Cooling towers and hot-water boilers are an integral part of winemaking, food processing and other industrial activities.
COOLING TOWERS
Cooling is necessary for processing and stabilization of wines, foods and other industrial processes. The cooling tower is pivotal in removing heat from the chilled water loop in order to maintain proper operating conditions. In a typical cooling tower, 75% to 80% of the water balance is evaporated as latent heat while 1% to 5% is lost through air movement (windage). The remaining 15% to 20% is removed from the system through controlled bleed or blowdown. Bleed, or blowdown, is water intentionally removed from the cooling tower to control the concentration of dissolved solids resulting from the evaporation.
To prevent scale formation within the cooling distribution system, the concentration of solids is managed by limiting the number of times water is concentrated by evaporation. The maximum cycles obtainable in any cooling tower is a function of the water composition quality and the scale-inhibitor chemistry used, with cycles typically ranging from two to six. Cooling towers should be operated at their maximum cycles of concentration in order to conserve water.
ROLE OF CHEMICAL INHIBITORS
Chemical inhibitors are added to the cooling water system to prevent scale, corrosion and biological growth, which unchecked, can lead to legionella formation, a threat to human health. We have developed legionella testing and abatement programs to protect the health of our clients, their employees, and their visitors.
Heritage Systems has formulated inhibitor products that are effective and completely biodegraded when discharged into the environment. When used to increase cycles of concentration, inhibitors reduce environmental impacts by lowering the amount of fresh water used to replenish cooling tower losses as well as lessen the amount of blowdown water sent to waste.
HOT WATER EFFICIENCIES
A significant amount of hot water is expended in winemaking, food processing and industrial activities. These industries use it for cleaning, sanitizing, sterilization, and general purposes.
Heritage Systems has developed products and services to improve the efficiency of the hot-water processes while improving safety and handling and minimizing the environmental impact.