Global Boiler Water Treatment Chemicals Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

Corrosion inhibitors are chemical substances used to prevent the degradation of metal surfaces caused by the presence of water and other environmental factors. These inhibitors form a protective layer on the surface of the boiler metal, preventing rust and corrosion. Corrosion can lead to significant maintenance costs and operational downtime, so the use of corrosion inhibitors is crucial in industries such as power, oil & gas, and chemical manufacturing. These chemicals are vital for maintaining boiler efficiency, extending equipment life, and ensuring safety. The rising demand for corrosion-resistant systems, especially in power plants and oil & gas refineries, is driving the growth of this segment.

Scale inhibitors are used to prevent the formation of scale deposits on the boiler’s heat exchange surfaces, which can impede heat transfer efficiency and lead to costly downtime and maintenance. These chemicals work by either dispersing the scale-forming particles or inhibiting their crystallization. Scale formation is particularly problematic in industrial boilers where hard water is used, and the resulting deposits can reduce the heat transfer efficiency, leading to higher energy consumption. As industries are increasingly focused on improving energy efficiency and reducing operating costs, the demand for scale inhibitors is expected to continue rising, especially in power generation and chemical processing sectors.

Oxygen scavengers are chemicals used to remove oxygen from the water to prevent oxygen-induced corrosion, which is another significant issue in boiler systems. Oxygen corrosion occurs when dissolved oxygen reacts with the metal surfaces inside the boiler, leading to rust and other forms of corrosion. Oxygen scavengers, such as sodium bisulfite and hydrazine, are used to neutralize oxygen and prevent the associated damage. As a result, oxygen scavengers are essential in industries that rely heavily on steam generation, such as power, oil & gas, and food & beverage. The growing emphasis on maintaining boiler efficiency and reducing corrosion-related failures is fueling the demand for oxygen scavengers in various industrial applications.The others category includes various other water treatment chemicals, such as pH regulators, dispersants, and biocides, that are also used to ensure the smooth functioning of boiler systems. These chemicals help maintain optimal water chemistry, prevent microbial growth, and stabilize the system’s operation, thus contributing to the overall boiler water treatment process.

By End-Use Industry, the market is segmented into power, oil & gas, chemical & petrochemical, food & beverage, pulp & paper, and others.The power industry is one of the largest consumers of boiler water treatment chemicals due to the critical role that steam generation plays in power plants. Boilers in power generation facilities operate at high pressures and temperatures, which increases the risk of corrosion, scaling, and other operational issues. Therefore, power plants require effective water treatment solutions to ensure the efficient operation of boilers, reduce maintenance costs, and extend the life of equipment. The growing demand for energy, coupled with an emphasis on improving power plant efficiency and reducing operational costs, is driving the demand for boiler water treatment chemicals in this sector.In the oil & gas industry, boilers are used in various processes, including steam generation for refining, chemical processes, and enhanced oil recovery. These boilers often operate in harsh conditions, where high salinity and hardness in the water can lead to severe scaling and corrosion. The use of boiler water treatment chemicals, such as corrosion inhibitors and scale inhibitors, is essential to maintain boiler performance, avoid downtime, and extend equipment lifespan. The increasing global demand for energy and the need for more efficient operations in oil & gas refineries are driving the demand for water treatment chemicals in this sector.The chemical & petrochemical industry also relies heavily on steam generation for various processes, such as distillation, heat exchange, and chemical synthesis. Boiler water treatment chemicals are crucial in preventing scaling, corrosion, and contamination of the water used in these processes. As the chemical industry continues to expand, particularly in developing economies, the demand for water treatment chemicals to maintain the efficiency of boiler systems is expected to increase. Additionally, the need for more stringent environmental regulations and sustainable practices is driving the adoption of advanced water treatment solutions in this sector.The food & beverage industry uses boilers for steam generation in processes such as pasteurization, sterilization, and cooking. In this sector, the purity of the water is critical to avoid contamination of food products. The use of scale inhibitors, corrosion inhibitors, and oxygen scavengers ensures that boilers operate efficiently and that there are no harmful effects on food safety. The increasing demand for processed foods, along with the growing focus on improving the efficiency of food production processes, is driving the demand for boiler water treatment chemicals in this industry.In the pulp & paper industry, steam is essential for drying paper, pulping, and other production processes. Boilers in this sector are highly susceptible to scaling, corrosion, and fouling, which can lead to inefficiencies and costly repairs. The use of boiler water treatment chemicals is critical to maintaining the efficiency of steam generation and ensuring the consistent quality of paper products. As the pulp & paper industry continues to expand, particularly in emerging markets, the demand for water treatment chemicals is expected to grow.

