At Tandex, we typically recommend keeping boiler water within a target range of 1,500–1,800 ppm TDS, which helps maintain a balance between water quality and efficiency. Regular blowdown, paired with the right boiler treatment program, is the most effective way to achieve this. Where manual bottom blowdown is performed, timing can also make a significant difference. The most effective time to remove sludge is after the boiler has been taken offline and water circulation has slowed, allowing suspended solids to settle to the bottom of the boiler. Removing this settled material before the boiler returns to service helps reduce deposits on heating surfaces and improves overall water cleanliness. A good treatment program also slows the build-up of dissolved and suspended solids, meaning you can blow down less often while maintaining good water quality. This reduces water, chemical and energy losses, contributing to lower operating costs over time.

You might also hear our technicians mention automatic boiler blowdown systems. These can be either conductivity-controlled (responding to TDS readings) or time-based (operating on a scheduled interval and duration set by a controller). Automatic systems remove guesswork from the process. They ensure blowdown occurs consistently and precisely, even as operating conditions vary. They’re particularly useful for multi-shift sites or systems with fluctuating steam loads. Manual bottom blowdown, however, may still be required to remove settled sludge depending on the boiler design and operating conditions.