Demonstration of a Mixed Oxide Process for Control of Corrosion and Microbiological Growth in Cooling Towers

摘要

The deterioration of heating and cooling systems is considered the top facility corrosion problem by Army facility managers, because heating and cooling services are mission-critical. Cooling towers are susceptible to fouling due to the buildup of algae and other microbiological growth, which can cause corrosion, reduce energy efficiency, and spread disease. A new process has been developed to replace chlorination in cooling water systems by generating an effective biocide on site using ordinary table salt (sodium chloride) and water in an electrolytic cell. Three cooling towers were treated with this technology at Corpus Christi Army Depot, TX, and a fourth tower was monitored without treatment as a control. The earliest data collected indicate that the pH and conductivity of the cooling tower water did not change significantly after the mixed oxidant generation system was implemented, so no water chemistry adjustments are necessary. Also, the level of microbial activity in the water remains at low pretreatment levels. The data from an independent analysis by the Illinois State Water Survey are not yet available. Data collection and analysis, both at the site and from samples sent to the water survey, will continue through December 2008.