Scaling in the cooling system of air separation equipment can have adverse effects on equipment performance, heat transfer efficiency, and system stability.
The thermal conductivity of scale is much lower than that of commonly used metal materials, so the accumulation of scale in cooling water pipes can lead to deterioration of heat transfer and inability to cool the air to the required temperature. This will directly affect the economic efficiency and normal production of the air separation unit, which may lead to a decrease in gas volume. In the air pre cooling system, scaling may lead to a decrease in the performance of equipment such as air cooling towers, water cooling towers, water pumps, and chiller units. The decrease in heat exchange efficiency of the water-cooled tower will cause an increase in the temperature of the chilled water in the outlet cooling tower, indirectly leading to an increase in the temperature of the air in the outlet cooling tower, which is not conducive to the operation of the molecular sieve adsorber. Scaling may lead to increased system resistance, increased energy consumption, and even equipment failure or shutdown.
Corresponding measures: Improve water quality, control the content of hardness substances and impurities such as sediment in cooling water, thereby reducing the degree of scaling. Professional water treatment equipment can be selected for water quality treatment. Install filters in the cooling water system to filter out most of the particles and impurities such as rust, preventing them from settling inside the unit. Filters can effectively protect the unit and improve equipment stability.
Therefore, it is necessary to take measures such as regular cleaning, improving water quality, installing filters, and preventive measures to reduce scaling and ensure the normal operation of equipment.
