Microbiological challenges in cooling water systems result in significant financial losses for businesses due to increased energy consumption, production downtime, unscheduled maintenance, and equipment replacement. Insufficient microbiological control may also lead to hazardous conditions, including the risk of Legionnaires’ disease contamination. Although this article emphasizes biocide contact time, several additional factors must be evaluated when selecting a biocide, inc

Industrial glycol loops are widely used for cooling and freezing in HVAC, refrigeration, and various industrial processes. These systems use water mixed with either ethylene glycol or propylene glycol to transfer heat and maintain desired temperatures. Below are the main advantages and disadvantages of glycol loops in industrial applications. PROS of Industrial Glycol Loops Freeze Protection – One of the main benefits of glycol loops is that they depress the freeze point whe

Overview Cooling towers serve an important role in many industries and processes. Regardless of the variations, they all exist to eliminate heat through evaporation. Over the years, manufacturers have worked to optimize evaporation rates, and many systems now use film fill. This fill consists of tightly packed plastic sheets. With this type of fill, water flows down in thin sheets, optimizing the air-water interface to enhance evaporation. As a result, similar cooling capacit

In industrial water treatment, “ hardness ” refers to dissolved calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) ions in water. These minerals hinder soap effectiveness, making water difficult to use for washing. Significant levels can cause various issues in industrial systems. Why is Hardness a Concern?   Hardness can cause scale formation, reducing heat transfer efficiency, restricting water flow, and promoting corrosion. In industrial settings, these problems increase energy use, dama

Recirculating aerated water is directed through cooling towers to transfer excess heat to the atmosphere. Foaming within these systems can negatively affect both the cooling tower and the surrounding environment. Foam may interfere with sensors, damage nearby equipment and vehicle finishes, and act as a carrier for Legionella bacteria. Multiple factors can contribute to cooling water foaming, and in some cases, a combination of causes is responsible. Common causes of cooling

Why Foam Control Matters in Boiler Systems Boiler foaming is a serious operational issue that reduces efficiency, increases carryover, and can damage equipment . Excessive foam causes unstable water levels, poor steam purity, and higher energy use, which negatively affects plant performance. Antifoam agents are used to control foam and maintain stable boiler operation. 1. What Causes Foam in Boilers? Foaming occurs when dissolved and suspended solids in boiler water form st

Plant personnel often prioritize primary cooling water systems while overlooking the many closed cooling water systems. However, failure in a closed system can lead to partial plant shutdown. Operators sometimes use untreated service water for makeup, but high-purity condensate provides better chemistry control. Well-maintained closed systems require minimal makeup, and using condensate reduces scale formation. Concerns for Closed Cooling Water Systems Corrosion Control Corro

Reverse osmosis is often essential in water treatment systems. Recognizing early warning signs of operational issues is critical, as neglect can lead to fouling, scaling, costly cleanings, replacements, and downtime. When operating and maintaining reverse osmosis units in a pretreatment system, focus on these three key performance indicators (KPIs): ·       Normalized permeate flow ·       Pressure change (ΔP) ·       Salt passage Some operators assume RO units require cleani

Boiler cycles of concentration (CoC) play a critical role in steam boiler efficiency. Low CoC can result in excessive fuel and water consumption, higher chemical costs, and increased wastewater. Identifying the causes, impacts, and solutions for low CoC is essential to optimize boiler performance and reduce total cost of operation (TCO). What Are Boiler Cycles of Concentration? Cycles of concentration measure the ratio of dissolved solids in boiler water to those in feedwater

High-purity makeup water and strict control of boiler water and steam chemistry are critical for high-pressure steam systems in power generation. Many industrial facilities, however, use low-pressure boilers, typically up to 600 psi, to produce process steam for things like heating reactors, evaporators, or building spaces. Although these systems require less rigorous treatment than high-pressure units, neglecting proper makeup water and condensate treatment can still cause s