Keeping biofouling at bay
Biofouling of power plant condensers caused by slime, algae, clams, mussels, and barnacles is the single largest contributor to condenser downtime, and costs the utility industry millions of dollars every year. The problem will continue as long as plants use cooling water from oceans, rivers, and lakes. New methods of chlorine application to make it more precise, alternative controls, and biofouling detection and monitoring devices will enable plant operators to control biofouling better and still stay within environmental regulations. Alternatives to chlorine include on-line mechanical systems, such as foam rubber balls and heat treatment. Antifouling paints and the use of ultraviolet light are promising strategies for the future.
- OSTI ID:
- 6064121
- Journal Information:
- EPRI J.; (United States), Journal Name: EPRI J.; (United States) Vol. 9:6; ISSN EPRJD
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
200101* -- Fossil-Fueled Power Plants-- Cooling & Heat Transfer Equipment & Systems
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290300 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Environment
Health
& Safety
290500 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Research
Development
Demonstration
& Commercialization
ANTIFOULANTS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
AUXILIARY SYSTEMS
AUXILIARY WATER SYSTEMS
BIOLOGICAL FOULING
CHLORINE
CONDENSER COOLING SYSTEMS
CONTROL
COOLING SYSTEMS
ELEMENTS
ENERGY SYSTEMS
FOULING
HALOGENS
MONITORING
NONMETALS
POLLUTION CONTROL
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL