Whilst the pandemic has led to a temporary downturn in industrial activity, it provides a good opportunity to review and update your cooling tower treatment in the context of the UN’s Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs). Evoqua is responding to these evolving water treatment demands with an ever-expanding portfolio of more sustainable solutions including electrochlorination and UV disinfection.
Biocides are, of course, effective against most bacteria and viruses that are found in cooling towers, but these chemicals have drawbacks. Storing and handling chemicals like sodium hypochlorite occupies a good deal of space and they can degrade in storage losing their efficacy, and spillages or high concentrations in blowdown can be an environmental hazard. Evoqua’s OSEC® L electrochlorinator produces safe, low strength sodium hypochlorite solution from sodium chloride, the same salt that you use to regenerate the cooling tower make-up water softener. Salt is not only safer and easier to handle; you save on transportation associated with bulk chemical supply, reducing your carbon footprint. The only other input is electricity which, if sourced from renewables, helps to deliver on your SDG commitments.
With increasing concern about the possible presence of harmful chemicals in facility discharges, more and more cooling tower operators are aiming to reduce chemical use and turning to chemical-free ultraviolet disinfection. UV has commonly been applied in markets as diverse as potable water supply, aquaculture, food & beverage, to swimming pools. It inactivates a wide range of microorganisms and bacteria, including chlorine-resistant microbes like Cryptosporidium and has been shown to be effective against many viruses. UV disinfection eliminates chemical handling hazards and reduces the environmental impact associated with biocide use.
Self-sufficiency and resilience are of increasing importance to facility managers, and the option to use safer products to operate in a sustainable way is increasingly attractive. Evoqua’s combined chemical and non-chemical disinfection solutions reduce energy usage, minimise chemical consumption and extend the life of your water treatment process equipment. Evoqua also offer solutions to support water reduction, reuse, or recycling of cooling water which contributes to a stronger and more sustainable circular economy.
Featured in Building & Facilities Management, 2021.
