The Great Debate between Non-Chemical Devices and Chemicals: What Program Can Meet Water Treatment Performance Standards? Chemical Treatment, Of Course! (OR-16-C021)

The debate continues between the use of non-chemical water treatment devices and chemical water treatment for treating cooling water systems. The goals of any cooling water treatment program are to protect against corrosion, deposition and microbiological fouling. This paper presents the chemical water treatment method to accomplish the best performance standards. In doing so, the authors critique both and highlight the benefits of chemical water treatment. The authors present results of trials where both technologies have been used to treat cooling water and discuss the methodologies behind each technology. Many providers promote “green,” “safe” and “economical” as the reason to use a certain technology. Many users select their appropriate method of treatment based on these same factors. What factors should determine the type of treatment? When we define success, we can determine the best method to achieve it.