Cooling towers operate continuously, leading to the potential for scale buildup, corrosion, and microbiological growth in the water system. These issues can cause substantial problems, including reduced heat exchange efficiency, increased energy costs, and equipment failure. Therefore, water treatment is critical to mitigating these risks. The main objectives of water treatment are to control scale formation, prevent corrosion, inhibit biofilm development, and ensure the overall efficiency of the cooling system.
Disinfection is an essential phase in wastewater treatment aimed at eliminating pathogenic microorganisms. Chlorine is perhaps the most recognized disinfectant, effective in killing bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. However, its usage can lead to the formation of harmful byproducts, such as trihalomethanes.
Polyacrylamide is principally used in water treatment, enhanced oil recovery, agriculture, and various industrial processes. Its primary role in water treatment involves coagulation and flocculation, where PAM aids in the removal of suspended particles and impurities from water, making it cleaner and safer for consumption. In enhanced oil recovery, PAM helps to improve the viscosity of water, enabling more efficient extraction of oil from reservoirs.