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WO1998031636A1 - Systeme et procede pour traiter electroniquement l'eau des tours de refroidissement - Google Patents

Systeme et procede pour traiter electroniquement l'eau des tours de refroidissement Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1998031636A1
WO1998031636A1 PCT/US1997/000885 US9700885W WO9831636A1 WO 1998031636 A1 WO1998031636 A1 WO 1998031636A1 US 9700885 W US9700885 W US 9700885W WO 9831636 A1 WO9831636 A1 WO 9831636A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
water
cooling tower
electrode
loop
electrodes
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1997/000885
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Scott Mckay
Original Assignee
Enproamerica, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Enproamerica, Inc. filed Critical Enproamerica, Inc.
Priority to PCT/US1997/000885 priority Critical patent/WO1998031636A1/fr
Publication of WO1998031636A1 publication Critical patent/WO1998031636A1/fr

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Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F9/00—Multistage treatment of water, waste water or sewage
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/001—Processes for the treatment of water whereby the filtration technique is of importance
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/46—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods
    • C02F1/4602—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods for prevention or elimination of deposits
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/46—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods
    • C02F1/4606—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods for producing oligodynamic substances to disinfect the water
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/46—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods
    • C02F1/461—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis
    • C02F1/467—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis by electrochemical disinfection; by electrooxydation or by electroreduction
    • C02F1/4672—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis by electrochemical disinfection; by electrooxydation or by electroreduction by electrooxydation
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/46—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods
    • C02F1/461—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis
    • C02F1/46104—Devices therefor; Their operating or servicing
    • C02F1/46109—Electrodes
    • C02F2001/46133—Electrodes characterised by the material
    • C02F2001/46138—Electrodes comprising a substrate and a coating
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2103/00—Nature of the water, waste water, sewage or sludge to be treated
    • C02F2103/003—Wastewater from hospitals, laboratories and the like, heavily contaminated by pathogenic microorganisms
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2103/00—Nature of the water, waste water, sewage or sludge to be treated
    • C02F2103/02—Non-contaminated water, e.g. for industrial water supply
    • C02F2103/023—Water in cooling circuits
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2201/00—Apparatus for treatment of water, waste water or sewage
    • C02F2201/46—Apparatus for electrochemical processes
    • C02F2201/461—Electrolysis apparatus
    • C02F2201/46105—Details relating to the electrolytic devices
    • C02F2201/4612—Controlling or monitoring
    • C02F2201/46125—Electrical variables
    • C02F2201/4613—Inversing polarity
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2201/00—Apparatus for treatment of water, waste water or sewage
    • C02F2201/46—Apparatus for electrochemical processes
    • C02F2201/461—Electrolysis apparatus
    • C02F2201/46105—Details relating to the electrolytic devices
    • C02F2201/4612—Controlling or monitoring
    • C02F2201/4615—Time
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2303/00—Specific treatment goals
    • C02F2303/04—Disinfection
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2303/00—Specific treatment goals
    • C02F2303/08—Corrosion inhibition
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2305/00—Use of specific compounds during water treatment
    • C02F2305/02—Specific form of oxidant
    • C02F2305/023—Reactive oxygen species, singlet oxygen, OH radical

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to the treatment of cooling tower water to control scale, corrosion and biofilm, and more particularly to an electronic oxidation and ionization apparatus and methods with side-stream filtration.
  • Condensing water loops are well known and used as coolant or mass heat transfer systems for such things as power plants.
  • water loops comprise a cooling tower, a condenser system and a pump.
  • the function of the cooling tower is to cool condenser water after it has removed heat from the refrigerant in the condenser.
  • the condenser In industrial processes, the condenser has the burden of condensing chemical products over a given temperature range from vapor to condensate.
  • the condensing water is used to draw heat from the spent steam driving the turbines.
  • the cooling tower in each of these applications is a mass heat transfer device.
  • Cooling towers come in various types and sizes. For example, there are atmospheric towers, hyperbolic natural draft towers, counter flow and cross flow natural draft towers, mechanical draft towers using either forced draft or induced draft, and hybrid draft towers which are fan assisted natural draft towers.
  • the common element in each is a reduction in temperature of the condensing water coming off the condenser and returning the water to the condenser as close to the design temperature as possible.
  • cooling towers In all types of cooling towers (except dry towers) evaporation is the means of cooling the water.
  • the towers are designed to expose the maximum transient water surface to the maximum air flow for the longest possible period of time. As a result, a portion of the water in the loop is lost in this process when it is discharged into the atmosphere as hot moist vapor (the "plume").
  • the cooling tower is a device that takes heat out of the circulating water and discharges the heat into the atmosphere. Water volume lost in this process is replaced by new water introduced into the basin of the cooling tower by means of make-up water piping to maintain a constant volume of water in the system.
  • a description of the water chemistry of the condensing water loop has three components.
