DREW INDUSTRIAL DIVISION COOLING WATER TREATMENT

Subject: Reduced System Fouling

Facility: Ammonia Production Plant
Program: Chlorine Dioxide

Description precursor (the ClO2 precursor chemical) in a specially

A large Midwestern (USA) ammonia fertilizer production
plant relies on a constant source of cooling water to attain
their top production rates of ammonia. Ammonia plants are
well known for their tight design, critical heat exchangers
and sensitivity to poor cooling water practices.
designed GENEROXTM ClO2 generator (See Figure 1).
Chlorine dioxide forms instantaneously under the proper
reaction conditions and is immediately taken into solution
by the water stream. The chlorine dioxide solution was then
injected into the recirculating cooling water system.

This plant has a cooling water system of approximately Solution

400,000 gallons (U.S.) and recirculates at a rate of 40,000
GPM (U.S.). The designed range on the cooling tower is 25oF.
Chlorine and two non-oxidizing microbiocides make up the
usual microbio control program. Typically, 300 lbs/day of
gaseous chlorine was fed over a 12-hour period. The non-
oxidizing biocides were fed for four days, spread over a
14-day interval. During those four days, approximately 400
pounds of biocide were fed. Biocides were alternated every
two weeks. The ammonia content of the recirculating water
varied between 30 - 250 mg/l during the trial period.
During chlorination, the system was never observed to
attain a chlorine residual. The system was, however,
thought to be clean and in good condition.
Program
Chlorine dioxide was chosen for trial in this system because
it does not react with ammonia or ammonia nitrogen
compounds. Chlorine does react with ammonia in an
approximate 10:1 ratio to produce far less effective
chloramines.
Chlorine dioxide, in solution, was generated at the job site
by taking the effluent stream from the gas chlorinator and
contacting it with a metered solution of DREWCHLOR 4107
Initially, 6 mg/l of ClO2 was injected for a period of six hours
on a daily basis, based on the makeup water flow rate of
approximately 1400 GPM. Under these conditions ClO2
residuals in the tower basin held around 0.5 mg/l.
Results
The recirculating water began to take on a hazy appearance.
Calcium levels increased beyond those expected under
current cycles of concentration. Clearly, the system, thought
to be clean, was cleaning itself and adherent slime masses,
containing trapped calcium carbonate particles, were
sloughing off heat exchange surfaces. A slight foam
developed in the tower basin, again an indication of organic
matter being set free in the system. It was necessary to
increase the blowdown rate to purge the system of liberated
organics and suspended solids.
From determinations run during this trial and from
observations made during the ClO2 program phase, it is
evident that chlorine dioxide is capable of handling the
microbio problems in ammonia production plants with ease,
when compared to chlorine.
Continued on page 2.

Registered trademark and TMtrademark of Ashland Inc.
* Registered service mark of the Chemical Manufacturers Association
1991, 1995 Ashland Inc. All Rights Reserved. Created in U.S.A. OX-CH-006

All statements, information and data presented herein are believed to be accurate and reliable but are not to be taken as a guarantee, express warranty or
implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, or representation, express or implied, for which seller assumes legal responsibility, and
they are offered solely for your consideration, investigation and verification. Statements or suggestions concerning possible use of this product are made
without representation or warranty that any such use is free of patent infringement and are not recommendations to infringe on any patent.

For more information on Ashland Specialty Chemical Company and its divisions, visit our Internet web site at http://www.ashspec.com

DREW INDUSTRIAL DIVISION One Drew Plaza, Boonton, New Jersey 07005 Tel: (973) 263-7600 Fax: (973) 263-4483
 Figure 1: GENEROX ClO2 Generator Typical Installation - Chlorine Method
DRAWING IS NOT TO SCALE
EXIT
Eyewash/
Shower
Station

120 VAC
Electric
Wash Vent
Sight Hose
GENEROX I
Glass TM

Chlorine XIDE
CHLORINE DIO
Dioxide
GENERATOR
Discharge
Sample Pump
Valve (Optional)

Drain

Incoming
Plant
Water CHLORINE
ROOM
TON
CONTAINER

To Generator
To Generator (Vacuum Service)

Drain
DREWCHLOR PRECURSOR CHEMICAL STORAGE
150 LB
CYLINDER
BULK
NOTE: VENT VACUUM
REGULATOR

PORTABLE
TANK ASHLAND CHEMICAL COMPANY
DRUM DREW INDUSTRIAL DIVISION

Typical Chlorine Dioxide Site

Gaseous Chlorine Method

OX-CH-006