Simulation Model for Multicomponent Removals from Recycled Cooling Water

Abstract

A model was developed that simulates the operation and process costs of recycled cooling water treatment using an advanced softening process called ultrahigh lime with aluminum softening (UHLA). The model was coded in MATLAB and can describe multicomponent removal and predict the chemical doses and process costs for any influent and effluent water quality. PHREEQC was integrated with MATLAB to calculate effluent concentrations from treatment processes. Material balance equations for the constituents in the water were constructed to relate the concentrations and flow rates in the system. Using only the makeup water chemical composition, flow rate in the cooling system, and required cooling water quality, the model is able to predict the chemical doses, treatment system flows, and total process costs. Alternatively, the model can be used to calculate cooling water quality given flow through the treatment system and its chemical doses. The model has the ability to simulate other applications that use UHLA such as brine treatment and pretreatment before membranes.