  • the first component is the water chemistry of the make-up water.
  • the source of the water will determine some of the dissolved solids and gases, colloidal solids, and suspended solids in the condensing water loop. Typical among these are dissolved forms of carbon dioxide (carbonic acid, bicarbonate ion and carbonate ion), calcium, sulfates, silica, chlorine or bromine compounds from purification efforts, nitrogen compounds, dissolved oxygen and hydrogen sulfide, and the hydrated oxides of iron and manganese (See Table 1).
  • the make-up is treated waste water or reused process water, it may also contain phosphates.
  • Another source of the make-up water may be treated or untreated ground water or lake water.
  • the second component in the water chemistry is the air borne particles and gases in the ambient air.
  • the design and function of cooling towers insures that the water circulating through them will scrub gases and particles from the air passing through the tower.
  • the ambient air may also contain sulphur dioxide and ammonia. Solids of silts (silica), salts, clays (alumina), ash, and organic solids such as pollen, leaves, molds, bacteria, and spores of other living organisms are also contained in the ambient air.
  • the third source of components for water chemistry of the water in the condensing loop is the piping, valves, pumps, and equipment (including the condenser, tower, and basin) with which the water comes in contact while circulating. Also included in this component, are the chemical or orgamc compounds added to the water to control scale and corrosion.
  • Condensing water loop piping is usually a system incorporating several different metals, including mild steel, brass, copper, stainless and galvanized steel.
  • the cooling tower often will have pressure treated woods, concrete, plastic, and asbestos that will contact the water as it circulates. Salts, liquids or gases of chlorine or bromine, chromate compounds, and magnesium compounds may be added to the water to control bacteria, algae, corrosion or scale.
  • Scale while being only one of the deposits that may form and be found on surfaces of the condensing water loop system, is generally the name given to all deposits found in the system.
  • scale is defined as a deposit of a crystallization of a dissolved salt when its concentration exceeds its solubility. A true scale will re-dissolve without chemical change if the water composition is so altered that d e water becomes unsaturated with respect to the precipitated compound.
  • Condensing water loops will have scales of calcium carbonate, and calcium sulfate where sulfuric acid has been used for scale control. Calcium phosphate is often found in systems using sewage treatment effluent for makeup.
  • Magnesium hydroxide is found in systems where magnesium is used as a corrosion inhibitor, and magnesium sulphate where sulphuric acid has been used for scale control. Barium sulphate is also found in systems where barium is used as a corrosion inhibitor and sulphuric acid is used for scale control.
  • Sodium chloride deposits are often found in systems where chlorine has been used as an oxidizer for biofilm control.
  • silica and silicates are in the water, they will combine with the other scale forming salts to create a very hard and particularly insoluble scale.
  • the most common form of silica scale is calcium silicate which is a superior insulating material that can drastically reduce condenser thermal efficiency as well as restrict the flow through the heat exchanger.
  • Corrosion is an electrochemical process that takes place to some extent whenever a metal, water, and depolarizing agent are brought together. Any condition that causes one point on a metal surface to differ from another will permit corrosion to occur. The galvanic action of two different metals joined together in the presence of water will initiate corrosion on the more anodic of the two. Because corrosion is chemical, its rate increases with heat, therefore being the greatest in the condenser and on the condenser discharge side of the loop. Corrosion, like scale, is controllable and, to a limited extent, reversible with the proper maintenance of water chemistry balance.
  • Corrosion and scale are associated problems but the effect and cause should not be confused.
  • the essential effect of corrosion is to destroy metal; scale, on the other hand, tends to clog open sections and to line surfaces with deposits.
  • the products of corrosion often contribute to scale formation and aggravate the problem of its treatment.
  • Any film or deposit which forms on the waterside heat exchange surfaces reduces the heat exchange efficiency of the system (See Table 2).
  • System efficiency is further reduced by maintenance shut downs for removal of deposits, and the repair or replacement of piping, valves, and equipment abraded by the suspended particles in the water or damaged by corrosion.
  • Blowdown of the tower basin and sump has been the primary method of controlling the buildup of the suspended solids concentration in the circulating water. This process is expensive, wasteful of water, and potentially hazardous.
  • the blowdown process requires that thousands of gallons of basin and sump water be dumped periodically and replaced with new make-up. Towers using municipal water supplies must purchase the make-up.
  • the dumped water will also remove additives placed in the system to control biofilm, scale, and corrosion. Since some of these additives are potentially hazardous, the blowdown water must be discharged into approved sewers, with the accompanying costs, and must be monitored and reported, at an additional maintenance cost.
  • Another method employed to reduce or control the buildup of suspended solids in the condensing loop water is side-stream filtration.
  • a portion of the circulating water (usually 1 % to 10%) is drawn off and run through filters to remove the suspended solids.
  • This method while effecting the buildup of suspended solids, still requires the introduction of compounds to control biofilm, scale, and corrosion. Therefore, the filter discharge and the sludge will still contain potentially hazardous compounds requiring special discharge methods and controls.
