22-04: The Application of Non-Phosphorous Cooling Water Treatment Programs to Address Environmental and Operational Challenges

There has been a recent emphasis on the development of non-phosphorus (non-P) cooling water treatment programs for open recirculating cooling towers that provide the necessary cooling water system performance while specifically addressing industrial needs, such as environmental and operational challenges. From an environmental perspective, phosphorus discharge regulations are becoming more stringent in various locations in the US and around the globe. Naturally, as the non-P cooling water treatment program does not add phosphorus, this aids in achieving the stricter discharge regulations. From an operational perspective, non-P programs are of particular value to mitigate/eliminate phosphate-based deposition and aid in microbiological and algal growth control. This paper presents case studies highlighting non-P treatment programs in open recirculating cooling towers, including real-time on-line monitoring and the benefits gained in addressing the abovementioned environmental and operational challenges.