Water is of vital importance in industrial processes. The use of water in many areas—such as steam boilers, cooling systems, drinking water supply, and production lines—is one of the factors that directly affects efficiency. However, the quality and composition of water are among the most critical factors determining the success of these processes. This is where water treatment comes into play; by improving certain properties of the water, it ensures that systems operate efficiently and safely.
What Is Water Conditioning?
Water treatment is the process of removing or regulating unwanted substances (minerals, contaminants, organic compounds, etc.) from water. This process ensures that the water is optimized for its intended use. Since water used in industrial facilities typically contains various contaminants and minerals, water treatment is of great importance for increasing system efficiency and extending the service life of equipment.
Water Treatment Methods
- Water Softening One of the most common problems with industrial water is water hardness. Hard water contains minerals such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals accumulate, particularly in steam boilers and piping systems, leading to scale buildup. Scale deposits hinder heat transfer, reduce efficiency, and can cause equipment failure. The water softening process reduces water hardness by removing these minerals, ensuring that systems operate efficiently. This process is typically carried out using ion-exchange resins.
- Chemical Dosage As part of the water treatment process, chemicals may be added to the water. These chemicals include deoxidizers, scale inhibitors, and preservatives. Oxygen scavengers prevent dissolved oxygen in the water from damaging metal surfaces, thereby reducing the risk of corrosion. Scale inhibitors prevent scale formation by preventing minerals from accumulating as the water evaporates. Additionally, disinfectants may be used to remove biological contaminants from the system.
- Filtration and Ultrafiltration Physical contaminants in water—such as rust, sand, sediment, and other foreign substances—reduce water quality. These types of contaminants can be removed using filtration methods. Filtration systems clean the water while allowing systems to operate properly without altering the water’s properties. Ultrafiltration, on the other hand, is a highly efficient water treatment method that removes even the finest particles.
- pH Balancing The pH level of water is also important in industrial systems. Water that is too acidic or alkaline can damage systems and shorten the lifespan of equipment. During the water treatment process, the pH level can be adjusted as needed. This prevents acidic or alkaline reactions and protects metal surfaces in the system from damage.
Benefits of Water Treatment in Industrial Systems
Water treatment not only improves water quality but also increases efficiency in industrial facilities and delivers long-term cost savings. Here are the main benefits of water treatment:
- Energy Efficiency: Softened water and properly treated water ensure that systems operate efficiently. For example, preventing scale buildup in steam boilers helps improve heat transfer efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
- Equipment Protection and Extended Service Life: Water treatment extends the service life of systems by reducing corrosion and wear. This reduces maintenance and repair costs.
- Low Maintenance Costs: Treated water prevents clogs and malfunctions in systems, which reduces the need for regular maintenance.
- Environmentally Friendly Solutions: Water treatment is an effective method for reducing environmental impacts. Keeping pollutant emissions under control and using water efficiently enhances sustainability.
Water Treatment and Sustainability
Industrial water treatment not only provides economic benefits; it is also of great importance in terms of environmental sustainability. In today’s world, where water resources are limited, proper water management, conservation, and reuse are of great importance. Water treatment systems ensure the efficient use of water and minimize waste. This directly contributes to reducing environmental impacts.
Water Treatment Products and Solutions
Cemkimsan increases efficiency in industrial systems and prevents water-related problems by providing water treatment chemicals and water treatment programs. By using appropriate protective chemicals and developing customized solutions for specific systems, Cemkimsan improves water quality and ensures the efficient operation of systems. As a result, energy consumption is reduced and maintenance costs are lowered, ensuring that systems operate efficiently and have a long service life.
In addition, Cemkimsan’s water treatment solutions minimize environmental impacts. The efficient use and recovery of industrial water help reduce water consumption and achieve sustainability goals. Modern water treatment techniques ensure that water purity and quality are continuously monitored, thereby preventing potential malfunctions and blockages. This ensures that facilities operate more safely and without interruption.
The professional services offered by Cemkimsan also play a significant role in helping businesses consume less energy and reduce their carbon emissions by improving energy efficiency. This not only lowers costs but also supports environmentally friendly business practices.
Some of the water treatment products we have developed at Cemkimsan Kimya and manufacture at our plants include:
Cefopol 1080: A multifunctional boiler water treatment chemical.
Cemolin 1080: An NSF-certified boiler descaling chemical suitable for use in food production.
C-SCALANT 2005:A membrane protection product. It prevents membrane clogging or capacity loss and extends their useful service life.
C-SCALANT 1085:A membrane protection product. It prevents membrane clogging or capacity loss and extends the useful service life of the membranes. Suitable for use in drinking water production facilities. NSF certified.
CK 229: A phosphonate-based water treatment chemical used for scale and corrosion control in open and semi-open cooling towers.
C BIOCIDE 886: A biocide designed for controlling microorganisms in industrial process water in open cooling towers.
CK-42:Corrosion inhibitor for closed-loop heating and cooling systems.
CK-13:Corrosion inhibitor for closed-loopheating and cooling systems.
Hakan ÇOBAN
Chemical Engineer
Water Treatment Consultant
Source:
Boyce, M. E., & L. D. Williams. (2016). Water Treatment for Industrial Processes. Springer.
http://dspace.yildiz.edu.tr/xmlui/bitstream/handle/1/10398/0042247.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
TMMOB Chamber of Chemical Engineers Water Handbook
Cemkimsan Chemistry Lecture Notes