Corrosion and deposition are common problems associated with once-through cooling systems.  The effects of corrosion are pipe wall thinning/pitting, iron tuberculation and slough-off of corrosion products into all of the mill systems.  The natural results of this are: equipment life reduction, pumping efficiency loss and harm to the paper quality.

Besides corrosion control, some fresh water supplies require the feed of dispersants to control deposition of certain inorganic metals such as iron and manganese, which are present in the raw water prior to the mill inlet.  In particular, manganese deposition can cause significant loss of heat transfer in heat exchange equipment.

In addition to proper system design, corrosion and its costly effects can be mitigated by the feed of selected inhibitors and dispersants.  Selection of the most beneficial molecules and feed rates is system dependent.  Water chemistry, system metallurgy, process conditions and regulatory requirements will influence the program choice.  Most products are liquid and are fed neat into the fresh water after the clarifier. 

FloGard™ Corrosion and Deposition Control Technology was designed for threshold inhibition of corrosion and deposition in once-through treatment applications.  Proper application of these products will minimize deposition that could otherwise cause production curtailment and/or excess equipment cleaning, and extending the life of the equipment and piping.

Since most of the freshwater flow rates are quite high, these products were designed to be effective at very low feed rates.  Specific blends are available to accommodate various FDA, potable and technical requirements.  In addition to these FloGard corrosion inhibitors and dispersants, a line of Spectrus oxidizers are available to control freshwater biological growth.  These are designed to augment or replace chlorine where safety or ease of feed is a significant concern.

Recorded Benefits

The following benefits have been recorded from practical applications of FloGard™ Corrosion and Deposition Control Technology.  Not all benefits are realized for all applications.

Reduction of pipe loss
Reduction of equipment fouling due to upstream corrosion
Reduction of bleaching chemical demand
Improved removal of manganese and iron
Lower equipment maintenance costs
Reduction in the pumping energy costs
Reduction in brightness reversion and bleaching chemical demand.

Hercules is the global, exclusive distributor for GE Water Technologies products.  FloGard and Spectrus are GE Water Technologies trademarks and are used under license.  These trademarks may be registered in one or more countries.