March 19, 2008

Salt Water Definition Review

According to the Water Quality Association the following definitions would apply to
drinking water.

Fresh Water- <1,000 TDS

Brackish Water- 1,000- 5,000 TDS
Highly Brackish Water- 5,000- 15,000 TDS
Saline Water- 15,000- 30,000 TDS
Sea Water- 30,000- 40,000 TDS
Brine- 40,000- 300,000+ TDS

In discussions with engineering firms designing life support systems for aquariums and
zoos the following guide lines were provided:

Fresh Water- <1,000 TDS

Brackish Water- 1,000- 20,000 TDS
Salt Water- 20,000- 36,000 TDS

Notes:
Fresh water fish can survive in water with a TDS of 2,000.
They will try to utilize plastic or titanium material where possible.
They experience corrosion with cast iron pumps at a TDS under 1,000 which is
more pronounced with intermittent use.
Impact on Materials

PVC pipe and most rubber gasket & seal materials are rated for sea water
applications up to 140 F.
Fiberglass is less prone to blistering in sea water applications due to a similar
concentrate of solute resulting in less pressure gradient in the FRP laminate.
Most heater manufacturers are limiting warranty of standard heaters to a maximum
TDS of 2,000. When heaters are installed in applications with a TDS higher than
2,000, the manufacturers are recommending alternate heat exchanger material
(Cooper Nickel) and heat exchanger flow velocities of 12 ft/ sec instead of the
standard 6 ft/ sec.
Pump manufacturers are experiencing some corrosion problems with bronze fitted
impellers and are reducing the Zinc content to the point the impeller is virtually all
copper. In elevated TDS levels or intermittent use, they are recommending epoxy
coating of cast iron pumps due to corrosion and pitting. This can be very
pronounced if air is introduced into the pump.