantly, maintaining maximum operational effectiveness. Despite all the above benefits, boiler water chemicals are not widely used in developing countries because people need to be aware of their existence. Boiler water treatment chemicals must be periodically injected into the circulating water for continuous effectiveness. Some industries need to understand the importance of treating these chemicals as one-time investments and injecting them regularly. Some industries need to use comprehensive boiler water treatment solutions. Therefore, due to the trends above, the need for knowledge regarding boiler water treatment has emerged as a significant barrier for the market under study.

Global Boiler Water Treatment Chemicals Market Opportunities:

Growing Use of Film-Forming Amines for Corrosion Protection

Chemicals called film-forming amines (FFA) are used to treat boiler water because they can prevent corrosion. Each molecule forms an attachment with the metal substrate thanks to the amine group, and the long-chain organic portion of the molecule extends into the water and functions as a barrier. However, poor control and a general lack of understanding of the amines' general chemistry resulted in the formation of gunk balls that clogged steam generators. This has stopped amines that cause sludge in boiler water treatment. Recently, however, there has been a resurgence in the use of film-forming amines in boiler water treatment due to the availability of new types of film-forming amines, such as ChemTreat's TITAN360 series. These new-generation FFAs significantly improve the protection of metal surfaces. Therefore, the market under study will probably have a significant growth opportunity in the years to come due to the widespread use of film-forming amines for boiler water treatment.

Regional Analysis

Asia-Pacific Dominates the Global Market

The global boiler water treatment chemicals market is segmented by region: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and the Middle East and Africa.

Asia-Pacific is the most significant revenue contributor and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.44% during the forecast period. China has one of the largest pharmaceutical industries in the world. Generics, therapeutic drugs, active pharmaceutical ingredients, and traditional Chinese medicine are all produced nationwide. More than 90% of the nation's legally registered medications are generic. It is anticipated that China's pharmaceutical industry will grow to 3 trillion CNY in the upcoming years. The world's largest producer of chemicals in China. Additionally, over 35% of the region's total chemical sales were made in China. The market under study is anticipated to increase during the forecast period due to the country's burgeoning chemical and pharmaceutical industries. The food processing sector is maturing and expanding at a moderate rate.

Additionally, the food processing industry is expected to be driven by the rising popularity of processed and packaged frozen foods, particularly dairy, baby food, and confectionery. Smoothies, juices, and yogurt that are ready to drink but still healthy, natural, and convenient are becoming increasingly popular in the beverage industry. The country's food processing industry may grow due to processed pork, dairy products, some specialty grains, and legumes. As a result, the food and beverage industry is expected to generate demand for the market under study by providing investment opportunities.

Europe is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.69% during the forecast period. The German economy is the fourth-largest and the biggest in Europe. With daily consumption of 8.6 billion cubic feet of natural gas and 2.4 million barrels of petroleum products, Germany was the EU's top consumer of natural gas in 2019. With 2.1 million b/d of crude oil refinery capacity, Germany ranks second in the European Union. The market is anticipated to be driven by the dependability of fossil fuels and the rising demand for petroleum and related liquids during the forecast period. The largest pharmaceutical sector in Europe is in this nation. In the international market, it is also referred to as the "World's Pharmacy." It has a significant position in the pharmaceutical market thanks to the active participation of numerous international pharmaceutical companies. There is a greater demand for the market studied in the industry because of the vast number of pharmaceutical companies and ongoing research to develop new drugs.

The United States is one of the world's biggest and most potent economies. More than ten sizable petrochemical projects worth over USD 207 billion are being built nationwide. Since Thunder Horse South is one of the largest oil fields in the Gulf of Mexico, Phase 2 of the expansion project will help the market even more. Soon, this project will add two new subsea production wells, and as part of the overall development, about eight wells will be drilled. The additional projects are Mad Dog Phase 2, Herschel, and Manuel. The petrochemical industry is anticipated to be driven by the expanding exploration projects during the forecast period. 

The past few years have seen slow economic growth in Brazil. Due to its extensive forest reserves, Brazil ranks among the top producers and exporters of paper and pulp. In 2020, the textile and apparel sector produced 1.87 million tons of manufactured textile goods, according to estimates. The largest cotton producer is also Brazil. During the anticipated period, the market is anticipated to be driven by the expanding demand from the paper and textile industries. The need for chemicals used in boiler water treatment is expected to rise in Brazil, along with the expansion of several end-user industries. The COVID-19 pandemic, affecting the nation's economy, is anticipated to slow the market's growth during the forecast period before stabilizing it.

South Africa's economic growth rate has varied over the past few years. After Egypt, South Africa is the continent Africa's second-largest steel producer. In contrast to the 6.15 million tons of crude steel produced in 2019, the nation produced 3.88 million tons of crude steel in 2020, a 37% decrease. The pandemic outbreak has had a significant impact on the steel manufacturing sector and is likely to have a temporary effect on market demand. The nation intends to switch from coal-fired to gas-fired power plants and is looking for ways to decommission the coal-fired plants. There is currently only one nuclear power plant running in the nation. Additionally, South Africa intends to construct a new 2,500 MW nuclear power plant in the Cape Town area in the upcoming years. During the forecast period, the transition from coal-fired plants will likely impact market growth.

Segmental Analysis

The global boiler water treatment chemicals market is segmented by type, application, and end-user industry.

