Thursday, September 15, 2011

Purified Water

Industrial, biological, and pharmaceutical applications require high purity of water in their processes. Although purification can be done by different process, distillation and deionization remain the most popular. Both involve removal of mineral ions like sodium, iron, calcium, copper, bromide, and chloride, although the processes are different.

Deionization, also known as demineralization, uses ion exchange resins that bind and filter mineral salts from water. This process prevents scale buildup because majority of impurities removed are dissolved salts. Deionization however does not remove uncharged organic molecules, viruses, or bacteria unless when trapped in the resin by chance.

On the other hand, distillation involves boiling the water and subsequently condensing the steam. Water is demineralized but microorganisms are eliminated as well. Distilled water has an electrical conductivity of not more than 10 µS/cm and total dissolved solids of more than 10mg/liter.

Applications:
  • Laboratory experiments
  • Top up lead-acid batteries for cars and trucks.
  • Automotive cooling systems
  • Carwash and house cleaner
  • Fresh water and marine aquariums
  • Water-fog fire-extinguishing systems for sensitive environments
  • Cosmetic component
  • Drug ingredient
  • High voltage dielectric for pulsed power applications
References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_distilled_water

http://www.ehow.com/about_5420891_deionized-vs-distilled-water.html

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Pump Skids

A pump skid is a low, detachable platform usually mounted close to the heater, which consists of pumps, valves, strainers, filters, gauges, piping, controls, and status lights. Pump skids are typically used in systems that are in continuous operation and cannot be shut down for maintenance, so backup pumps are incorporated. Units are pre-piped, prewired, and pre-tested before being installed on a structural steel skid for faster and efficient set up.

For customization of pump skids, QualiChem Technologies can set it up for you depending on your design preferences. We have partnered with multiple distributors and trusted engineering firms that can assist on your diverse needs and can give you expert recommendations as well. You have the option of sending your design preferences to us, or one of our trusted personnel will visit your site to give a skilled assessment. Here are some of the packages and installments that we can do:

2-Pump Basic Skid Package



BoosterpaQ Install



CR Pump Install



BoosterpaQ Custom Install



BoosterpaQ Municipile Application


Municipile Pump Package


Skid System


Metering Skids



Here in QualiChem Technologies, no project is too big or too small. Yours is our topmost priority! For inquiries, call (800)658-7716.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Role of Chemical Compounds in Boiler Maintenance

Boilers and their assembly of system should be well maintained in order to keep them moving efficiently and to prolong their lifespan. People die from accidents every year resulting from a poorly maintained water treatment system. It is even said that a typical 30-gallon home water boiler has enough energy to throw a 2,000 pound car up a hundred feet in the air if the system disastrously fails. Some companies tend to be delinquent with maintenance and approach the issue reactively. Evaluation and repairs are only made when a failure is seen in the system. In effect, expenses are raised, especially with labor and overtime. Anticipating and remedying problems proactively before conditions aggravate are the best approaches to save lives and expenditures. Part of these approaches is through the application of boiler  chemicals. Boiler chemicals are composed of different compounds, depending on the boiler type, that are applied regularly to keep system in top shape. Some of them are blended in different formulations, but some are composed only of one specific type to cater to a specific need.

Alkalis are used to boost boiler water pH to 10.5. An alkali will ensure the reduction of corrosion rate, maintain a 3:1 ratio of total alkalinity to silica to avoid boiler plating, and allow polymer to react with calcium.

Amines are used to boost the condensate pH range to 7.8-8.7, reducing the overall steam system corrosion rates. When steam is generated, carbonic acid forms, which will render the steam acidic. A low pH will result in excessive condensate pipe corrosion. Amines are volatile and increase the condensate pH immediately when it is introduced into the steam header or boiler water.

Phosphates and polymers are used to keep calcium in solution and keep scale from developing. Phosphate treatment must be done daily to release accumulated calcium. Failure to do so will cause build-up, which in turn will lead to scaling. This will decrease boiler efficiency and will drastically increase your fuel cost. After introduction of the compound to the boiler water, polymer attaches itself to the calcium ions to be able to exit the system either through the surface or the bottom blowdown.

Sulfites are used to remove oxygen, another cause of corrosion. Dissolved oxygen enters boiler either in make-up water or as sucked air into the system. It is extremely corrosive to the tubes, and build-up will form localized pits, resulting in premature tube failure in the long run. A sulfite residual of 20 to 40 ppm. must be maintained in your boiler system.

References:
Ezine - http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Purpose-of-Boiler-Chemicals&id=3792536

P.C. McKenzie Company - http://www.mckenziecorp.com/boiler_maintenance.htm