Applications of non-chemical electrotechnology to the operation of evaporative condensers.

ZETA CORPORATION - Biofouling and Corrosion Control for Commercial and Industrial Water Treatment.

protecting recirculating water systems
with the Zeta Rod™

INTRODUCTION

The Zeta Rod is a powerful device for maintaining water systems in a clean condition without causing corrosion. Even at high cycles of concentration the Zeta Rod keeps the condenser tubes and other surfaces free of scale with no chemical treatment. Corrosion levels measure well below target levels.

DATA COLLECTION AND RESULTS

A Zeta Rod System was installed on a new 50-ton evaporative condenser to evaluate corrosion on copper and soft steel coupons in the water downstream from the condenser. Studies of fouling, corrosion and water chemistry were conducted to qualify the Zeta Rod for widespread use in other cooling equipment installations at the college.

All tests were performed and data were collected and compiled independently by customer personnel, and corrosion measurements were conducted by an independent testing laboratory.

Measured Corrosion on Mild Steel and Copper.

Target maximum corrosion rates (Mils/year) - Mild Steel: 3.000 Copper: 1.000
Period Number of Days	Cycles of Concen- tration	Blowdown TDS (mS)	Mild Steel Mils/year	Copper Mils/year	Notes
18 Sept - 24 Oct 36 days	4 - 6	2400 - 3600	1.6855	0.1603
25 Oct - 4 Dec 40 days	8	4800	2.6799	0.0466	Some particles were noted on the coupon surfaces.
4 Dec - 15 Mar 101 days	8	4800	2.3433	0.0185	Some particles were noted on the coupon surfaces.
28 Mar - 4 Apr 33 days	8	4800	0.3908	0.1178	A fine mesh strainer was installed upstream of the coupons to remove particles.
30 Apr - 12 Jun 1997 43 days	12 - 16	7200 - 9600	0.1505	0.2545

SYSTEM DETAILS

Evaporative Condenser System: Frigidcoil 50-ton Model YEC-2-25
Average make-up water conductivity: 600mS
Zeta Rod System used: ZR18P (18" electrode), ZRPC Power Supply

SUMMARY

In this application, the cycles of concentration were taken to unusually high numbers. The unit is currently operating at 9 cycles of concentration without the use of any chemicals. To date, all surfaces of the unit are being kept free of scale and biofilm, while the corrosion levels are being kept well below the target levels. Additional Zeta Rod installations have been placed on the cooling tower, chillers, and plate-and-frame cooling systems at this location and the chemical water treatment system has been removed.

[HOME] [TOUR] [TECHNOLOGY] [APPLICATIONS]
[COMPANY] [SEARCH] [SITE MAP]