Examples of Cooling Water Additives

Examples of Cooling Water Additives

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Water cooling systems, like any space that contains a lot of water, are susceptible to many types of issues. Just as fish tanks require frequent filtration and chemical additives to maintain stable conditions, and make sure the fish remain healthy, cooling water requires treatment to prevent living creatures from growing. 

There are hundreds of chemical additions that may be incorporated into water to keep it healthy. In this blog post, we’ll examine the types of additives and the problems they address. 

Examples of Cooling Water Additives 

Many different categories of additives are used to keep cooling water safe. These types and a few examples include… 

Oxidizing biocides = chlorine, bromine, ammonium 

Non-oxidizing biocides = carbamate, glutaraldehyde, guanides 

Corrosion inhibitors = zinc, nitrate, polyphosphates 

Scale inhibitors = polyphosphates, acrylate polymers, phosphonates 

pH adjusters = sodium carbonate, hydrochloric acid, magnesium hydroxide 

Water softeners = lime (calcium oxide), resin 

Many of these chemicals wear multiple hats, which often has to do with the roles that they play. For example, hard water and acidic conditions often lead to increased scaling, so scale inhibitors may work by lowering the pH to an acidity specifically intended to prevent a certain type of mineral from depositing.  

However, the pH of water also has impacts on biological activity, so they can be considered for several functions. 

Problems That Additives for Cooling Water Address 

Systems that rely on water for cooling may run into many different types of problems, though most can be described as types of fouling. Fouling refers to the build-up of extra deposits, which can prevent the system from working properly. Some examples of fouling, and other issues that additives address include… 

  • Corrosion 
  • Scaling 
  • Biofouling (bacteria, algae, fungus, other microorganisms) 

All these types of fouling can cause serious issues, like clogging, and a loss of efficiency. Biofouling can insulate the metals intended to transfer heat to the surrounding water, thus hindering the water’s ability to cool. 

Scaling, which refers to the deposit of minerals in solid or crystalline form, can congregate in smaller pipes and clog necessary water flow. Additionally, large amounts of scaling can lead to increased corrosion. Corrosion occurs when atoms in the water oxidize exposed metal, causing them to deteriorate. Corrosion also creates some scaling deposits, like iron oxide deposits from rusting iron. 

Looking for Some Effective & Eco-Friendly Chemical Additives? 

Making sure your cooling water system is uninhibited by buildup and corrosion is important for efficiency and safety. Ecolink is prepared to help provide effective chemicals for many of the potential problems that you may have.  

Please reach out to our chemical experts today for assistance finding the best chemicals for your industrial needs! 

What Are Some Anti-Algae Chemicals for Cooling Towers?

What Are Some Anti-Algae Chemicals for Cooling Towers?

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Algae is a simple plant and only needs a few things to prosper: water, sunlight, and nutrients like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. This simple recipe makes cooling towers an ideal place for algae to set up shop.  

However, accumulation can cause serious problems for the health and efficiency of systems, which is why an understanding of anti-algae chemicals for cooling towers is extremely important. 

Examples of Chemicals Used 

There are many anti-algae chemicals used to deter growth, and to remove that which has already grown. Some of these chemicals include: 

  • Carbamates 
  • Guanides 
  • Isothiazolines 
  • Sulfone 
  • Quaternary Ammonium 
  • Bis(tributyltin) oxide (TBTO) 
  • Terbuthylazine (TBZ) 
  • Tributyltetradecylphosphonium chloride (TTPC) 

The efficiency of these various chemicals often depends on the conditions of the cooling water. For example, isothiazolines are only effective in mostly acidic to slightly alkaline conditions (pH 6.5-9.0). Also, some of these chemicals are fine to mix with other biocides, such as chlorine, but others may lose effectiveness when used conjointly. For that reason, it is extremely important to look at all of the additives you are using to make sure they will work harmoniously with each other.  

Why Anti-Algae Chemicals Are Important 

Controlling the growth that occurs inside a cooling tower is very important for keeping the system working. Algae buildup can clog nozzles, pipes, pumps, and filters can quickly cause clogging that will prevent the proper flow of water. 

