Commercial Chemical Water Treatment Services for the Plastics Industry
Reducing scrap rate and cycle times is important for successful plastics manufacturing operations. Chardon Laboratories understands the critical role water systems play in plastic injection molding. That's why we provide comprehensive water treatment solutions for cooling towers and closed loops. Learn more about our experience in industrial water treatment and how our services can benefit your plastics manufacturing business.
Cooling Tower Water Treatment for the Plastics Industry
Manufacturers typically feed plastic through a feed throat into a heated barrel. The feed throat must be cool enough so the plastic doesn't melt too early upon entering the mold.
Plastic manufacturers often use cooling towers to sustain optimal water temperatures. The water cools the machines, maintaining proper feed throat temperatures and preventing oil from overheating. Ongoing water treatment and upkeep are essential because cooling towers fulfill key responsibilities in plastic manufacturing.
Improper cooling tower maintenance can cause functional and biological hazards for your facility. Concentrated mineral content and insufficient treatment can cause scale formation in systems with harder water. Cooling towers can also breed biological contaminants under the right conditions.
That's why companies in the plastics industry need a reliable cooling tower water treatment to prevent issues from arising and ensure smooth operation.
The Importance of Closed Loop Water Treatment
Cooling systems for plastics manufacturing often include a closed loop of chilled water. This device helps remove excess heat from molded plastic parts. If left unchecked, the closed loop water system can develop anaerobic bacteria, causing microbiologically influenced corrosion. Keeping the water clean is vital so the machines can operate at peak performance.
With enough corrosion, the system could eventually leak enough water to lose its functionality. This can have severe ramifications for plastics operations, including:
- Compromised product quality.
- Increased downtime.
- Added repair costs.
Besides corrosion, a closed loop system can help prevent other problems, like the spread of bacteria or contaminants in the water, from causing more severe issues.
Common Challenges in Cooling Towers and Closed Loops
Below are three standard issues to look out for in industrial water systems.
1. Corrosion
Corrosion occurs when metal reacts with oxygen, causing natural degradation and wear. The speed and severity of corrosion depends on various factors, such as the water's pH, temperature, oxygen concentration and electrical conductivity. Corrosion gradually wears down inner mechanisms. It can create holes, pits and leaks in the system, making it difficult for the system to work correctly.
2. Scale
Scale is a white, chalk-like residue that typically indicates hard water. Dissolved magnesium, calcium, silica and iron usually comprise scale deposits. The scale could also result from dissolved materials from the construction of the cooling tower or closed loop. When scale concentrates on heat transfer surfaces, it can hinder water system performance and efficiency.
3. Legionella
Legionella is a bacteria that thrives in moist, humid environments like cooling towers. Inhaling droplets of water contaminated with this microorganism can cause a lung infection called Legionellosis, or Legionnaires' disease. A few conditions nurture Legionella development, including:
- A pH between 5 and 8.5.
- Stagnant water.
- Temperatures between 68 and 122 degrees Fahrenheit.
Taking preventative action against Legionella formation is vital for the safety and health of everyone affected by the cooling tower or closed loop system. Though treatable, contaminated water can have adverse effects on people, so it is best to stop the spread of the disease at the start.
If you suspect Legionella has started growing in your cooling tower, reach out to professionals like Chardon as soon as possible. We can perform proper tests to detect and diagnose the formation of bacteria and then provide solutions to address the issue and ensure the water and system are safe again. Our Legionella Preventative Maintenance can help reduce the risk of bacteria growth.
Why Choose Chardon for Your Cooling Water Treatment Needs?
With decades of service in the industry, Chardon knows the ins and outs of water treatment. We have the products, equipment and knowledge necessary to keep your system efficient and reliable. We serve a diverse range of industries, including plastics, health care, food processing, automotive and more.
By choosing Chardon Labs for industrial water treatment services, you'll receive:
- A complimentary evaluation of your system's condition and requirements.
- Cleaning and flushing services.
- Tailored chemical treatments to manage scale, corrosion and microbiological growth.
- Remote monitoring and electronic service reporting.
- Continued maintenance at a guaranteed annual price.
- Treatments administered by ISO 9000-certified technicians.
At Chardon, we understand the importance of working with trained professionals to complete jobs. Our technicians are trained and certified to administer treatments that keep your cooling water systems operating efficiently and effectively. We use our expertise to diagnose problems and provide solutions in a timely manner. Working with professionals certified in specific treatments ensures that all work follows industry regulations and compliance.
Staying up-to-date with the latest information and education is crucial for keeping up with evolving industry standards. Our technicians continually learn to maintain their expertise in providing applicable water treatment solutions.
We are water treatment experts in the plastic industry, so you can count on us to keep your cooling tower or closed loop system in excellent condition.
Contact Our Water Treatment Experts Today
Chardon knows the vital role of cooling towers and closed loops in your manufacturing operation. Together, we will develop a customized water treatment program to meet your specific needs. Our technicians will partner with your maintenance staff to ensure your treatment program:
- Runs smoothly.
- Conserves chemicals.
- Minimizes your utility and energy bills.
- Yields clean, efficient systems.
We make your concerns our priority. To learn more about our plastic industry water treatment solutions or request a free survey of your water system, send us a message today.