Chemical Engineering September 2014 - 17

Monitoring pipeline deposits in realtime
T
he presence of scale depositions
in pipelines can restrict flow, limit
heat transfer and decrease efficiency.
The ability to monitor pipelines for
depositions helps avoid issues and
optimize costs. The Deposition Watch
system from Flowrox Inc. (Linthicum,
Md; www.flowrox.us) presents a realtime,
online predictive-monitoring
solution for detecting scale-related
issues in process pipelines that is
based on the principles of electrical
capacitance tomography (ECT; For
equipment. The technology simultaneously
recovers a high-phosphorus
byproduct that can be sold for use as
slow-release fertilizer.
A key feature of AirPrex is that
CIC-10307 halfp page ad.qxd 3/25/07 6:19 PM Page 1
the struvite recovery for plants using
biological phosphorus removal occurs
after the anaerobic digestion of the
biosolids, but before the dewatering
step. This allows a reduction of energy
and chemical additives, says Gerhard
more on ECT, see Chem. Eng., October
1995, pp. 30-33).
ECT imaging techniques apply
measured excitation signals to materials
and monitor the output signals.
Through an iterative mathematical
model, these signals reveal information
about the electrical properties
of the measured material. The Deposition
Watch system measures pipe
volume and determines the electrical
properties, including permittivity
distribution and conductivity, of the
Forstner, president of CNP. In addition
to eliminating the struvite buildup on
process equipment, the removal of the
mineral improves the efficiency of the
sludge dewatering process. When present,
struvite inhibits dewatering, leading
to wetter cake solids and higher
polymer consumption. Airprex realizes
up to a five-percentage-point increase
in dry solids in the cake, Forstner says,
as well as lowering polymer consumpprocess
fluid and the unwanted deposition.
Comparison of these materials'
different electrical properties provides
physical information about the behavior
of the materials inside the pipe. For
instance, estimated permittivity values
shed light on deposition thickness
and its distribution along pipe walls.
Also, it is possible to evaluate deposition
growth rate and available free
pipe-volume percentage, allowing engineers
to predict when maintenance
or intervention will be required.
tion by up to 30% and reducing phosphorus-recycling
load by up to 90%
(For more on P-recovery, see Chem.
Eng., February 2013, pp. 17-22).
CNP is offering AirPrex as a technology
provider, with the installation carried
out by contractors. Forstner says
the company works with engineering
consultants to provide customized
wastewater treatment systems that
offer the best return on investment.
PLASTIC CONTROL VALVES FOR
ALL YOUR CORROSIVE APPLICATIONS
Collins plastic control valves are
highly responsive control valves
designed for use with corrosive
media and/or corrosive atmospheres.
Collins
valves feature all-plastic
construction with bodies in PVDF,
PP, PVC and Halar in various body
styles from 1/2 " - 2 " with Globe,
Angle or Corner configurations and
many trim sizes and materials.
Valves may be furnished without
positioner for ON-OFF applications.
Call for more information on our
plastic control valves.
P.O. Box 938 * Angleton, TX 77516
Tel. (979) 849-8266 * www.collinsinst.com
Circle 17 on p. 76 or go to adlinks.che.com/50980-17
ChemiCal engineering www.Chemengonline.Com September 2014 17
http://www.flowrox.us http://www.collinsinst.com http://adlinks.che.com/50980-17 http://www.Chemengonline.Com
Chemical Engineering September 2014

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