A coating of plant matter can also decrease the efficiency of heat transfer by insulating the cooling membranes. If you’ve ever touched metal on a hot day, then you are probably familiar with metal’s conductive ability, which is part of what makes cooling towers work so well. However, compare that to touching something fluffy or fuzzy, like grass or fabric. Those substances will not feel as hot, showing how they do not transfer heat easily. When algae or other microorganisms coat the metal in a cooling tower, the heat intended to move into the water will be trapped inside.  

Additionally, large growths of algae can lead to the accumulation of Legionella pneumophila, bacteria that thrive on the growth’s byproducts. Legionella is responsible for Legionnaires disease, a serious type of pneumonia that can be contracted by breathing in water droplets or ingesting water that contains the bacteria. While cooling towers are not usually situated near areas with lots of people, these water droplets can travel far, and their design makes the aeration of water easy.  

Interested in Anti-Algae Chemicals? 

Reducing microorganism growth in industrial machinery is extremely important for increasing the efficiency of the system and preventing damage. At Ecolink, we offer many of the chemicals suggested for algae control. For help with this issue, or any other industrial problem you might have, please reach out today!

What Is Trichloroethylene Used for?

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What is Trichloroethylene used for? Trichloroethylene, also known as TCE, is a popular organic solvent used in both industrial and commercial applications. However, TCE is becoming increasingly controversial due to the many negative health effects that come with exposure to this solvent.

Read on to learn more about what trichloroethylene is used for, and the safer alternatives that companies are switching to.

Industrial Uses for TCE 

Some of the industrial uses for TCE are as follows: 

Degreasing  

  • TCE is primarily used to degrease metal equipment and machinery. The solvent is particularly popular for vapor degreasing, as its non-flammability and high boiling point make it an effective grease remover.  

Refrigerant Manufacturing  

  • TCE is also used as raw material in the production of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants. 

Extraction Solvent  

  • In the textile industry, TCE is used as an extraction solvent to remove impurities, such as fats, waxes and oils, from certain fabrics like cotton and wool. 

Chemical Intermediate  

  • Mostly in the pharmaceutical industry, TCE is used as the chemical intermediate in the manufacturing of drugs.  

Trichloroethylene is also used as an ingredient in many household products, such as: 

  • Typewriter correction fluids 
  • Adhesives 
  • Lubricants 
  • Spot removers 
  • Paint removers 
  • Paint thinners 
  • Carpet cleaners  

Risks of Using TCE 

Though widely used in the United States, trichloroethylene use is being questioned by many companies and the public. The solvent poses many health risks to thousands of workers who are exposed to it:  

  • TCE increases the risk of certain cancers, such as liver cancer, kidney cancer and lymphoma. 
  • Moderate TCE exposure may cause dizziness, headaches, confusion, nausea, fatigue, eye irritation and respiratory irritation. 
  • High TCE exposure may cause damage to a fetus, kidneys, central nervous system, and the liver. It may also cause permanent cardiac issues, neurological damage, loss of coordination, memory loss, unconsciousness and potentially death.  

On top of exposing industrial workers to potentially serious adverse effects, the solvent is known to contaminate hundreds of drinking water sources in the country. Trichloroethylene can leak from industrial storage tanks and seep into groundwater, where it is not able to evaporate and accumulates over years. Spills from decades ago are still a concern in the present day.  

Because of the risks associated with trichloroethylene usage, green solvents are becoming increasingly popular at the industrial level. These solvents can ensure the protection of workers’ health, and the environment, and end up saving companies more money in the long run.  

Interested in Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Hazardous Chemicals? 

Ecolink is a chemical company that provides various eco-friendly low toxicity solvents for multiple industrial applications. We prioritize ensuring the safety of workers and the environment, while also ensuring effective performance.  

To learn more about how our products can help your business achieve its goals, reach out to us today for a free quote and consultation session! 

Is There Trichloroethylene in Drinking Water?

Is There Trichloroethylene in Drinking Water?

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Proper waste disposal, especially when handling hazardous chemicals, is extremely important to ensure the safety of the environment and all surrounding life. Unfortunately, toxic chemicals are not always disposed of correctly, and sometimes other factors, such as leaks from storage tanks or spills, can lead to the presence of contaminants in the environment.  

One example of an alarming chemical contaminant is trichloroethylene, or TCE, which has been found to contaminate groundwater and drinking water sources in various locations around the U.S.  

In 2015, TCE was found to contaminate the public water systems in 36 states, specifically about 300 water sources. 

What Is Trichloroethylene?

