Safely combatting Biofilm while reducing hazardous chemicals at a major medical center in Virginia

Chemstar WATER utilized a breakthrough technological solution as part of its water treatment program.

CHALLENGES

Each summer a Medical Center in the mid-Atlantic U.S. experienced increasing approach temperatures, loss of efficiency, and eventual emergency shutdown due to a buildup of gray slime deposits on the condenser tubes. The problem was peculiar because the growth only occurred at one building and not the other three sets of cooling towers at their other buildings.

Continuous feeding of hypochlorite with additional strong biocides and bio-dispersants could not control the biofilm in the summertime. Different approaches were attempted to prevent biofouling, unplanned shutdowns, and cleanings. One factor that made this cooling system unique from the other systems was the presence of a helicopter landing pad near the tower.

SOLUTION

CHEMSTAR WATER’S SOLUTION

Having no other alternative, the customer called Chemstar WATER to help with this peculiar solution. Thanks to Chemstar WATER being a technology agnostic company, our technical team assessed the situation and identified MIOX being the best solution to better control the biofilm.

LEVERAGING MIOX’S ADVANTAGE

MIOX AE-4 SPECIFICATIONS

• • DAILY OXIDANT PRODUCTION
    • 4 lbs/day MOS (1.8 kg/day)
  • FAC CONCENTRATION
    • 3,800 mg/L (+/- 1,000)
  • SALT CONVERSION
    • 3 lbs salt/lb FAC (3 kg salt/kg FAC)
  • ENERGY CONVERSION
    • 3.5 kW-hr/lb FAC (7.5 kW-hr/kg FAC)
  • DIMENSIONS (WxDxH)
    • 40” x 12.5” x 44.1” (101.6 cm x 31.75 cm x 112.01 cm)

SAFETY

When compared to other chemicals, such as sodium hypochlorite and conventional biocides, MIOX dramatically reduces hazards associated with clean-up and spill procedures. MIOX Mixed Oxidant Solution uses food-grade salt as a feedstock and the solution generated contributes to a safe working environment.

MIOX on-site generated chemistries eliminate the delivery, storage and handling of hazardous chemicals.

OUTCOME

Since 2015, Chemstar WATER is still the preferred water treatment provider at this medical center and continues to provide exceptional service for the customer. Obviously, this was not the only water treatment problem the customer encountered. However, Chemstar WATER is always ready to solve any challenges that its customer may have.

“WE HAVE BECOME OUR CUSTOMER’S HERO BY PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE SOLUTION. IT ALSO HELPED PROVIDING A SUSTAINABLE AND A GREEN SOLUTION.”

-Dave Vodvarka, VP  Customer Success at Chemstar Water

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