  • Ozonization is also used in some systems and applications to replace chemical or organic biocides. Ozone, while an effective biocide, cannot by itself address all forms of organic matter which may foul the cooling water system. Ozonization will not eliminate the need for chemicals to control scale or corrosion. Unless used with side-stream filtration, blowdown will still be required to control the buildup of suspended solids. Potentially toxic compounds in the blowdown discharge (or filter discharge) and in the sump sludge will still exist with an ozonization system.
  • Magnetics, electrostatic charges and ultrasonic waves have also been used in some systems in a non-chemical attempt to control scale and corrosion. All of these methods still require the use of chemical or organic compounds for biofilm control, with the resulting potentially toxic blowdown and sump sludge discharge problems noted above. Also, unless coupled with side-stream filtration, none of these methods fully address the buildup of suspended solids. As already noted, the introduction of chemical or organic oxidizers have been used as a method of controlling biofilm, but the oxidizers accelerate corrosion. Chemical oxidizers form potentially toxic compounds, while organic oxidizers do not form potentially toxic by-products.
  • magnesium hydroxide Another method of attempting to control scale and corrosion is the use of self-sacrificing magnesium anodes to coat the metallic surfaces with magnesium hydroxide to inhibit corrosion. Similar to the effects of the inhibiting chemicals noted above, magnesium hydroxide only inhibits corrosion of the metallic surfaces and it has no effect on the corrosive and leaching properties of the circulating water on the non-metallic surfaces of the tower and basin. Also similar to the chemical inhibitors, the magnesium hydroxide coating on the waterside of the condenser tubes is a thermal insulator decreasing the thermal efficiency of the condenser.
  • the present invention provides a more efficient, economical and improved apparatus and method for the control of scale, corrosion and biofilm in the condensing water loop of a cooling water system using electronic oxidation and ionization with side-stream filtration.
  • a condensing water loop side-stream (or by-pass) filtration and treatment system in a self contained skid-mounted apparatus. Condensing water is drawn off the discharge side of the pump and prior to the condenser, routed through the side-stream
  • condensing water is drawn from the cooling tower basin and routed through the apparatus and returned to the cooling tower spray deck.
  • the water is drawn out of the condensing loop (or in the alternative, out of the basin) and through the apparatus by use of a pump mounted on the apparatus.
  • the drawn water is pumped through an automatic backwashing, multimedia filter, which is also mounted on the apparatus.
  • the use of the filter may not be required if blowdown (or purge) is not an economic concern to the cooling tower operator.
  • the drawn water is pumped through two separate electrode chambers, the first of which includes a pair of electrodes at least one of which comprises a plasma fused iridium coated titanium electrode used for the purpose of creating nascent oxygen, molecular oxygen, ozone, hydroxyl and perhydroxyl radicals, and hydrogen peroxide in the treatment of the water.
  • electrodes also create a flux field which aligns the polarity of the dissolved and suspended metallic salt compounds as part of the method of controlling scale.
  • a commercially available self-contained unit for the production of ozone may be substituted in lieu of, and instead of, the electrode chamber containing plasma fused iridium coated titanium electrodes.
  • the second electrode chamber contains a pair of electrodes formed of copper which provides copper ions for the control of biofilm (algae, bacteria and fungus) in the condensing water loop and on the cooling tower surfaces.
  • This second set of electrodes also creates a flux field similar to the first set of electrodes.
  • the filtered and treated water is returned to the condensing loop for discharge over the cooling tower surfaces and circulation through the condensing water loop.
  • the condensing water may be returned to the condensing loop without going through the second electrode chamber containing a pair of copper electrodes.
  • make-up water would be routed through the second electrode chamber containing a pair of copper electrodes and returned to the cooling tower basin.
  • Figure 1 shows a general schematic illustration of a conventional condensing water loop used as coolant or mass heat transfer system.
  • Figure 2 shows a schematic illustration of an alternative embodiment of the condensing loop of the present invention.
  • Figure 3 shows a schematic illustration of an alternative embodiment of the condensing loop of the present invention.
  • Figure 4 shows a schematic illustration of the makeup loop embodiment of the condensing loop of the present invention.
  • Figures 5(a-c) show a schematic illustration of the water treatment apparatus of the alternative embodiments of the condensing loop shown in figures 2-3.
  • Figures 6(a-c) show a schematic illustration of the water treatment apparatus of the alternative embodiment of the condensing loop shown in figure 4.
  • FIGS 7(a-c) show a further detailed schematic illustration of the water treatment apparatus of the alternative embodiments of the condensing loop shown in figures 2-3.
  • Figure 8 shows a schematic illustration of an alternative embodiment of the water treatment apparatus of the embodiments show in figures 2-3.
  • Figure 9 shows a schematic illustration of an alternative embodiment of the water treatment apparatus of the embodiment show in figure 4.
