Processing and power plants
A sulfuric acid plant used seawater as a coolant on a shell-and-tube heat exchanger. Our vapor infusion system was installed. Customer testing revealed no rise in seawater iodine levels, and temperature spikes were effectively stabilized. The system experienced a 6 °F increase in cooling water differential temperature, significantly enhancing the heat transfer process.
Drill ships and offshore rigs
Our vapor infusion system was installed on the thrusters and main engine coolers of an offshore drilling ship. Three months later, engineers determined that the thrusters and engine coolers performed better during pressure drop tests with high loads (including 100% load tests for 15 minutes). This customer subsequently implemented vapor infusion on all 16 heat exchangers (including backups), resulting in significant improvement to the cooling system.
Since installing our vapor infusion system five years ago, the heat exchangers have not required cleaning.
Cruise and cargo ships
In one cruise ship case, two sets of main engine coolers (forward and aft) operated for over a year without cleaning. Our vapor infusion system was then installed. After fourteen months using the system (or 26 months in total operation), engineers opened each exchanger for observation. Neither cooler exhibited significant fouling, indicating that vapor infusion systems can provide continuous improved performance and extend the time between cleanings.
Since installing our vapor infusion system seven years ago, the heat exchangers have not required cleaning.
Aquaculture
A commercial halibut hatchery uses plate heat exchangers to control the water temperature of its fish tanks. To reduce fouling in the tanks, the aquaculture farm backflushed the tanks weekly and used hypo-chlorination twice a week. Our vapor infusion system was installed as an alternative. After three months, the company eliminated chlorine and substantially reduced maintenance and operating costs.
After the first successful installation eight years ago, this customer expanded their use of our vapor infusion system.
Geothermal
A geothermal system at an electronic manufacturing facility was experiencing severe fouling. The design pressure drop of the heat exchanger was 6 psi. Fouling from iron-reducing bacteria caused pressure drops of 30 psi, as well as rapid recipient well back pressure. Despite spending US$80K/year in chlorination, this facility still had to deal with recipient well screen fouling, tearing down, and acid washing the system every 30–60 days. Instead of replacing the geothermal cooling system with a US$1.2 million air-cooling system, the facility installed a vapor infusion system. After 15 years, the facility has saved over $1.3 million with
- no required disassembly or chemical cleaning of the heat exchangers
- pressures remaining near installation operating pressures
- no cleaning of the wells
- minimal maintenance (a five-minute cartridge change once a month)
Other applications
We are investigating other applications, including
- submerged surface anti-fouling
- sea chests and piping system
- exhaust gas scrubbing systems
- remote fluid, enclosure, and surface disinfection
- remote surface and enclosure corrosion deterrent
- drinking water sanitation
- fire suppression system anti-fouling
- drip irrigation systems