The Problem
The formation of hard water scale in piping networks of cooling circuits and heat exchanger reduces the internal diameter of the pipes by the formation of insulating layers of scale, resulting in costly maintenance, increased energy costs, production down-time, and equipment deterioration.
The application of chemicals for the reduction of scale is not always economical and is, on occasion, prohibited. For example, in the Food Industry the application of chemicals is limited, particularly as the purity of the water may not be altered. In addition, the application of chemicals in water treatment often involves high investment, and operational, maintenance and servicing costs.
Fuel consumption will depend on the thickness of the scale
Scale reduces heat transfer resulting in increased energy use. The use of acids and other corrosive products may be necessary to remove this scale. Other important factors to be taken into account will be :
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work stoppage
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production losses
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damage to equipment