Conair Thermolator TW-S User Manual page 46

4-10 I O p e r a t i o n
Start-up
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Sys t em Fi l l Wa t er C hemis t r y Requir em ent s
The properties of water make it ideal for heat transfer applications. It is safe, non-flamma-
ble, non-poisonous, easy to handle, widely available, and inexpensive in most industrial-
ized areas.
When using water as a heat transfer fluid it is important to keep it within certain chemistry
limits to avoid unwanted side effects. Water is a "universal solvent" because it can dis-
solve many solid substances and absorb gases. As a result, water can cause the corrosion
of metals used in a cooling system. Often water is in an open system (exposed to air) and
when the water evaporates, the dissolved minerals remain in the process fluid. When the
concentration exceeds the solubility of some minerals, scale forms. The life giving proper-
ties of water can also encourage biological growth that can foul heat transfer surfaces.
To avoid the unwanted side effects associated with water cooling, proper chemical treat-
ment and preventive maintenance is required for continuous plant productivity.
Unwanted Side Effects of Improper Water Quality
• Corrosion
• Scale
• Fouling
• Biological Contamination
Cooling Water Chemistry Properties
• Electrical Conductivity
• pH
• Alkalinity
• Total Hardness
• Dissolved gases
The complex nature of water chemistry requires a specialist to evaluate and implement
appropriate sensing, measurement and treatment needed for satisfactory performance and
life. The recommendations of the specialist may include filtration, monitoring, treatment
and control devices. With the ever-changing regulations on water usage and treatment
chemicals, the information is usually up-to-date when a specialist in the industry is in-
volved. The table below shows the list of water characteristics and quality limitations.
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