DO may be either a corrosive or passivating agent in boiler/steam cycles and is therefore controlled to specific concentrations that are low relative to environmental and wastewater treatment samples. Out-of-specification DO concentrations may cause corrosion in boiler systems, which leads to corrosion fatigue and corrosion products—all detrimental to the life and efficient operation of a power unit. The efficiency of DO removal from boiler feedwater by mechanical or chemical means, or both, may be monitored by continuously measuring the DO concentration before and after the removal process with on-line instrumentation. DO measurement is also a check for air leakage into the boiler water cycle.

Guidelines for feedwater to high-pressure boilers with all volatile treatment generally require a feedwater DO concentration below 5 μg/L (3).

Boiler feedwater with oxygenated treatment is maintained in a range of 50 to 300 μg/L DO (4).

In microelectronics production, DO can be detrimental in some manufacturing processes, for example, causing undesirable oxidation on silicon wafers.

1.1 This test method covers the on-line determination of dissolved oxygen (DO) in water samples primarily in ranges from 0 to 500 µg/L (ppb), although higher ranges may be used for calibration. On-line instrumentation is used for continuous measurements of DO in samples that are brought through sample lines and conditioned from high-temperature and high-pressure sources when necessary.

1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, 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. For specific hazards statements, see 6.5.