What is Industrial Water Treatment? Why is Industrial Water Treatment Necessary?
What is Industrial Water Treatment
Industrial water treatment is not the same as general wastewater treatment. On the contrary, what we often treat is not wastewater, but normal water that can be reused. This water comes from various sources, such as surface water, river water, and treated domestic wastewater (commonly referred to as reclaimed water). These are collectively called make-up water. Once the make-up water enters the factory's cooling system, it becomes the circulating water we commonly refer to, and its main function is cooling. Most factory cooling systems are open-loop systems, meaning part of the water is exposed to the air. The part of the circulating water exposed to the air (typically a cooling tower where the heated circulating water is cooled) tends to evaporate over time, becoming polluted with dust, bacteria, and algae, among other issues. Water treatment aims to minimize these impacts.
Why Do We Need Industrial Water Treatment
In the make-up water we use, regardless of its source, the most common cation is Ca+, and the most common anion is HCO3- or sulfate. When these ions have a high concentration, they can form calcium carbonate or calcium sulfate scale, with calcium carbonate being more common (yes, the same type of scale that forms in your kettle). The deposition of these scales reduces the heat exchange efficiency of heat exchangers. More seriously, it promotes the growth of certain bacteria, such as iron bacteria, leading to corrosion and perforation of pipes, causing leaks. Meanwhile, as the water evaporates, the concentration of various ions gradually increases, which can also lead to structural changes or corrosion. After treatment, circulating water can help reduce scaling, lower corrosion, and inhibit bacterial and algal growth even as ion concentrations increase.
