Crystalline Buildup in Pump and Pipework

Talk to a specialist water treatment chemicals supply company. Nalco (usual disclaimer)?

Silica can be precipitated out with lime. Get the crystals analyzed. Once you know what they are, post it here and I'll advice you how to remove them.

Only one of the recycle pumps? How many recycle pumps do you have?

What makes this particular pump unique that it crystallizes and not the others? Is the operating speed, temperature, or piping arrangement different?

Yes I am going to get the crystal analysed. We have other pumps but haven't had a look at them yet.

P.S. Didn't realise I wasn't logged in when I first posted this subject.

High Silica waters can be managed using chemical additives to prevent the formation of scales, etc. This is quite standard in the Reverse Osmosis industry. The Chemicals are known as Scale Inhibitors. In your case there are scale inhibitors that are specifically suited to waters containing high Silica.

However, I agree with Darth. Before doing anything, get a detailed water analysis, and if you post it, I'll review it. As the water (from a abbatoir) is not the usual water (such as Sea Water, Mains or River water), it is likely to be coomplicated.

I can reconmend BWA (http://www.wateradditives.com/)

You must also consider the down stream Impact of adding chemicals to the water.

Good Luck

Anthony

i would say that the silica and crystal( probably some type of calcium) is in the reused water and that you should treat your reused water to keep these suspended which might dissolve any savings you are gaining by reuseing your water...... If you send me a sample i could test some of our chemicals out that could be used to remove the deposits from the piping and pump and footvalve.....contact me at jstefanowicz@gotar.com...

Guest,

Some info on the process might help figure out the problem. Are there evaporative losses in the recycled water system? Are there significant differences in temperature at different points in the cycle? Anything that would change the solubility of silica from poin to point?

I would strongly suspect that Struvite is your problem. You will find a lot on the web regarding it. It can be exceptionally problematic.

Good luck!!