The others category includes various industries such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, and metals, where boiler water treatment is essential for maintaining optimal operational performance. As industrial activities increase globally, the demand for water treatment chemicals across these diverse sectors is also growing, driven by the need for energy-efficient systems and reduced maintenance costs.

Global Boiler Water Treatment Chemicals Segment Analysis

In this report, the Global Boiler Water Treatment Chemicals Market has been segmented by Type, Application, End-Use Industry and Geography.

Global Boiler Water Treatment Chemicals Market, Segmentation by Type

The Global Boiler Water Treatment Chemicals Market has been segmented by Type into Corrosion Inhibitors, Scale Inhibitors, Oxygen Scavengers and Others.

Corrosion inhibitors are a key category of boiler water treatment chemicals designed to protect metal surfaces from corrosion caused by dissolved oxygen, acidic pH, and aggressive ions in water. These inhibitors form a protective film on metal surfaces, preventing the formation of rust and corrosion pits. Common corrosion inhibitors include oxygen scavengers, alkalinity builders, and film-forming amines, which are added to boiler feedwater to maintain the desired water chemistry and minimize corrosion-related damage to boiler components.

Scale inhibitors are chemicals formulated to prevent the formation of mineral scale deposits, such as calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, and magnesium silicate, on heat transfer surfaces within boiler systems. Scale deposits can impair heat transfer efficiency, reduce boiler capacity, and lead to overheating and equipment failure. Scale inhibitors work by sequestering hardness ions, dispersing scale-forming minerals, and inhibiting crystal growth, thereby keeping heat transfer surfaces clean and free from scale buildup.

Biocides are chemicals used to control microbial growth and biofilm formation in boiler water systems. Microbial contamination, including bacteria, algae, and fungi, can lead to fouling, slime formation, and microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) in boilers. Biocides eliminate or inhibit the growth of microorganisms by disrupting cell membranes, inhibiting metabolic processes, or oxidizing cellular components. Common biocides used in boiler water treatment include oxidizing biocides (e.g., chlorine, bromine) and non-oxidizing biocides (e.g., quaternary ammonium compounds, isothiazolinones), which are applied to boiler water to maintain microbiological control and ensure system integrity.

Global Boiler Water Treatment Chemicals Market, Segmentation by Application

The Global Boiler Water Treatment Chemicals Market has been segmented by Application into Basic Chemicals and Blended/Specialty Chemicals.

Basic chemicals include common water treatment agents such as oxygen scavengers, scale inhibitors, and pH adjusters. These chemicals are essential for preventing corrosion, scaling, and other issues that could affect the performance of the boiler. They are widely used in various industries, including power generation, chemical processing, and water treatment plants, where the basic maintenance of boiler systems is critical for operational efficiency.

On the other hand, blended/specialty chemicals are designed for more specific and advanced treatment needs, often incorporating a combination of various chemical compounds tailored to address unique water quality challenges. These specialty chemicals are used in industries requiring high-performance boiler systems, such as oil and gas, food and beverage, and pharmaceuticals. They provide enhanced protection against fouling, deposit formation, and other complex issues that can occur in demanding industrial environments. The growing demand for customized solutions and higher operational efficiency is driving the increasing use of blended and specialty chemicals in boiler water treatment.