Trichloroethylene is an organic solvent that is mostly used industrially for degreasing metal equipment and machinery. Though its primary use is as a degreasing agent, the chemical is also used in other industrial and commercial applications, such as:  

  • Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant manufacturing 
  • Extraction solvent in the textile industry  
  • Pharmaceutical manufacturing  
  • Spot removers 
  • Paint remover additive 
  • Paint thinner additive 
  • Adhesive additive 
  • Lubricant additive  

Why Is Trichloroethylene in Drinking Water a Concern? 

TCE in drinking water is alarming because of the negative effects it may cause on a person’s health, particularly when ingested:  

  • TCE is a known carcinogen that may cause kidney cancer, liver cancer, or lymphoma.  
  • Moderate TCE exposure can cause dizziness, headaches, confusion, nausea, eye irritation, and/or respiratory irritation. 
  • High TCE exposure can cause kidney damage, liver damage, neurological damage, permanent cardiac issues, fetal damage, unconsciousness, and even death.  
  • The elderly and very young children are the most vulnerable to TCE health effects.  

While TCE usually evaporates quickly out of surface water, it can remain and accumulate in groundwater for years, where it is not able to evaporate. Many companies are now becoming aware of the long-term effects of TCE usage and have begun to switch to more sustainable and environmentally-friendly options.  

Interested in Eco-friendly Industrial Chemicals?  

Ecolink is proud to provide a selection of environmentally conscious, low toxicity chemicals for various industrial applications. Our products will ensure the protection of both workers’ health and the environment—without compromising on quality.  

To browse our wide selection of products, click here. Not sure which chemical is right for your company’s needs? Reach out to us today and one of our expert staff members will be happy to assist you!  

Why Are There Trichloroethylene Regulations?

Why Are There Trichloroethylene Regulation?

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Trichloroethylene, commonly referred to as TCE, has recently experienced a sudden increase in price. Though still widely used in the U.S. for various industrial applications, the solvent has been heavily regulated and even banned in certain countries.  

With the increase in prices and trichloroethylene regulations, this solvent is decreasing in popularity. 

TCE Uses 

Some of the commercial and industrial uses of the solvent are listed below:  

Degreasing  

  • About 80% of TCE usage is for the degreasing of metal equipment and machinery. The solvent is easily the most popular choice for vapor degreasing, as its desirable properties work effectively with vapor cleaning.  

Refrigerant Manufacturing  

  • The solvent is used in the production of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants  

Extraction Processes  

  • TCE is used as an extraction solvent in the textile industry, mainly for the removal of fats and oils from certain types of fabrics.  

Additive  

  • It is added to various consumer products, such as cleaning wipes, spot removers, paint removers, adhesives, lubricants, carpet cleaners, and typewriter correction fluids.  

Why Have There Been Heavy Trichloroethylene Regulation?  

Certain regulations, particularly for chemical usage, are put in place by the government to: 

  • Ensure the protection of human health  
  • Prevent negative health effects   
  • Prevent further pollution of air and water 

Though trichloroethylene is not a serious air pollutant or ozone depletion contributor, TCE has been shown to contaminate groundwater and drinking water sources for long periods of time, as a result of industrial storage tank leaks and improper chemical waste disposal.  

On top of contaminating the environment and affecting unsuspecting people, the solvent has long been known to expose workers to potentially serious health effects:   

  • TCE is a well-known carcinogen that can cause various types of cancer. 
  • Moderate exposure levels have been shown to potentially cause dizziness, headaches, nausea, confusion, fatigue, and respiratory irritation.  
  • High exposure levels can potentially cause damage to the central nervous system, kidneys, and/or liver. These levels may also cause permanent cardiac issues, endocrine changes, unconsciousness, coma, or even death.  

Are Trichloroethylene Regulation Effective?  

Though there are regulations and exposure limits in place to prevent adverse health effects to workers, they have not been the most effective preventative measures. Trichloroethylene continues to contaminate groundwater, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has even recognized that most of their exposure limits are outdated and have not adequately prevented all negative health effects.  

Looking for Safe Replacements for Hazardous Chemicals?  

If you are looking for environmentally conscious and high-quality industrial chemicals, then you are in the perfect place! Ecolink provides eco-friendly solvents that are safer for the environment and the health of all living beings. 

If you’re not sure which chemical is best for your company’s needs, then feel free to contact us today for assistance!