Algae formation in Mixed Bed Unit in DeMineralisation Plant

[sgoel]

Dear Friends

We are using resin beds for generation of Demineralised water at our facility. Feed water is from a river and is coagulated, filtered, clarified and chlorinated before being fed to this demineralisation unit.

Off late, we are observing very high level of algae formation in the mixed resin beds located in the unit. The algae results in high pressure drop and hence, faster regeneration leading very low plant rates.

Request for inputs on possible causes and remedial actions to this observation.

Thanking you in anticipation please.

Shashank

 

[itsmoked]

Can any light reach the beds?

Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[sgoel]

No, light does not reach this area.

 

[ashtree]

Algae won't grow unless there is light. Therefore as you say it is dark then the algae must grow somewhere else and carried into the resin beds. Clarifiers are normally very good at growing alagae as there is usually plenty of nutrients and clean water that allows good sunlight penetration. Check in your clarifiers and see if there is any growing .

There are several algaecide products around many of which are based on copper sulphate or a chelatted copper. What you use will depend on what the end product is and how the algaecide effects the downstream processes.

Is it possible that the algae you refer to is some other bacterial build up that is greenish in colour?

Regards
Ashtree
"Any water can be made potable if you filter it through enough money"

 

[RSD90]

Check whether the source water contains nutrients (Nitrogen & Phosphorus). Presence of excess nutrients with sunlight causes algal growth.

Sarvesh Rahate
Water & Wastewater Engineer

 

[bimr]

Scrap the top layer of resin off the bed and discard. