LOOP TREATMENT
Historically we have landed more new accounts by correcting closed loop problems than any other market segment. Actually this should come as no surprise since it takes an understanding of chemistry to correctly treat these systems.
By establishing key control parameters for the program we can then quantify performance. With regular testing of these key parameters the performance of the program can be determined. If there is good control over these parameters then the results will be excellent. We don’t just tell you the programs work – we show you with testing and a thorough knowledge of the application.
CONTROL PARAMETERS
A key control parameter is iron. Iron levels provide a direct correlation to the corrosion rate. The higher the iron levels the greater the corrosion rate. Below are listed the loop control parameters.
Do your levels match up with these?
MOLY/SILICATE PROGRAM
The most cost effective program that provides excellent results is GCC 4450, our moly/silicate product. This synergistic blend allows lower molybdate levels - 25 ppm with outstanding results. With no nitrite or phosphate to feed the microbes biocide usage is practically eliminated. An azole completes the inhibitor package. We have operated this program for over fifteen years.
PROGRAM GUARANTEE
If control parameters are consistently maintained and the results do not match your expectations Girard Chemical will provide a full refund for the cost of the program. We stand behind our products.
GLYCOL CONTAMINATION
In many closed loop systems we have observed glycol contamination. The glycol is broken down by the microbes into several organic acids, glycolic & oxalic being two, that depresses the pH of the loop resulting in corrosion if left unchecked. We have developed an inexpensive treatment strategy that addresses this issue.
CASE STUDY—
BACKGROUND
A large government facility in the Chicago area was experiencing problems with their main chilled loop system. The water had a nasty brown color with a smell to match. Estimates of iron levels were close to 100 ppm with a pH of 6.8. Can you say corrosion? The best part was the water treatment rep would come in weekly and hose down 48 - 36” pleated filters so they could be reused. The cost of new filters every week would have been prohibitive. They had added substantial amounts of molybdate but couldn’t test for it because the water was too turbid.
CORRECTIONS
Initially we increased pH levels which were depressed due to inadvertent glycol contamination. This stemmed the excessive corrosion rates. Read the Technical Points section oxidation of iron for more details. After only two filter changes the water cleared so we could test and to our surprise we found plenty of molybdate. So the only correction we made was to increase the pH and the system completely cleared within six weeks. A simple yet cost effective correction.