Non-contact cooling water is a type of process water used in industrial applications to remove heat from a system or equipment without coming into direct contact with the raw materials, products, or other wastes involved in the process. It is typically used in once-through cooling systems, such as those for air compressors or welders, where the water is used to absorb heat and then discharged without being reused.
Understanding the Technical Specifications of Non-Contact Cooling Water
The technical specifications for non-contact cooling water can vary depending on the specific application and regulatory requirements. However, some common characteristics include:
Temperature
Non-contact cooling water typically has a higher temperature than the source water due to the heat it has absorbed from the system or equipment. The temperature increase may be limited by regulatory requirements or the specific application to minimize impacts on the environment or downstream users.
- Typical temperature range: 80°F to 120°F (26.7°C to 48.9°C)
- Maximum temperature limit: 90°F (32.2°C) for discharges to surface waters, as per the Clean Water Act
- Temperature increase from source water: 10°F to 40°F (5.6°C to 22.2°C)
Flow Volume
The flow volume of non-contact cooling water can vary depending on the size and heat load of the system or equipment being cooled. The flow rate may be monitored to ensure that it is within the allowable limits set by regulatory permits or the specific application.
- Typical flow rates: 50 to 500 gallons per minute (GPM) or 0.19 to 1.89 cubic meters per minute (m³/min)
- Maximum flow rate limit: 2,000 GPM (7.57 m³/min) for discharges to surface waters, as per the Clean Water Act
- Flow rate monitoring: Inline flow meters or other monitoring devices
pH
The pH of non-contact cooling water can also vary depending on the specific application and regulatory requirements. It is typically monitored to ensure that it is within the allowable range to minimize corrosion or scaling in the system or equipment being cooled, as well as to protect downstream users and the environment.
- Typical pH range: 6.0 to 9.0
- Maximum pH limit: 8.5 for discharges to surface waters, as per the Clean Water Act
- pH monitoring: Inline pH meters or periodic sampling and testing
Discharge and Regulatory Considerations
Non-contact cooling water can be discharged to surface waters, storm sewers, or other conveyance systems, subject to regulatory permits and requirements. The discharge may be limited based on temperature, flow volume, pH, or other parameters to minimize impacts on the environment or downstream users.
- Discharge permits: National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits or state-level equivalents
- Discharge limits: Specific to the application and location, but typically include temperature, flow volume, pH, and other parameters
- Monitoring and reporting: Continuous or periodic monitoring and reporting of discharge parameters to regulatory agencies
DIY Considerations for Non-Contact Cooling Water Systems
DIY considerations for non-contact cooling water may include:
Monitoring and Maintenance of the Cooled System
- Regular inspection and maintenance of the system or equipment being cooled to ensure efficient operation and minimize heat loads
- Monitoring of temperature, flow, and other parameters to identify any issues or changes in the system’s performance
Monitoring and Maintenance of the Non-Contact Cooling Water System
- Regular inspection and maintenance of the non-contact cooling water system, including piping, pumps, and other components
- Monitoring for leaks, corrosion, or other issues that could affect the system’s performance or the quality of the discharged water
Testing and Adjustment of Water Parameters
- Regular testing of the non-contact cooling water’s temperature, flow volume, pH, and other parameters
- Adjustments to the system or water treatment processes to maintain the parameters within the allowable limits
By understanding the technical specifications, discharge requirements, and DIY considerations for non-contact cooling water, industrial users can ensure the efficient and compliant operation of their cooling systems, while minimizing the impact on the environment and downstream users.
References:
- Law Insider. Cooling Water (non-contact) Definition. Retrieved from https://www.lawinsider.com/dictionary/cooling-water-non-contact
- Wisconsin DNR. Noncontact cooling water or condensate and boiler water fact sheet. Retrieved from https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/sites/default/files/topic/Wastewater/44938FS.pdf
- Ohio EPA. Non-Contact Cooling Water – General Permit. Retrieved from https://epa.ohio.gov/divisions-and-offices/surface-water/permitting/non-contact-cooling-water–general-permit
- RI DEM. Final General Permit Non-Contact Cooling Water, RIG250000. Retrieved from https://www3.epa.gov/region1/npdes/permits/2019/finalrig250000gp-nccw-permit.pdf
- Law Insider. Non-contact cooling water Definition. Retrieved from https://www.lawinsider.com/dictionary/non-contact-cooling-water