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

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.

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

Isothiazolin

Isothiazolin is an organic heterocyclic compound from the azole class, which contains a five-membered aromatic ring composing of three carbon atoms, one nitrogen atom, and one sulfur atom. Its official IUPAC name is 1,2-thiazol-3-one, and is also called isothiazolinone, isothiazolin-3-one, and 3(2H)-
isothiazolone. Isothiazolin has a molecular mass of 101.13 g/mol. Its derivatives are used as biocides including methylisothiazolinone, chloromethylisothiazolinone, benzisothiazolinone, octylisothiazolinone,
and dichlorooctylisothiazolinone.

Isothiazolins are used for water systems, fuel tanks, oil extraction systems, wood preservation, and antifouling processes as antimicrobial agents. It is non-oxidizing and commonly used in 1.5 percent formulation – an excellent broad-spectrum microbiocide over a wide range of pH level in cooling water
and closed-loop systems. It is non-foaming and is compatible with halogen biocides.

Isothiazolin is usually shot-fed directly from the shipping container at a minimum of 150 ppm. Specific treatment control levels are dependent on a system’s conditions. Tanks, pumps, pipings, and valves to be treated should be made of stainless steel, polyethylene, or PVC to avoid galvanic corrosion, as isothiazolin contains a small amount of copper. To ensure efficiency, oxidizers like sodium hypochlorite should also be applied to the water system alternately with isothiazolin.

Bacterial development in water systems should be monitored as well. The maximum limit of bacterial count should only reach 10,000 or less. To determine microorganism count objectively and quantitatively, dipslide technique should be done. Dip the slides in water for five seconds and wait for
24 hours to observe. Appearance of red dotes on the slides is indicative of bacterial colony presence. After treatment of the system, a chlorine test will now validate if treatment is successful or not.

Isothiazolin products are available at QualiChem Technologies. Acticide WP is developed to protect water systems against microorganisms, and contains unique non-metal salts stabilizing system. Product is free from organic solvents and formaldehyde. Acticide GA-W contains 5% bronopol, specifically
designed for SRB control and protection against bacterial and fungal spoilage. Product is free from organic solvents as well. Both are available in 55 gallons and are ready to be delivered.

References:

Ezine - http://ezinearticles.com/?Isothiazolin-Uses-For-Controlling-Bacteria-and-Legionella-in-Cooling-
Water-Systems&id=3793167

Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isothiazolinone

Brine Chiller Corrosion Inhibitor

Brine chillers provide heat transfer for food products, particularly milk, brew, and processed meat. The system provides faster heat conduction, uniform temperature reduction, and precise cooling control. High volume of brine also provides temperature uniformity which lowers production costs and lengthens product shelf-life.

Like other metal systems, brine chillers are prone to corrosion. Corrosion is the degradation of metal in its natural state due to various chemical reactions in its environment (i.e. metal disintegrating to its original ore). Various condition can contribute and aggravate corrosion, especially with closed loop systems like brine chillers.

There are six main types of corrosion, five of which are present in closed loop systems namely:

1. Galvanic corrosion (also called bimetallic corrosion) – an electrochemical process in which one metal corrodes with another when both are in contact and immersed in an electrolyte.
2. Oxidation corrosion – due to high oxygen saturation in the system.
3. Erosion corrosion – occurs in systems that has high flow rate and are contaminated with unwanted material on surfaces, especially in aquatic environment.
4. Uniform corrosion – due to high acidity, normally seen in glycol and brine systems.
5. Stress cracking corrosion – occurs due to high chlorine content.
6. Microbiologically-induced corrosion – due to biofouling in the system. Microorganisms, algae, and other living materials accumulate especially on soaked structures.

Chiller circuit corrosion affects business operation which can result to capital loss. Rust conducts heat and electricity poorly and can decrease cooling capacity in turn. It also tends to contaminate fluids/antifreeze coolants and plugs tube. Rust flakes are also abrasive and cause further erosion of metal system, thereby reducing flow rate.

In the long run, excessive corrosion or metal cavitation can cause leaks and burst of heat exchangers. In cases of beverage, brewery, or milk food refrigeration, these leaks can also cause product contamination.

Brine Chillers use corrosion inhibitors to minimize metal system degradation. Cooling Water Chemical 1609 of Chemicals Direct is an organic closed water system treatment program. Product contains a combination of phosphonate, polymer, and azole formulated to minimize corrosion and deposition. Cooling Water Chemical 1609 is designed for calcium chloride brine closed systems and suitable for ice rinks as well. 5 gallons of product can treat 350 gallons of fresh brine solution.

Features:

• Effective corrosion control
• Extends equipment life
• Improves overall equipment efficiency
• Non-nitrite, non-molybdate based
• Protects multiple metallurgies 
• Effective in both hot and cold brine systems

*A maintenance solution of 240 to 360 ppm. of phosphonate is recommended. Every 100 ppm. of product fed yields 2.25 ppm. of active phosphonate as HPA.

Boiler Corrosion Inhibitors

A corrosion inhibitor is any chemical compound that lessens the corrosion rate of metals or alloys when added to a liquid or gas solution. The National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) further defines it as a “substance which retards corrosion when added to an environment in small concentrations”. The efficiency of corrosion inhibitor is caused by various factors including but not limited to: fluid composition, water quantity, and flow regime. A high efficiency (90%-99%) is guaranteed if the correct inhibitor and quantity are chosen.

Corrosion inhibitor works in several ways. One chemical mechanism is passivation, or the formation of a thin film on the surface of a material that inhibits contact of the corrosive substance -- preventing either oxidation or reduction. In cases of corroding materials, mechanism is done either through adsorption -- as a thin film on the surface of a metal, or scavenging -- inactivation of the dissolved oxygen. A lot of corrosion inhibitors are available in the market which includes hexamine, benzotriazole, phenylenediamine, diamethylethanolamine, polyaniline, nitrites, nitrates, cinnamaldehyde, chromates, phosphates, hydrazine, ascorbic acids, condensation products of aldehydes and amines, and a lot more. The suitability of a chemical to inhibit is dependent on the material of the system that they have to act in, the nature of the substances that they are added into, and their operating temperature. Failure to use a boiler corrosion inhibitor may lead to premature failure and excessive corrosion to the water system. 

Boiler Water

Boiler Water Chemicals are used to minimize water usage and to reduce energy costs.  Proper boiler water chemical use is important to ensure a successful  water treatment program.

Cooling Water Chemicals are used reduce water usage.  Proper cooling water chemical selection is important to ensure you minimize water usage, reduce corrosion rates, and minimize scaling tendencies.