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Understanding Industrial Water Quality Standards for Cooling Towers: The Key to Preventing Future Problems

Water is vital for your cooling tower and cooling system. However, not all water is created equal.

Why Must Industrial Water Standards Be Strict?

Cooling towers operate under extreme conditions that accelerate harmful chemical reactions. Without proper control of water parameters, three major problems will arise:

  1. Scaling: Dissolved minerals precipitate to form a hard layer on equipment surfaces.

  2. Corrosion: Metal components rust and deteriorate.

  3. Microbiological Growth: Bacteria and algae growth clogs the system.

Critical Parameters and Solutions:

1. TDS (Total Dissolved Solids)

  • Why it is important: Measures the total dissolved solids in water.

  • Impact of excess: Scaling, corrosion, and foaming.

  • Solution: Regular blowdown to control the concentration cycle.

2. Total Hardness (Calcium & Magnesium Ions)

  • Chemical Formula: Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺

  • Damage Mechanism: Forms calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) scale through the reaction: Ca²⁺ + 2HCO₃⁻ → CaCO₃↓ + CO₂ + H₂O

  • Solution: Water softener, scale inhibitor, pH control

3. Total Alkalinity (Bicarbonate)

  • Chemical Formula: HCO₃⁻, CO₃²⁻

  • Impact: High alkalinity promotes scale formation

  • Solution: Controlled use of sulphuric acid, regular blowdown

4. Silica (SiO₂)

  • Damage Mechanism: Forms very hard silicate scale through the reaction: Ca²⁺ + SiO₃²⁻ → CaSiO₃↓

  • Solution: Limit concentration cycles, use special inhibitors

5. Chloride (Cl⁻)

  • Corrosion Impact: Causes pitting corrosion on metals

  • Solution: Use corrosion-resistant materials, control concentration

6. Iron and Manganese (Fe & Mn)

  • Precipitation Mechanism: Oxidised into iron oxide crust: 4Fe²⁺ + 3O₂ → 2Fe₂O₃↓

  • Solution: Filtration, corrosion inhibitors, good make-up water source

7. Total Suspended Solids (TSS)

  • Impact: Forms sludge and fouling

  • Solution: Side-stream filtration, controlled blowdown

Conclusion:

Ignoring industrial water quality standards results in:

  • Inflated energy costs

  • High repair costs

  • Costly production downtime

  • Health risks due to Legionella bacteria

JSI provides comprehensive solutions:

  • Complete water consultation and analysis

  • Customised water treatment programmes

  • Regular monitoring and maintenance

Call to Action:

Schedule a free water analysis today and receive tailored solution recommendations for your system.