Water Treatment in Closed Cooling Systems
General
Today, closed cooling systems are the current technical solution for dissipating average to large amounts of heat in production. In contrast to open cooling systems, cooling takes place not from the evaporative cooling effect of the medium, but rather by the addition of another cooling system. Water is often used as the medium in closed cooling systems as well. Water is inexpensive and easily available, and does not have the environmental concerns of other coolant fluids. Low disposal costs are another advantage of using water as the coolant. The use of water, however, brings not only advantages, but disadvantages as well. Corrosion and lime deposits often occur in pipes when using water, which can lead to reductions in cross-sectional area.
Aqua-Concept, with its wide range of products, provides targeted water treatment to prevent lime and corrosion. This maximizes the operational security of your cooling systems, while maintaining nearly the same efficiency.
Problem and Solution
Due to its excellent thermodynamic properties, 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 contrast to open cooling systems, cooling takes place in a closed system not from the evaporative cooling effect of the water, but rather the heat transfer medium is cooled either via a heat exchanger, using cooling water from an open cooling system, or with an air-cooled recooling system. Closed cooling systems, however, are often not completely closed to the atmosphere (open equalizing tanks). In addition, a great many impurities enter the circulatory system, e.g. from production, but also from filling and re-filling.
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 is corrosive to metallic materials. Due to the mostly favorable conditions for growth (temperature, nutrient supply), bacteria (and sometimes algae) multiply very quickly. Slime build-up leads to a series of faults: poor heat transfer, reduced hygiene, especially if employees come into contact with the cooling water. Dissolved lime can precipitate, and reduce the efficiency of the heat exchangers.
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 the 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 energy by avoiding lime and slime build-up on surfaces (in the heat exchanger)
- 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 Closed Cooling Systems.
