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 that uses a solid chemical feed tank with an automated valve to control the addition of recirculating water, incorporating a fluorescent indicator-chemical for precise dosage and a saturation-limited feed system to manage chemical solubility, allowing for efficient and controlled delivery of solid inhibitors directly into the recirculating system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solid chemicals are coated with insoluble semi-permeable membrane for timed-release, then chemical release is controlled, but chemical waste increases and release rate cannot adapt to variable system demands
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static timed-release coatings to a dynamic automated feed system that adjusts chemical release rates in real-time based on actual system conditions, blowdown rates, and sensor feedback, eliminating the need for conservative over-dosing
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor water quality parameters and feed this information back to the automated dosing mechanism, enabling closed-loop control that optimizes chemical release rates and prevents both under-dosing and over-dosing
2Ease of operation
If solid chemical is dissolved into day-tank and then pumped into system, then chemical delivery is achieved, but system complexity increases and potable water contamination risk arises
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the day-tank dissolution system and separate pumping mechanism from the chemical feed system, replacing them with a direct solid-to-liquid feed mechanism that uses recirculating water directly from the cooling system
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the chemical storage, dissolution, and delivery functions into a single integrated automated feed device that draws recirculating water directly from the cooling system and mixes chemicals on-the-fly, eliminating separate day-tanks and pumps
3Productivity
If recirculating water is used for chemical feed instead of make-up water, then system efficiency improves, but backflow contamination of potable water system becomes a risk
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary automated feed device with one-way valves and controlled flow paths that allow recirculating water to be used for chemical dissolution while preventing any backflow into the potable water system through mechanical separation and controlled interfaces
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
The system ensures accurate and efficient delivery of chemicals, reducing waste and contamination risks, adapting to variable system demands, and eliminating the need for potable water and separate pumps, while handling large systems effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The indicator-chemical, preferably a fluorescent substance, is preferably included in a precise ratio to the other active ingredients. A detector measures the amount of indicator in the recirculating water
Data Source
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.