Watertech's Polydose line of products are designed to improve the efficiency and maintenance of cooling water systems by utilizing both an inert tracer as well as tagged polymers. The inert tracer provides the ability to monitor the formula feed rate while the tagged polymer is used as a condition upset monitor. Together, the inert tracer and the tagged polymers are monitored by an in-line sensor to accurately measure what is happening in the system. Below are a few things to note about this innovative product:
KEY POINTS ABOUT TAGGED POLYMERS
- Role in Cooling Systems: Tagged polymers act as condition upset indicators. They allow for quick detection of system upsets to help prevent the accumulation of scale in the open recirculating cooling system and the subsequent reduced heat transfer efficiency.
- Fluorescence for Detection: Fluorescence is used to detect the inert tracer and the tagged polymers in cooling tower water. These tagged polymers emit light when exposed to a specific wavelength of light, and the intensity of the emitted light is directly proportional to the concentration of tagged polymers in the water.
- Dual Monitoring: The inert tracer or the tagged polymer alone does not tell the entire story. When used together, they can give a better picture of the overall health of the scale and deposit inhibition mechanism that neither would be able to do alone.
RECENT REPORT FROM A CUSTOMER SITE
A recent case in the field illustrates the importance of this technology: In a system utilizing both an inert PTSA tracer and tagged polymer a system upset was quickly identified. As seen in the graph below, the inert PTSA tracer level (blue) indicated that the overall feed rate of the Polydose product was in range. At the same time, the tagged polymer level (red) began to drop. This was either indicating a possible dirty sensor or a system upset. The fact that the PTSA reading did not change suggested it was not a fouled sensor. Testing with a handheld meter indicated that the sensor was reading both the PTSA and tagged polymer level accurately and was not in fact dirty. When the water quality was tested, the hardness levels were 5 times the normal level. Knowing this system was provided with soft water make up suggested that a water softener hard water upset had occurred which consumed most but not all of the tagged polymer. Watertech's pretreatment group was dispatched to service the water softener and repair a defective valve. Once the upset condition was resolved the tagged polymer level came back into normal range.
Had this problem gone undetected, it would have led to substantial scale buildup and a costly system shutdown, resulting in over $2 million in lost revenue. The rapid response made possible by fluorescent polymer tagging was indeed a game changer in this situation. Using the inert PTSA tracer alone, this may never have been found until it was too late. In addition, a hardness analyzer was installed on the outlet of the softener to further identify system upsets and immediately identify hard water make up.
ADVANTAGES OF FLUORESCENET-BASED DETECTION IN WATER TREATMENT INCLUDE:
- Quick Results: Fluorescence measurements provide quick identification of system upsets allowing operators to make timely corrective actions BEFORE it’s too late.
- Not Destructive: The technique doesn't alter the water sample, allowing for repeated measurements and long-term monitoring.
- Ease of Use: Fluorescence measurements are relatively simple and can be performed in the field with minimal sample preparation as well as with online sensors communicating with smart systems and cell modems for remote communication.
- Cost-Effective: Compared to some other methods which are much more time consuming, fluorescence measurements are cost-effective due to relatively low equipment and reagent costs and ease of use.
Overall, the use of tagged polymers in conjunction with fluorescence detection helps maintain the health and efficiency of cooling tower systems. Proper dosing of the scale and corrosion inhibitor as well as early detection of problems within the system prevents scale and fouling, controls microorganism growth, and reduces the risk of corrosion, ultimately extending the lifespan of cooling tower equipment.
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT TAGGED POLYMER? REACH OUT FOR MORE INFORMATION
If you have any questions or require more information about tagged polymers and how they can improve the efficiency of your cooling system, you can request a site survey, and one of our technical engineers will be happy to assist you.
Joe Russell President, Watertech of America, Inc
Joe began working with Watertech as a student and has been with the company for over 35 years. He is a graduate of The University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee’s school of Mechanical Engineering having received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1990. He currently serves on the Professional Advisory Board for the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee’s School of Freshwater Science.