Abstract
The paper presents a mathematical model that allows for predicting daily changes of sulphate ion concentration in water circulating in a closed cooling system consisting of condensers and cooling towers. This is an important issue because an excessive and uncontrolled increase in the concentration of SO 4 2− in the circulating water may cause the corrosion of concrete parts of the channels and cooling towers, as well as an increase in the concentration of calcium salts, which can accelerate the process of its deposition on the exchange surfaces inside condensers. The goal of the paper is to propose an original mathematical model, which under certain simplifications poses an analytical solution to this problem. The approach enables calculating the asymptotic value of the sulphate ion concentration in circulating water, as well as the minimal volumetric flow rate of wastewater allowing the SO 4 2− ion concentration to be preserved below legal limits. The simplified analytical solution enables indicating the optimal volumetric flow rate of wastewater fitting the actual number of working power units. This is especially important because the daily amount of water released from the cooling system as wastewater usually reaches a level of several thousand m 3 and its proper management could significantly reduce system maintenance costs.
Highlights
In conventional and thermal power plants, water is widely used in many technological processes, including, e.g.: the water-steam cycle in power boilers, the cooling installations in boiler auxiliary equipment or the cooling systems cooperating with condensers
One of the largest fresh water consumers in a power unit is the cooling system supporting the condensers, which are responsible for the condensation process of spent steam from the last stage of the turbine
Focusing on the optimization of fresh water consumption, the Authors present an original mathematical model which allows for predicting daily changes of sulphate ion concentration in water circulating in a closed cooling system consisting of condensers and cooling towers
Summary
In conventional and thermal power plants, water is widely used in many technological processes, including, e.g.: the water-steam cycle in power boilers, the cooling installations in boiler auxiliary equipment or the cooling systems cooperating with condensers. Focusing on the optimization of fresh water consumption, the Authors present an original mathematical model which allows for predicting daily changes of sulphate ion concentration in water circulating in a closed cooling system consisting of condensers and cooling towers. This is an important issue because an excessive and uncontrolled increase in the concentration of SO42- in the circulating water may cause the corrosion of concrete parts of the channels and cooling towers [6, 7], as well as an increase in the concentration of calcium salts, which can accelerate the process of its deposition on the exchange surfaces inside the condensers
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