Based on type, the global boiler water treatment chemicals market is bifurcated into scale and corrosion inhibitors, coagulants and flocculants, pH boosters, and oxygen scavengers.

The scale and corrosion inhibitors segment is the highest contributor to the market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.14% during the forecast period. Chemicals used in boiler water treatment are required to stop scale and corrosion issues. Scale and sludge buildup can result in tube failures that cut off water flow, lower system performance, and jeopardize the dependability of the boiler system. The corrosion problem needs to be solved because it has the potential to weaken and consume metal materials. Equipment and parts of water systems have a lower quality of life and a shorter overall life expectancy due to scale (the accumulation of mineral deposits) and corrosion (the deterioration of metal). Scale and corrosion can quickly wreak havoc if the proper preventative measures are not implemented, leading to problems like leaks and equipment failure. This may necessitate shutdown and expensive repairs. Additionally, scale is brought on by the buildup of complex salts in the boiler system. In contrast, corrosion may be brought on by the water's acidity, which throws the pH of the boiler water out of balance. Chemical treatments called corrosion inhibitors are used to delay or halt corrosive damage.

In effluent wastewater treatment processes, flocculation and coagulation treatment chemicals are used for solids removal, water clarification, lime softening, sludge thickening, and dewatering. The negative electrical charge on particles is neutralized during coagulation, which weakens the forces holding colloids together. Positively charged molecules make up water treatment coagulants, achieving charge neutralization when added to the water and blended. To remove suspended solids from water, coagulant types that are either organic, inorganic, or both are frequently used. By aggregating contaminants into flakes or "flocs" that float to the water's surface or settle at the bottom, flocculants aid in the removal of suspended solids from wastewater. Additionally, flocculants can be used for solids dehydration, sludge thickening, and lime softening. Activated silica and polysaccharides are natural or mineral flocculants, whereas polyacrylamide is the most common base for synthetic flocculants.

Based on application, the global boiler water treatment chemicals market is bifurcated into basic chemicals and blended/specialty chemicals.

The blended/specialty chemicals segment owns the highest market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.18% during the forecast period. Different chemicals are mixed together in boiler water systems where single chemicals can't provide enough protection. Mixing things with varying amounts of amines and steam/liquid can improve prevention. Morpholine and cyclohexylamine are mixed for complete protection in medium and large systems. The near end of the boiler system is protected by morpholine, which has a low distribution ratio, and the far sections need to be covered by cyclohexylamine. Condensate pH surveys determine the ideal balance of each amine in the mixture. The necessary amount of cyclohexylamine is added to the mix if the pH of the far sections is lower than that of the near sections.

The primary chemicals are subdivided into tri-sodium phosphate (tsp), hydrazine, and morpholine. Due to its widespread use as an alkaline phosphate, tri-sodium phosphate is the chemical that is ideal for treatment in low alkalinity boiler systems. It is typically used in boilers with more downward pressure. It also removes non-dilutable phosphate sludge like calcium phosphate (Ca3(PO4)2) by forming a soft sludge blown away after reacting with complex water compounds. Trisodium phosphate is created when free hydroxyl ions react with di-sodium phosphate in the boiler. When TSP is dissolved in water, it goes through hydrolysis and releases sodium hydroxide, raising the boiler water's pH or alkalinity.

Based on end-user industry, the global boiler water treatment chemicals market is bifurcated into power generation, steel and metal industry, oil refinery, chemical and petrochemical, textile and dye industry, sugar mill, pulp and paper, food and beverage, institutional, and pharmaceutical.

The power generation segment is the highest contributor to the market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.73% during the forecast period. The power generation industry uses water in high-pressure boilers, turbines, and cooling towers. One of the most crucial processes, water treatment for power generation, calls for reliable technology. High-purity water ensures that the steam generation system operates appropriately and reduces the frequency of blowdowns and the need for boiler chemicals. High-purity water can also guard against erosion and equipment damage. In addition, power plants use much water, primarily for the efficient operation of turbines in the production of heat, and are the biggest consumers of chemicals used in the boiler water. Chemicals are frequently needed in power industries, such as thermal and nuclear plants, to inject feed water into the boiler system. The heat produced by nuclear fission is used in the nuclear sector to heat water in a boiler, creating steam that powers a steam turbine. A boiler or steam generator is crucial equipment used to generate steam in thermal power plants. 

The steel and metal industry needs a consistent and dependable power source to handle significant load variations. Power is one of the key cost components for the steel and metallurgical industries. Feeding boilers produce steam with hot water and engine exhaust gas. The processes used to make steel can use the steam that is produced. The plant can only generate enough power if the boiler is operating correctly. If left unchecked, corrosion, scaling, and other issues could result in significant power outages, expensive repairs, and occasionally even a boiler explosion. Chemical remedies are used to treat these. These issues can be resolved by using oxygen scavengers and scale inhibitors.

Recent Developments

• July 2022- American Water Treatment, Inc. a leading provider of water treatment equipment, chemicals, consultation, and preventative maintenance services for a wide variety of end-market applications, announced that it was acquired by Water Engineering.
• May 2022- The country’s first indigenous plant to make an important chemical compound called ‘hydrazine hydrate’ (HH) would become commercially operational through the Gujarat Alkalies & Chemicals Limited (GACL) in Vadodara.