  • Figure 10 shows a further diagram of the embodiment shown in Figure 3.
  • Figure 11 shows a schematic illustration of the electronic system which controls the water treatment apparatus.
  • Figures 12(a-b) show side view and end view cross-sections, respectively, of the basin water pick up pipe of the present inventive apparatus.
  • Figure 13 shows an illustration of the oxidation chamber showing flux field and effect on metallic compounds.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a general schematic illustration of a conventional condensing water loop (HVAC) mechanical system with the condenser water loop used as coolant or mass heat transfer system.
  • HVAC condensing water loop
  • FIGs 2-4 there is provided schematic illustrations of the condensing water loop of the present invention showing the positioning of the side-stream (or by-pass) filtration and treatment system in a self contained skid-mounted apparatus.
  • the water treatment apparatus (WTA) of the present invention is generally indicated by reference numeral 10.
  • FIGS 2-4 provide illustrations of the pathways of the various embodiments of the invention.
  • the cooled water is pumped from the basin 12 of the cooling tower 18 through piping 14, it travels through pump 16.
  • pump 16 After the water is forced through the pump 16 and into piping 20, a portion of the water is diverted through smaller piping 22.
  • the water diverted through piping 20 passes through the condenser 24, absorbing the generated heat, and up through piping 26.
  • the water which was diverted after the pump 16 travels up through the WTA 10 at inlet 1. Waste water exits the WTA 10 at waste exit 7 and the treated water exits the WTA 10 at exit outlet 4.
  • the treated water reenters the water loop at point 28 into piping 26.
  • the combined water is sprayed onto the cooling tower 18 through spray nozzles 30, thus cooling the water, dissolving the scale on the cooling tower surfaces 36, and oxidizing biofilm on the surfaces 36 and in the basin 12.
  • Figure 3 illustrates a further pathway embodiment.
  • a portion of the water is drawn from the basin 12 through piping 32 and into the WTA
  • the treated water exits the WTA 10 via 4, it is reintroduced into the water loop by piping it into the cooling tower through piping 36, or it is reintroduced into the top of the cooling tower through piping 34 via 3-way valves. In the latter case, the treated water is sprayed down the sides of the cooling tower via dispersion sprayers, or tower top misters 38.
  • FIG 4 illustrates a further pathway embodiment.
  • a portion of the water is drawn from the basin 12 through piping 32 and into the WTA 10 at inlet 1.
  • the treated water exits the WTA 10
  • it is reintroduced into the water loop by piping it into the cooling tower through piping 36, or it is reintroduced into the top of the cooling tower through piping 34 as in Figure 3.
  • a portion of the make-up water which is introduced into the cooling tower 18 through piping 6 is diverted through smaller piping 40 into the WTA 10 at the makeup water intake 2.
  • the makeup water is treated through the Cu side loop application, which is further explained below, it exits at the makeup water discharge 3 and is introduced into the cooling tower 18 through piping 42.
  • FIGs 5a-c show a more detail illustration of the WTA in Figures 2-3.
  • Figure 5a shows a side view of the WTA.
  • the filter is preferably a Multimedia depth filter. Any fiberglass automatic filter may be used, depending on the flow rate. Such filters are well known and can be procured from Alamo Water Refiners, Inc. (N5240-13).
  • the PDV 52 diverts the waste water out through exit 7 and the treated water is diverted through an electrode treatment zone 55, which houses two separate electrode chambers 55, the first of which includes a pair of electrodes 56 at least one of which comprises a plasma fused iridium coated titanium electrode.
  • the second electrode chamber contains a pair of electrodes 58 formed of copper.
  • the filtered and treated water is returned to the condensing loop via outlet 4 for discharge over the cooling tower surfaces and circulation through the condensing water loop.
  • Figures 5b and 5c show top and end views, respectively.
  • Figures 6a-c show a more detailed illustration of the WTA in Figure 4.
  • Figure 6a shows a side view of the WTA.
  • the condensing water is returned to the condensing loop without going through the second electrode chamber 58 containing a pair of copper electrodes.
  • make-up water 2 would be routed through the second electrode chamber 58 containing the pair of copper electrodes and returned to the cooling tower basin via 3.
  • Figures 6b and 6c show top and end views, respectively.
  • Figures 7a-c show a preferred configuration of the components of the WTA in Figures 2-3.
  • Figures 7a & 7b show the preferred configuration of the skid, including the plumbing, filter, electronics and pump.
  • Figure 7c shows an internal side view of the electrode chamber, the electronics and the pathway of the water to be treated.
  • a flowswitch 62 which pumps the water up into a pressure differential valve (PDV) 52, or control box, which diverts the untreated water down through an optional multimedia sediment filter tank 54.
