Monitored Release Solid Feed System for Cooling Water
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for introducing solid chemicals into cooling systems are inefficient, often requiring elaborate dissolution processes, wasteful timed-release coatings, and the use of potable water, leading to chemical spills and contamination risks.
Innovation Solution
A monitored release solid feed system using a solid chemical feed tank with an automated valve and indicator-chemical feedback loop, allowing precise control of chemical addition based on real-time measurements, and optionally combined with a saturation-limited feed system to control chemical dosage by solubility equilibrium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If solid chemicals are dissolved into a day-tank and then pumped or aspirated into the system, then chemical feeding is achieved, but the system becomes complex requiring elaborate dissolution methods and additional pumps
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the chemical from its solid state directly into the recirculating water system, eliminating the need for dissolution in a separate day-tank. The solid chemical is placed in a feed tank where it dissolves in-situ in the recirculating water, removing the complex dissolution infrastructure while maintaining effective chemical feeding.
Solution Approach 2:
The recirculating water itself acts as the intermediary medium, serving dual purposes: it circulates through the cooling system for heat exchange and simultaneously dissolves and transports the solid chemical from the feed tank into the system, eliminating the need for separate pumping and dissolution systems.
2Ease of manufacture
If make-up water is used to dissolve solid chemicals in a day-tank, then chemical dissolution is achieved, but the risk of backflow contamination of the potable water system increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using make-up water to dissolve chemicals and then introducing it into the system (which creates backflow risk), the invention inverts the approach by using the recirculating non-potable water to dissolve the solid chemical directly in the feed tank, eliminating any connection to the potable water system and thus eliminating backflow contamination risk.
3Stability of the object's composition
If timed-release solid chemicals with insoluble semi-permeable membrane coating are used, then steady chemical release is achieved, but chemical waste increases as the coating remains as disposable waste
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates the disposable coating waste by allowing the solid chemical to dissolve completely in the recirculating water. The chemical is fed as unprotected solids or with soluble carriers that fully dissolve, leaving no disposable waste material, and the recirculating water continuously replenishes the chemical throughout the system.
4Reliability
If timed-release solids are designed for maximum short-term blowdown, then adequate chemical protection during high blowdown is achieved, but chemical waste increases and the system cannot run chemicals until fully exhausted
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static timed-release coatings with fixed release rates to a dynamic feed system where solid chemicals are continuously or periodically added based on actual system conditions. The recirculating water continuously dissolves and distributes the chemical, allowing the system to adapt to varying blowdown rates and run until the feed tank is depleted, maximizing chemical utilization.
5Productivity
If liquid chemicals are pumped into the system based on estimated blowdown loss, then chemical addition is achieved, but measurement precision and control accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements a feedback control system using fluorescent indicator chemicals. A fluorometer continuously monitors the concentration of fluorescent indicator in the recirculating water and provides feedback to the control system, which automatically adjusts the solid chemical feed rate to maintain the desired chemical concentration, replacing estimation with precise measurement and control.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system ensures accurate and efficient addition of chemicals, reducing waste and contamination risks, while allowing the use of recirculating water and eliminating the need for separate pumps and liquid handling, effectively maintaining optimal chemical levels in cooling systems.
Implementation Method 1
The indicator-chemical, particularly one that fluoresces, can be added in a specific proportion to the liquid inhibitor and then the concentration of the inhibitor in the system can be determined by measuring the concentration of the indicator-chemical. Since the chemical fluoresces, this measurement can be determined by automated techniques.
Data Source
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AI summary
A monitored release solid feed system having a solid chemical feed tank, a storage tank located below the solid chemical feed tank, and an automated valve. The solid chemical feed tank is loaded with a blend of inhibitors and an indicator-chemical in a solid form. A detector measures the amount of indicator in the recirculating water and periodically compares it to a setpoint. If the value is below the setpoint, the automated valve opens allowing water to pass through the storage tank and the solid chemical feed tank thus carrying inhibitors and a proportional amount of indicator-chemical into the recirculating system.