Cooling Water Problems and Solutions

The three primary reasons that the cooling water treatment may be required are to control corrosion, scale formation, and the growth of biological agents. Any of these problems – or more usually a combination of them – can cause a loss of efficiency, shorten equipment life and push up operating costs. Imagine the large amounts of dollars lost when insufficient cooling suddenly curtails operations of process equipment’s.A very high percentage of people responsible for operation and maintenance of cooling water systems have little or no knowledge of water technology and are therefore totally reliant on specialist water treatment companies to provide up to date cost-efficient water treatment programs suitable for their particular plants.This 5-hr Quick Book presents an overview of common chemical treatment program that may be required to maintain cooling water systems in good operating condition. Reasons and means are discussed for controlling scale, deposition, corrosion, and biological fouling. The discussion also covers the information on chemicals used for control, and methods available to permit operation within the limits.The course is divided in four (4) sections and three (3) annexures:SECTION -1: SCALE INHIBITION SECTION -2: CORROSION INHIBITIONSECTION -3: BACTERIAL & MICROBIOLOGICAL CONTROLSECTION -4: WATER TREATMENT EQUIPMENT AND CONTROLS Annexure – 1: Characteristics of some common scale inhibitorsAnnexure – 2: Typical dosage rates, pH range and characteristics of common corrosion inhibitorsAnnexure – 3: Typical dosage rates, pH range and characteristics of common biocidesThe course is applicable to engineers and designers involved in power plants, oil and gas, chemical and petrochemical process facilities, refineries, industrial plants and HVAC systems in commercial buildings.The reader must take a multiple-choice quiz consisting of twenty five (25) questions at the end to enhance course learning. Learning ObjectiveAt the conclusion of this course, the student will:1. Understand the critical parameters such as conductivity, TDS, pH, alkalinity and saturation index applicable to cooling water treatment2. Understand the factors responsible for scale and corrosion3. Understand the types of scale and methods to minimize its formation4. Understand relationship between the cycles of concentration and blowdown5. Understand the physical methods of treating water such as softener, dealkalizer, ion-exchanger, filtration, and electronic de-scaling equipments6. Understand the corrosion types and the control techniques to mitigate corrosion7. Learn four types of corrosion inhibitors including, anodic, cathodic, mixed and adsorption types8. Understand the principles of cathodic protection 9. Learn the possible types of biological fouling and the treatment methods including oxidizing and non-oxidizing biocides10. Understand the chemical feed equipment for closed and open cooling water systems11. Learn the five application methods for dosing chemicals including their benefits and limitations12. Learn the control sensors and monitoring devices used in cooling water treatment