  • PDV pressure differential valve
  • the PDV 52 diverts the waste water out through exit 7 and the treated water is diverted through ball valve 64 and flowswitch 66 through two separate electrode chambers 55, the first of which includes a pair of electrodes 56 at least one of which comprises a plasma fused iridium coated titanium electrode.
  • the second electrode chamber contains a pair of electrodes 58 formed of copper.
  • the electrode chambers are controlled by electronics 60 and a timer 68, further discussed below, which also controls the filter 54 and the pump 50.
  • the filtered and treated water is returned to the condensing loop via outlet 4 for discharge over the cooling tower surfaces and circulation through the condensing water loop.
  • the piping is preferably one inch PVC piping.
  • Figure 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the configuration of the electrode chambers for the embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3. Similar to Figure 7c, the filtered water flows through ball valve 64, but is diverted either to chamber 58 or 56 via a 3-way solenoid valve. The diverted water flows through a flowswitch (70 or 72) and through the chosen electrode chamber and out through outlet 4. As above, the routing of the water is controlled by electronics 60 and timer 68.
  • Figure 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the configuration of the electrode chambers for the embodiment shown in Figure 4. Similar to Figure 7c, the filtered water flows through ball valve 64, but is diverted through flowswitch 74 only into chamber 56 and out into the basin of the cooling tower via outlet 3. The make-up water which is diverted through inlet 2 flows through flowswitch 76, chamber 58 and check valve 78 and out outlet 3. As above, the routing of the water is controlled by electronics 60 and timer 68.
  • Figure 10 further illustrates the treatment system of the embodiment shown in Figure 4, minus the cooling loop.
  • the Figure shows a cooling tower ionization treatment piping diagram. As described above, the water to be treated is pumped (50) from the basin 12 via piping 32 into the pressure differential valve
  • PDV PDV 52
  • control box which diverts the untreated water down through an optional multimedia sediment filter tank 54.
  • the PDV 52 diverts the waste water out through exit 7 and the treated water is diverted through flowswitch 66 and through electrode chambers 55 and 58.
  • the chambers are controlled via the power supply controller (electronics) 60 which is actuated by the timer 68.
  • the filtered and treated water is returned to the condensing loop via outlet 4 for discharge into the cooling tower 18.
  • FIG. 11 shows a general schematic of the electronic flow pattern which is controlled by the power supply controller (electronics) 60 that sends direct current to the electrodes 56 and 58 on an alternating polarity and as described in the Snee patents.
  • Figure 12 shows a preferred 3 inch segment of the sump collection pipe.
  • the pipe is preferably PVC piping and is V ⁇ inches in diameter with h inch holes. This portion of the piping is positioned in the basin of the cooling tower and functions to draw, water into the water treatment apparatus.
  • the dots depict the surface of the inside diameter of the pipe and the penetrations of the holes through the pipe walls.
  • the preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes well known and accepted electrochemical reactions in combination with side-stream filtration and the oxidation process of U.S. Application, Serial No. 08/340,743 to Snee for a totally non-chemical method of controlling biofilm, scale, and corrosion, and the control of suspended solids buildup.
  • the principles applicable to the process embodied in this invention have not previously been coupled together in the sequences and in combination with otiier methods to form a single apparatus as is exemplified by this invention.
  • the electrode chamber 58 containing two copper electrodes is, in accordance with the Snee application, connected to an electronic control unit 60 which provides a low voltage direct current charge to the electrodes with the polarity of such electrodes alternating regularly on a preset cycle.
  • an electronic control unit 60 which provides a low voltage direct current charge to the electrodes with the polarity of such electrodes alternating regularly on a preset cycle.
  • there is a timer 68 which may be set and adjusted so that the electrode chamber containing the copper electrodes 58 is only activated as needed in order to maintain a residual of copper electrons in the basin 12 water.
  • one electrode is an anode and the other electrode is a cathode.
  • the low voltage electromagnetic force imparted to the circulating waters disassociates some of the hydrogen and oxygen molecules forming the water to create dissolved hydrogen gas, oxygen gas, and free hydrogen ions.
  • positively charged copper ions are discharged into the stream.
  • ionization of the Cu is maintained at 0.3-0.5 ppm. These are ionic copper charges and not molecular copper particles.
  • the flux field created by the electrical charge to the electrodes polarizes the potential scale forming salt compounds in the circulating water ( Figure 13). Molecules under normal conditions move at random, bonding to one another and clinging to surfaces 100.
  • the force Upon entering the path of the flux field, the force is concentrated within the chamber, creating the proper energy required to polarize the molecules 102. After being treated, the internal forces orient the positive and negative poles, producing a molecular chain and resulting in flocculation of the solids 104, which forces the minerals to pass through the plumbing system. Existing scale will slowly flake off as the molecular chains loosen the bond and pull the minerals into the flow. Additionally, the flux field causes neutral particles, such as silica and alumina, to take on a negative charge as they pass between the electrodes, thereby enabling such charged particles to repel each other inhibiting their ability to form chains of insoluble scale.
