90-01: Practical Applications of Tracers - Beyond Product Monitoring

Addition of very low concentrations of chemical tracer to cooling water systems can provide a wealth of information about specific portions of they system and its operation as a whole. Obtaining that information by alternative means may be very difficult or impossible. Useful and unique functions of chemical tracers are quantifying unaccounted blowdown, leakage, time or travel of cooling water nearby waterways, and out-of-specification operating conditions. In addition, the trace serves to continuously monitor the proper operation of product feed shipment and provides an indication of treatment program performance. The chemical tracers discussed represent a significant improvement over compounds previously used in cooling water applications.