How to prevent scaling and corrosion in water coolers?
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In petrochemical plants, water coolers (wastewater coolers) are often found to have a large amount of dirt and microbial sludge accumulated on the inner walls of their tube bundles once they are opened. It severely affects the heat exchange efficiency and the service life of the tube bundle. Operating conditions: 30–60 degrees, pressure of 0.8 MPa, medium is circulating water. Are there any good ways to prevent scaling and corrosion? The following diagram shows the maintenance diagram for the water cooler tube bundle in a petrochemical refinery.
The best approach is to ensure proper water treatment, using high-quality chemicals from well-known large companies. Typically, these companies analyze the quality of the water being added to determine the appropriate dosage of chemicals, and they also regularly analyze the water quality in the system to make any necessary adjustments. If the water turbidity remains high throughout the year, it is recommended to install a sand filtration system, which can effectively reduce the turbidity of the water ； With proper water quality control, scaling and sludge formation generally do not occur, and corrosion is also minimal. The industry I work in also uses coolers; if there’s anything I can do to help you, please feel free to leave a message. I hope I can be of assistance to you
If you need specific information, such as the brands of sand filtration or chemical manufacturers, I can help you look into it; the products we use currently work really well
Teacher Wang: I think it’s important to control the water temperature well. Generally, the areas where scaling occurs most severely are located on the outlet side of the circulating water. I believe it’s relatively crucial to design the system in such a way as to reduce the outlet temperature of the circulating water； For corrosion protection, I have used sacrificial anode blocks before, but the effect was not very significant. For heat exchangers in critical areas where the working medium is hazardous and strict requirements apply, it is recommended to upgrade the material grade.
Judging from the photos, it appears to be a mixed deposit of scale formed by sedimentary deposits and corrosion products. To address sedimentary deposits, it is necessary to control the water quality at its source by reducing the concentration of ions that cause scaling, while also using scale inhibitors and corrosion inhibitors as supplementary measures.
Master Wang’s on-site photos are excellent. The last photo was taken within half an hour after the water cooler was opened; in it, a microbial biomass is clearly visible, giving off an appearance similar to that of jellyfish. After half an hour, it appears as just a pile of sand. Without diligence, there wouldn’t be such good photos.
Recently, a manufacturer came to our company to promote their product; its name seems to be Enman. It can be installed on circulating water pipes, and its purpose is to polarize the circulating water, prevent structural issues, and also prevent scale deposits from becoming brittle and peeling off. If you’re interested, check it out online.
1. If the water quality is poor from the start, then a side filtration tank is a good option... 2. Consider using a chemical dosing system to monitor water quality... 3. Pay attention to the flow rate of the fluid as it enters the heat exchanger (a low flow rate can lead to sedimentation and corrosion). 4. Filters can be used in the piping system to extend its lifespan. 5. Online cleaning devices can be installed
Using an HTI electrode layer solves the problem perfectly, without the need for any additives. Search on Baidu: HTI electrode layer