  • neutral particles such as silica and alumina
  • the copper ions are primarily used as a biocide and algicide, but additionally are used to replace the calcium in scale already formed within the system.
  • the copper ions will combine with chlorine in the system to form copper chloride, an insoluble oxide that will inhibit any further calcified scale from forming.
  • the dissolved hydrogen and hydrogen ions will combine with sulfides in the water to form insoluble particles.
  • the ionized water is returned to the condensing loop where it is dispersed over the tower 18 surfaces acting as an effective biocide and re-dissolving and re-mineralizing scale deposits on the tower surfaces.
  • the insoluble calcium chloride, sulfide compounds and other suspended solids are trapped in the multimedia filter 54 and periodically back washed. Ionized particles and dissolved gases will pass through the filter and into the condensing water loop where the copper ions will replace calcium in any scale deposits in the condenser or condensing loop piping, valves or equipment and over time, re-dissolving and re-mineralizing such deposits.
  • the copper ions remain in solution and act as a residual sanitizer throughout the condensing loop water system.
  • the polarized scale forming salts and the negatively charged silica and alumina particles will be entrapped by the filter and discharged with the filter backwash. When the timer cuts off the power to the copper electrodes the electrolysis of the copper electrodes will cease.
  • the electrode chamber 56 containing the two plasma fused iridium coated titanium electrodes will operate at all times when the copper electrode chamber is not in operation. Similar to the copper electrodes, the electronics controller 60 provides a low voltage direct current to the electrodes with a regularly recurring alternation of polarities. As described in the Snee patent, these iridium coated titanium electrodes are inert and only provide an electromotive force for the disassociation of ions in the water passing between the two charged electrodes. The forces disassociate the oxygen and hydrogen from the water creating nascent (or atomic) oxygen, molecular (or atmospheric) oxygen, heavy oxygen (or ozone), hydroxyl and perhydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide.
  • the primary purpose of the oxidizers is to "burn up" or oxidize all organic matter within the cooling water. Because the oxidation-reduction potential of the ionized form of these oxidizers is much greater than chlorine or bromine or the molecular forms of organic oxidizers (see Table 3), the result is a more efficient and effective oxidation of biofilm.
  • the primary oxidizers used for water treatment are listed above.
  • the oxidation-reduction potential (“ORP") indicates the power to oxidize.
  • ORP oxidation-reduction potential
  • the hydrogen peroxide dissolves rust and the oxide scale of the base metals that results from corrosion thereby returning the surface of die metal to a uniform molecular state.
  • the electromagnetic force between the iridium coated titanium electrodes causes the disassociation of some of the hydrogen and oxygen molecules forming the water, and creates positively charged ions which will combine with negatively charged chemical contaminants.
  • the oxidizers will combine with dissolved minerals and iron which may be found within the condensing water.
  • the molecular oxygen will combine with nitrites and convert them to nitrates.
  • the oxidizers will transform sulphite and hydrogen sulphide to sulphate and colloidal sulphur. The oxidation of dissolved solids will allow the resulting insoluble oxides and hydroxides to settle out of solution so that they can be removed by the side stream-filtration.
  • the dissolved oxygen and ozone created at the electrodes combines with the transitional metals (copper, nickel, and zinc) found within the cooling water system to form an insoluble oxide of the metal itself inhibiting corrosion. Since the oxide is of the base metal itself, it does not have the insulating properties of the chemical oxides used as corrosion and scale inhibitors.
  • the titanium electrodes similar to the copper electrodes, create a flux field which polarizes scale forming mineral salts and imparts a negative charge to the neutral particles of silica and alumina, thereby inhibiting their combination in the formation of scale deposits.
  • the dissolved scale forming chemical compounds discussed above, and dissolved minerals which may be in the water that can cause scale, result in the water being "out of balance" electrically.
  • the balance of the water in the condensing water loop is not static because of the continual addition of dissolved chemical compounds and minerals from the addition of make-up to offset the effects of evaporation, combined with the addition of gases and solids scrubbed from the ambient air in the cooling tower. For this reason continuous oxidation of the water is necessary in order to maintain or move towards a balanced and conditioned water within the loop. Side-stream filtration of the precipitated solids resulting from the oxidation process assists in maintaining the water balance.
  • the ionized oxidizers of activated oxygen are effective biocides and algicides which remove and inhibit the growth of biofilm on the cooling tower surfaces and in the basin. Dead organic organisms are removed from the condensing water loop by the filter embodied in the apparatus. Since the biocides are not chemical, the backwash from the filter can be discharged without requiring the use of sanitary sewer or hazardous chemical monitoring.
  • the ionized particles will pass through the filter and circulate through the system dissolving scale and creating insoluble oxides of transitional metals to inhibit further corrosion.
