Water Treatment in Open Cooling Systems
General
In a number of industrial processes, large amounts of heat are generated that must be dissipated in an environmentally friendly and cost-effective manner. Open cooling systems, with water as the coolant, have become established due to a whole series of advantages. The use of water in such systems, however, also causes problems. Water causes calcination and corrosion when in contact with the metallic surfaces of the pipes and heat exchangers, and thus reduces the efficiency and lifespan of the systems. Microbes multiply in warm water, which reduce the efficiency of the system due to slime buildup.
With its broad range of products, Aqua-Concept provides targeted treatment of the water to prevent corrosion, lime, and microbes, and provides you with maximum operational security for your cooling systems, at a nearly constant rate of efficiency.
Problem and Solution
Due to its excellent thermodynamic properties (high heat capacity and high heat of evaporation), unmatched low costs compared with all other fluids in this part of the world, and due to its use in a naturally environmentally friendly manner, so to speak, water is the indispensable heat transfer medium for many industrial processes. In “open” cooling systems, the heated cooling water is sprayed into the air stream in cooling towers. The cooling water is cooled by the removal of heat of evaporation. The amount of evaporation is (as a first approximation) directly proportional to the amount of heat to be removed.
The use of water, however, causes three technical problems:
- Corrosive effect of the water on materials
- Inorganic deposits, such as lime and salts
- Buildup of coating and corrosion due to microbe growth
Natural water, due to its high oxygen content, is fundamentally corrosive to, for instance, ferrous materials. It contains dissolved lime, which precipitates under operating conditions and reduces pipe cross sections. Due to favorable growth conditions in open cooling systems, algae and bacteria reproduce rapidly, which in turn build up an “insulating” coating on the tubes and surfaces of the heat exchanger.
Cooling system downtime generally leads to significant downtime costs in production and to expensive repairs. This means that efficient and smooth operation of the open cooling system is of great importance for a high level of operational security and functionality in production. Special water treatment is therefore indispensable. In order to find the optimal water treatment for your application, we start with an analysis of the components you use. The first step is to carry out an assessment of your system, including taking a water sample and analyzing and evaluating it. Based on this data set, and the goals and requirements you wish to achieve, we develop an optimal system to improve your water quality.
This is followed by regular support by our service department, which provides thorough system monitoring, and thereby enhances provision of the highest possible operational security. Changing operating conditions and water quality can thus be identified right away, and the water treatment adapted accordingly.
Advantages for your company
- Protect your investment with increased lifespan of your open cooling systems.
- Reduce your follow-up costs with lower repair bills
- Save costs with reduced quantities of fresh and waste water
- Save energy by avoiding lime and slime build-up on surfaces (in the heat exchanger)
- Removal of lime deposits as “online cleaning” during normal system operation
- Corrosion protection, especially for iron, aluminum, and non-ferrous metals
- User-friendly and time-saving use of our water treatment systems
If you are interested in further information on this subject, please request our brochure Open Cooling Systems.
We are also happy to provide information and advice in person, at any time.
If you are interested in further information on this subject, please request our brochure Open Cooling Systems.
