Theoretically, the maximum hardness-removal capacity of a water softener can be calculated from the grains of hardness of the water to be softened, the volume of resin, and the resin capacity expressed in grains/gallon. The actual capacity of a water softener may be impacted by many factors:

It’s that time of year when seasonal boilers should be prepared for the heating season. Before flipping that power switch to the “ON” position, however, the entire steam distribution and condensate return system needs to be surveyed to ensure it is ready for safe and successful operation.

By design, recirculating aerated water cascades through cooling towers to extract unwanted heat to the atmosphere. When foaming occurs, it can have negative impacts on both the cooling tower system and the surrounding environment. Foaming can not only confuse sensors and damage nearby equipment and car paint, it can also serve as a carrier for Legionella bacteria. Cooling water can foam due to a multitude of reasons. In some cases, it is even the result of a combination of factors. Some reasons cooling tower foaming may occur include:

Cooling towers, steam boilers, and recirculating closed loop systems require effective water treatment chemistry for reliable and efficient operation. Liquid treatment chemicals are traditionally used because they are easier to manufacture and add to systems, but liquids aren’t always the best fit and present safety and environmental concerns that are often overlooked.

Where there is water, there is life. This includes cooling, chilled, process, and drinking water systems that facilities use every day. This life not only exists within the bulk water but sets up home on the surfaces of the water-related equipment, such as heat exchangers, piping, and basin walls. We call this deposit biofilm.

The quality of water entering a boiler, cooling, or process system can have a significant impact on water, energy, and system efficiency. Raw makeup water can come with many different types of impurities, including dissolved and suspended solids, which can lead to energy-robbing scale deposits and equipment-damaging corrosion. Pretreatment equipment removes unwanted impurities from raw makeup water before they can cause problems in industrial water systems.

For decades, Chem-Aqua has provided custom treatment programs that solve waterside problems and make water systems more efficient. With representation in over 50 countries across the globe, we provide programs for water systems in manufacturing, food and beverage, healthcare, data centers, educational, office, government, and hospitality facilities.

Return on investment for a sustainable operation is linked to energy and water savings and ultimately the water treatment program. With increasing energy costs and water scarcity concerns, more than ever, pressure is being placed on facility managers to find ways to reduce usage.
An effective water treatment program is a critical part of the preventative maintenance of boiler and cooling systems. In many cases, the water treatment program can be engineered to improve energy and water efficiency, reduce chemical usage, and optimize results. Automating blowdown, chemical feed and control, and other treatment processes can effectively help make a water treatment program more sustainable.

Water and energy go hand in hand. It takes energy to pump, treat, heat, and cool water for boiler and cooling systems. Not only can optimizing water usage help minimize energy usage, but managing scale deposits, corrosion, and biofilms also play a role in energy demands.

Boiler and cooling water systems require substantial amounts of energy to run our modern-day world. Proper water management can help reduce and optimize these energy demands. Multiple strategies are available to help meet energy-saving objectives, including optimizing water chemistry, improved pretreatment, preventing scale deposits, reducing water waste, and equipment maintenance.

Water is an ultimate sustainable resource. The hydrologic cycle works to continuously return water to nature for reuse. The challenge is to find enough usable water without overtaxing nature’s ability to replenish the local water supply. 

As a large consumer of fresh water, boiler and cooling systems are obvious targets for water conservation efforts. When properly managed, reducing water usage for these systems can have the added benefit of reducing the total costs of operation. There are multiple strategies to help meet water-saving objectives, including management and control of water chemistry, makeup water pretreatment, use of alternative water sources, and equipment maintenance.