Global Boiler Water Treatment Chemicals Market, Segmentation by End-Use Industry

The Global Boiler Water Treatment Chemicals Market has been segmented by End-Use Industry into Power, Oil & Gas, Chemical & Petrochemical, Food & Beverage, Pulp & Paper and Others

The power generation sector represents a significant end-user of boiler water treatment chemicals, encompassing coal-fired, natural gas, nuclear, and renewable energy facilities. In power plants, boilers play a critical role in generating steam to drive turbines and produce electricity. Effective water treatment is essential to prevent corrosion, scale deposition, and fouling on boiler tubes, ensuring reliable and efficient operation. Boiler water treatment chemicals tailored for power generation applications include oxygen scavengers, pH adjusters, scale inhibitors, and condensate corrosion inhibitors.

The oil and gas industry relies on boilers for various processes, including steam generation, heating, and power generation in refineries, petrochemical plants, and offshore platforms. Boilers in these facilities are exposed to harsh operating conditions, including high temperatures, pressure fluctuations, and corrosive environments. Water treatment chemicals are used to mitigate corrosion, scale formation, and microbiological contamination in boiler systems, ensuring asset integrity and process efficiency. Chemical additives such as corrosion inhibitors, scale inhibitors, and biocides are commonly employed to maintain water quality and prevent equipment damage.

The chemical and petrochemical industries utilize boilers for steam generation, heating, and process applications in manufacturing facilities. Boilers are critical for providing thermal energy for chemical reactions, product drying, and steam cracking processes. Water treatment chemicals are essential to control corrosion, scale buildup, and fouling in boiler systems, which can impact product quality, process efficiency, and equipment reliability. Specialized chemicals such as oxygen scavengers, alkalinity builders, and antifoaming agents are employed to maintain water quality standards and optimize boiler performance in chemical and petrochemical plants.

Segmentation by end-use industry highlights the diverse applications and unique water treatment requirements across different sectors. By understanding the specific challenges and operational demands of each industry, chemical suppliers and service providers can tailor their offerings to meet the needs of customers effectively, ensuring optimal boiler performance and system reliability.

Global Boiler Water Treatment Chemicals Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Global Boiler Water Treatment Chemicals Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Global Boiler Water Treatment Chemicals Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024

North America is a significant market for boiler water treatment chemicals, driven by a mature industrial sector, stringent regulatory standards, and a focus on energy efficiency. The region's large base of power generation, oil and gas, manufacturing, and chemical industries creates robust demand for water treatment chemicals to protect boiler systems from corrosion, scale formation, and microbiological contamination. Additionally, stringent environmental regulations, such as the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act in the United States, drive the adoption of water treatment solutions to comply with discharge limits and minimize environmental impact.

Europe is another key market for boiler water treatment chemicals, characterized by a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, and regulatory compliance. The region's industrial sectors, including power generation, chemical manufacturing, and oil refining, rely on boilers for steam generation and process heating applications. Water treatment chemicals are essential to maintain water quality standards, prevent equipment corrosion, and optimize boiler performance. Regulatory frameworks such as the European Union's Water Framework Directive and Industrial Emissions Directive drive investments in water treatment technologies and chemical solutions to ensure compliance with stringent environmental standards.

The Asia-Pacific region is witnessing rapid industrialization, urbanization, and infrastructure development, driving significant demand for boiler water treatment chemicals. Countries such as China, India, and Japan have large manufacturing bases, power generation facilities, and chemical industries that rely on boilers for various applications. Rising awareness of water scarcity, environmental pollution, and energy conservation drives the adoption of water treatment solutions to optimize water usage, reduce emissions, and enhance operational efficiency. Moreover, government initiatives and investments in renewable energy and clean technology further stimulate demand for water treatment chemicals to support sustainable industrial growth.