Discussion on descaling, sterilization and algicidal technologies for industrial circulating water

Industrial circulating water treatment not only prevents scaling but also includes corrosion inhibition, sterilization, and algae control. At present, industrial circulating water treatment is a relatively mature technology. However, for water with high alkalinity and high hardness, it remains a challenging issue to determine the most economical way of treating such water, so as to achieve the best cost-performance ratio – that is, to minimize water consumption while keeping costs as low as possible. Industrial circulating water treatment involves determining the treatment plan based on the quality of the make-up water, the desired quality of the circulating water, the concentration ratio, and the chemicals to be added for treatment. Different systems require different treatment plans, and these plans also need to be adjusted according to the season. As for the treatment methods, before scaling occurs, chemical treatment is generally used, that is, the addition of chemical agents; specific mixed chemical agents are added to prevent scaling and provide corrosion inhibition. Currently, new treatment technologies such as electronic anti-scaling and microwave anti-scaling are also in use, but their application scope is relatively limited.

I understand what the moderator said. At present, the method of using chemicals to remove scale is quite mature, but it also has its drawbacks. These chemicals will inevitably end up in the surrounding water bodies, and many scale-inhibiting agents are phosphorus-containing organic compounds that have a significant impact on the water quality. As for physical descaling, it has not yet been accepted by ordinary manufacturers.

There is a new technology covered by a U.S. patent, which is the best in terms of all aspects; currently, it is being used by companies such as Mobil, Shenyang Iron and Steel, Yunnan Copper, Panzhihua Iron and Steel, as well as the subsidiaries of CNPC and Sinopec. This technology is highly effective for dewaxing and preventing wax buildup, as well as descaling and preventing scale formation in oil pipelines, boilers, and circulating water pipes. You can look up information on the Enman CPRS tool; feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Reply to 4# haohaobu00: Let me tell everyone about this new technology so that we can learn from it. Regarding circulating water nowadays, as the moderator said, the technology is quite mature; the main challenge lies in cost control. In terms of physics, there are probably no particularly effective methods available yet.

Our company has been outsourcing the treatment of circulating water to a water treatment company, and the reports they provide have always indicated that the water quality is satisfactory. However, our heat exchangers accumulate scale quite quickly, and there is also erosion caused by the water quality! I don’t know what good methods there are!

The people upstairs have made good points. Original poster, I have a detailed comparison of various methods for circulating water treatment; feel free to contact me if you need it. QQ: 285196562

Chemical treatment of circulating water is currently the most mature and widely used method, but it also has many drawbacks. The addition of phosphorus-containing chelating agents creates an environment favorable for bacteria and algae; the use of hypochlorous acid for disinfection can cause equipment corrosion… It’s clear that this approach is not environmentally friendly. As a result, more and more physical methods have been developed, with varying levels of effectiveness – sub-audible waves, permanent magnets, electromagnets, static electricity, electric fields, energy rings, ceramics… There are many such methods, each with its own advantages as well as disadvantages. It depends on what aspects people consider important. For circulating cooling water, a comprehensive solution should be sought, rather than addressing only one issue at a time. I currently specialize in circulating water systems and have some knowledge of chemical dosing as well as physical methods; I welcome everyone to join in the discussions.

I would like to point out that the issue with industrial circulating water is not just related to scale formation. In open-loop circulating water systems, scale buildup is severe, but corrosion as well as problems caused by bacteria and algae also occur. Scaling is not the main issue in sealed circulating water systems; the primary problems are corrosion and red rust. If we are to discuss the issues related to circulating water, it is hoped that all these aspects will be considered together, as they are interconnected.

Question: What material is the packing used in open-type circulating water cooling towers, and is it expensive?

Reply to 10#: Many are plastic, I guess it’s over 6,000 per cubic meter; after assembly, it should be enough for 50 cubic meters