  • the most significant effect of this invention is to eliminate all chemicals currently used for the control of fouling and for corrosion inhibitors. Additionally, this invention will reverse and control scale and reverse and control corrosion by the electrochemical action of the ionic particles created in the electrode chambers by mineral ionization of the copper and the activated oxygen ions.
  • the electromotive force that polarizes the minerals and conditions the water lowers the surface tension of the water making it a more effective and uniform conductor of heat.
  • This property of the conditioned water will have two effects on the condensing loop water. First, on the waterside of the condenser, there will be a more uniform and consistent transfer of heat within the condenser to the water. Second, the reduced surface tension of the water will enable a more uniform and rapid dissipation of the transported heat to the atmosphere in the evaporation process within the cooling tower.
  • the filter as described in the Snee application and incorporated into die apparatus, along with its automatic backwashing capabilities, removes die insoluble particles from the condensing water thereby removing those particles which would be susceptible to accumulation as a result of evaporation.
  • the backwash of the filter would only occur as the sedimentation requires, and the volume of water necessary to back wash the filters is significantly less (estimated to be over a 90% savings) then the volume of water required by blowdowns to maintain the same concentration of dissolved solids within the system.
  • this invention requires less maintenance supervision than any other method, or combination of methods, currently utilized for the control of biofilm, scale and corrosion. It will reduce the periodic maintenance costs for cleaning the tower, basin and sump and should eliminate the need for periodic brushing of the condenser tubes, all at a substantial savings of manpower and labor.
  • the electrolytic system tested provides an environmentally friendly, chemical-free treatment for condensing water that controls scale, corrosion and biofilm.
  • This system when combined with a filter, can control sump sludge. No chemicals means no hazardous materials. With the combined ingredients of
  • activated oxygen and ionization that are generated by the system, soft, sanitary water is provided to protect the equipment, the environment, and the budget.
  • the Test System has two 286 ton centrifugal chillers connected to a nominal 600 ton updraft cooling tower of wood and fiberglass slat construction. Due to the small A/C loads, only one chiller ran during the test. Prior to the test, scale, corrosion and biofilm were controlled using an in line automated chemical feed system. Sludge build-up and TDS (total dissolved solids) were controlled by periodic blowdowns. The cooling tower slats, deck and sump were physically cleaned annually, and the condenser tubes were brushed annually. Prior to the test commencement the condenser was opened, me tubes were inspected and pictures were taken. Visible scale was observed in the inspection.
  • corrosion coupons were placed in the condensing water system to monitor corrosion. Historical data on electrical usage, water intake, sewer discharge, chemical costs and labor was used in comparison with the observed data of the test.
  • the cooling tower, condenser, piping and equipment were operating normally and within the accepted range of a "clean" system.
  • the in line cartridge filter installed as part of the test system was unable to handle the load. Several blowdowns were necessary to void the sump of the scale.
  • the in line cartridge filter was removed, and a large in line, automatic backwashing, multimedia filter was installed, after which the test system operated as designed backwashing only every third or fourth day.
  • the electrical draw on the one operating chiller on the condensing water loop was decreased by 40 amps while maintaining design temperature on the leaving chill water at full load conditions.
  • the side system should be incorporated into a thoroughly cleaned condensing loop, wherein the scale is completely removed. Ionization of die system water helps dissolve old deposits and corrosion, but all systems should be thoroughly cleaned before installation of e treatment system to remove old scale and corrosion crusts that may be coated by chemical corrosion inhibitors, but never removed.
  • the condensing loop and cooling tower should be throughly cleaned and inspected before installation of me treatment system, because it will cause rapid descaling that may be too much for blowdowns.

Landscapes

  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Water Treatment By Electricity Or Magnetism (AREA)
  • Treatment Of Water By Oxidation Or Reduction (AREA)

Abstract

Un système de traitement de l'eau, notamment un système permettant d'oxyder et d'ioniser électroniquement l'eau quand il est associé à un dispositif filtre, constitue un procédé totalement non chimique pour lutter contre la formation d'un film biologique, la corrosion et le tartre dans le circuit de condensation de l'eau d'un système de refroidissement de l'eau faisant partie d'applications commerciales, industrielles et de production d'énergie. L'eau à traiter est filtrée dans une cuve automatique de filtration à contre-courant (54), qui comprend plusieurs couches constituées de divers milieux filtrants. Après filtration, l'eau traverse des chambres d'ionisation (55, 58) au niveau desquelles des ions métalliques et des ions hydrogène et oxygène sont introduits dans l'eau au moyen d'électrodes en titane revêtues d'iridium fondu par plasma et d'électrodes en cuivre. Une fois ionisée, l'eau est dispersée uniformément et complètement sur les surfaces latérales de l'eau dans la tour de refroidissement (18), puis circule dans le circuit de condensation, de façon à lutter contre le film biologique, le tartre et la corrosion.
