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As one might suspect, adjusting
to new NPDES guidelines is not
always simple or inexpensive.
issues with the technology in actual application. These include:
•
•
Some standard cooling tower chemicals may foul the UF membranes.
° The membrane manufacturer and type greatly influence this
phenomenon.
° Use of upstream multimedia filters to help remove the chemicals
may be completely ineffective.
Use of poor-quality backwash water for the UF membranes may
result in scaling of the effluent surface of the membranes.
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Even when the system outlined in Figure 2 operates steadily, a waste
stream still remains and must be disposed. Potential solutions include:
•
•
•
•
Deep well injection
Evaporation pond(s)
Thermal evaporation/crystallization
Have the material transported off-site to a waste disposal firm
Any of these techniques may be easier said than done. Deep-well
injection and evaporation ponds require environmental evaluations and
the required permits before implementation. Permission may not be
granted. Also, deep-well injection has its own set of technical issues,
including the need to pump the material at high pressure into the
well(s) and the possibility of scale formation within the well casing,
particularly as temperatures increase deeper underground.
Thermal evaporation/crystallization is a proven technology, but these
systems typically require a significant amount of energy, plus they can be
labor- and maintenance-intensive. Some plant personnel have thus opted for
the last option on the above list and have installed a large-capacity storage
tank from which the wastewater can be trucked to a disposal facility.
The upshot of this discussion is that plant personnel are facing tighter
restrictions on waste stream discharges (include air in this category)
and thus will have to plan accordingly.
References
1. B. Buecker, "Cooling Towers: Modern Concepts"; Energy-Tech, April 2013.
2. Buecker, B., Post, R., P.E., and R. Aull, P.E., "Chemical Treatment and Fill Selection Methods to
Minimize Scaling/Fouling in Cooling Towers"; from the Proceedings of the 72nd Annual International Water
Conference, November 13-17, 2011, Orlando, Florida.
We have been the
leader in the package
wastewater treatment
plant field for over
40 years.
Contact us today for
sales representation
opportunities that may
be available in your
area.
CALL US TODAY AT
(859) 371 9898
Brad Buecker is a process specialist with Kiewit Power Engineers in Lenexa, KS. He has 32
years of direct and consulting experience to the power industry in the areas of water treatment,
steam generation chemistry, and air pollution control.
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