Technical manual: Water treatment in industrial cooling systems

Technical analysis: Cooling water treatment: biocide dosing, corrosion coupon analysis, and blowdown optimization

Технічний посібник: Обробка води в промислових системах охолодження - UNITEC-D Industrial MRO
Практичний посібник для техніків з обслуговування систем охолодження: дозування хімії, аналіз корозії та налаштування продувки для оптимізації роботи обладнання.

1. Scope of application

This manual establishes maintenance procedures for cooling systems, including biocide dosing, corrosion sample analysis, and purging management. Adherence to these guidelines is critical to preventing scaling, corrosion, and microbiological contamination in closed and open cooling systems.

2. Safety measures

WARNING: Working with chemical reagents is dangerous. Use personal protective equipment (PPE): chemically resistant gloves (nitrile), safety glasses, an apron and special shoes. Read the Material Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all biocides and inhibitors before starting work.

DANGER: Perform a Lockout/Tagout procedure before servicing dosing pumps, purge valves, or when handling corrosive samples under pressure. Depressurize the system to zero before disconnecting any lines.

3. Tools and materials

Name of the toolSpecificationQuantity
Gas wrench / Socket wrenchUp to 300 mm2
Torque wrench5-30 Nm1
Portable photometerFor Cl, Br, P analysis1
Conductometer0-10000 μS/cm1
Kit for cleaning couponsBrush, cleaner1

4. Pre-technical inspection

ElementVerificationCriteria (Accept/Reject)Notes
Dosing pumpsLeakage, oil levelNo leaks / Normal levelCheck the tightness of the hoses
Purge valveWorking conditionFull opening/closingCheck the response time
Reagent containerLevelLevel > 20%Top up if necessary

5. Step-by-step procedure

5.1 Dosage of biocides

  1. Check the level of concentration of microorganisms in the water (test strips or ATP test).
  2. Adjust the frequency of strokes of the dosing pump in accordance with the technical regulations (typically 50-80 strokes/min).
  3. Error: Do not check biocide compatibility with other reagents.
  4. Open the shut-off valve on the injection line.

5.2 Analysis of corrosion samples (coupons)

  1. Close the isolation valves on the bypass of the corrosion rack.
  2. Release the pressure gradually (maximum 0.5 bar before opening).
  3. Remove the sample, clean it according to ISO 8044, weigh to the nearest 0.1 mg.
  4. Install a new sample, tighten the fasteners with a torque of 15-20 Nm.
  5. Error: Tightening fasteners without a torque wrench.

5.3 Optimization of purging

  1. Measure the electrical conductivity of the water in the system.
  2. Set the limit value according to the pipe materials (eg 1500-2000 µS/cm for carbon steel).
  3. Adjust the purge valve to automatically maintain the set conductivity.

6. Inspection after maintenance

TestExpected resultActual resultStatus
Sealing of connectionsNo drops--
Feed reagentSteady flow--
ConductivityWithin setpoint--

7. Troubleshooting

SymptomProbable causeaction
High corrosionLow inhibitor concentrationIncrease dosage, check P level
Biological plaqueIneffective biocideChange the type of biocide (alternative)
ScumHigh concentration of saltsIncrease the intensity of purging

8. Maintenance schedule

The taskFrequencytimeSkill level
Measurement of conductivityEvery day10 minOperator
Dosage of biocidesAccording to the schedule30 minTechnician
Analysis of couponsEvery month1 hourEngineer

9. Spare parts

DescriptionSpecificationUNITEC-D category
Dosing pumpMembrane, 10 l/hDosing systems
Purge valveSolenoid, 1/2''Armature
Corrosion samplesCarbon steel / CopperMeasuring equipment

Order the required components at https://www.unitecd.com/e-catalog/

10. Links

  • ISO 8044: Corrosion of metals and alloys.
  • Water quality standards for industrial purposes.

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