PCT/US1997/000885 1997-01-17 1997-01-17 Systeme et procede pour traiter electroniquement l'eau des tours de refroidissement WO1998031636A1 (fr)

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Cited By (14)

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US6207060B1 (en) 1999-03-05 2001-03-27 Enproamerica, Inc. Method for treating water to be provided to an animal
WO2001090001A1 (fr) * 2000-05-19 2001-11-29 Watermaid Pty. Ltd. Entretien d'une tour de refroidissement
WO2003040043A1 (fr) * 2001-10-23 2003-05-15 Drexel University Procede et appareil de traitement de l'eau
US6716340B2 (en) 2001-02-12 2004-04-06 Will Craig Meyer Water treatment system
AU2001252029B2 (en) * 2000-05-19 2004-09-23 Watermaid Pty. Ltd. Cooling tower maintenance
US7052600B2 (en) 1999-03-05 2006-05-30 Enproamerica, Inc. Apparatus for treating water
EP1914206A1 (fr) * 2006-10-20 2008-04-23 Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. Système pour l'elimination du tartre
US7377983B2 (en) 2004-11-04 2008-05-27 The Clorox Company Prevention of deposits on ceramics
WO2012095828A1 (fr) * 2011-01-14 2012-07-19 Wet Trust Purification d'eau
CN104089522A (zh) * 2014-07-08 2014-10-08 西安交通大学 一种用于冷却塔的水汽回收处理系统
EP2991933A4 (fr) * 2013-05-01 2016-12-14 Nch Corp Système et procédé permettant de traiter des hydrosystèmes avec une décharge de tension élevée et de l'ozone
US9932252B2 (en) 2013-05-01 2018-04-03 Nch Corporation System and method for treating water systems with high voltage discharge and ozone
CN112992488A (zh) * 2021-03-22 2021-06-18 保定天威保变电气股份有限公司 一种内循环水冷却系统柔直变压器冷却方法
US11180398B2 (en) 2019-06-11 2021-11-23 International Business Machines Corporation Deionized-water cooling for electrical equipment

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US4172786A (en) * 1978-09-29 1979-10-30 Nasa Ozonation of cooling tower waters
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Cited By (22)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6207060B1 (en) 1999-03-05 2001-03-27 Enproamerica, Inc. Method for treating water to be provided to an animal
US7052600B2 (en) 1999-03-05 2006-05-30 Enproamerica, Inc. Apparatus for treating water
WO2001090001A1 (fr) * 2000-05-19 2001-11-29 Watermaid Pty. Ltd. Entretien d'une tour de refroidissement
AU2001252029B2 (en) * 2000-05-19 2004-09-23 Watermaid Pty. Ltd. Cooling tower maintenance
US6716340B2 (en) 2001-02-12 2004-04-06 Will Craig Meyer Water treatment system
WO2003040043A1 (fr) * 2001-10-23 2003-05-15 Drexel University Procede et appareil de traitement de l'eau
US7244360B2 (en) 2001-10-23 2007-07-17 Drexel University Water treatment process
US7377983B2 (en) 2004-11-04 2008-05-27 The Clorox Company Prevention of deposits on ceramics
EP1914206A1 (fr) * 2006-10-20 2008-04-23 Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. Système pour l'elimination du tartre
CN103459328A (zh) * 2011-01-14 2013-12-18 韦特特拉斯特 水的净化
WO2012095828A1 (fr) * 2011-01-14 2012-07-19 Wet Trust Purification d'eau
AU2012206277B2 (en) * 2011-01-14 2016-08-04 Wet Trust Water purification
RU2602110C2 (ru) * 2011-01-14 2016-11-10 Вэт Траст Способ и устройство для очистки воды
EP2991933A4 (fr) * 2013-05-01 2016-12-14 Nch Corp Système et procédé permettant de traiter des hydrosystèmes avec une décharge de tension élevée et de l'ozone
US9868653B2 (en) 2013-05-01 2018-01-16 Nch Corporation System and method for treating water systems with high voltage discharge and ozone
US9932252B2 (en) 2013-05-01 2018-04-03 Nch Corporation System and method for treating water systems with high voltage discharge and ozone
US10023478B2 (en) 2013-05-01 2018-07-17 Nch Corporation System and method for treating water systems with high voltage discharge and ozone
EP3536671A1 (fr) * 2013-05-01 2019-09-11 NCH Corporation Procédé de traitement de l'eau par décharge haute tension
US10934182B2 (en) 2013-05-01 2021-03-02 Nch Corporation System and method for treating water systems with high voltage discharge and ozone
CN104089522A (zh) * 2014-07-08 2014-10-08 西安交通大学 一种用于冷却塔的水汽回收处理系统
US11180398B2 (en) 2019-06-11 2021-11-23 International Business Machines Corporation Deionized-water cooling for electrical equipment
CN112992488A (zh) * 2021-03-22 2021-06-18 保定天威保变电气股份有限公司 一种内循环水冷却系统柔直变压器冷却方法

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