By Wilest Energy Solutions Ltd, Led by Eng. William Wanjohi Murigu
At Wilest Energy Solutions Ltd, effective boiler water treatment is recognized as a cornerstone of optimized heat transfer and energy management. Eng. William Wanjohi Murigu, Director of the company, emphasizes that improper water treatment is a leading cause of boiler inefficiency and long-term operational issues.
“Not all water is the same,” says Eng. William. “And while it may appear clean, that doesn’t mean it’s suitable for boilers. Unfortunately, many industries try to cut costs here—often at the expense of their systems’ longevity and efficiency.”
Boiler Water Quality: The Foundation of System Reliability
When Wilest Energy Solutions takes over the operation and maintenance of an industrial boiler plant, one of the first priorities is assessing and correcting the boiler water quality. This isn’t just about cleanliness—it’s about preventative maintenance, system safety, and energy optimization.
Recent declines in municipal water quality, coupled with rising utility costs, have pushed many industries to alternative water sources such as boreholes or rainwater harvesting. However, these sources introduce new treatment challenges.
“Every water source comes with its own set of characteristics,” explains Eng. William. “With borehole water, for instance, we have to monitor iron, silica, hardness levels, and total dissolved solids (TDS). To properly treat this water, long-term testing and analysis are crucial so we can design and install the right treatment systems—whether it’s a softener, a filtration system, or a reverse osmosis (RO) plant.”
The True Cost of Poor Water Treatment
Poorly treated boiler water can lead to the buildup of scale, much like what happens inside a household kettle. Elements like calcium and magnesium form solid deposits on internal boiler surfaces, inhibiting heat transfer and reducing energy efficiency.
“This kind of damage doesn’t happen overnight,” Eng. William points out. “It’s gradual and can go unnoticed for months, even years—until efficiency drops, or worse, the boiler fails.”
To avoid this, consistent, daily water treatment is non-negotiable. The process begins with filtration to remove solids and, for high-TDS sources, may involve reverse osmosis, which significantly reduces the need for frequent boiler blowdowns, saving both energy and water.
“In areas with softer water, municipal supplies may allow us to skip straight to softeners,” he adds. “But in regions with harder water, we tailor solutions using a combination of technologies to ensure cost-effectiveness and long-term reliability.”
PH Control and Protective Layering
A critical part of the treatment process involves pH control, which must be maintained within optimal limits to allow the formation of a protective film on the internal surfaces of the boiler. This protective layer prevents corrosion, preserves system integrity, and prolongs boiler lifespan.
Eng. William also highlights the importance of strong partnerships between on-site boiler operators and water treatment specialists. This collaboration ensures that daily treatment routines are maintained and the entire system performs at its best.
Wilest’s Commitment to Sustainable Energy Solutions
Wilest Energy Solutions Ltd is committed to delivering energy-efficient, sustainable boiler systems across Kenya and East Africa. With extensive expertise in boiler design, installation, repair, and operation & maintenance, the company also offers comprehensive water treatment services, ensuring maximum performance from every boiler they install or service.
By emphasizing water quality management, Eng. William and his team at Wilest are not only helping clients achieve lower energy costs and better system performance, but are also supporting broader goals of sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Need Professional Boiler Services?
If your industry relies on steam, Wilest Energy Solutions is your trusted partner for steam systems, boiler water treatment, and energy optimization.📞 +254 707 346 616📧 [email protected]📍 Avon Center, Industrial Area, Nairobi
Wilest Energy Solutions Ltd – Engineering a Smarter, More Efficient Energy Future for Kenya and Beyond
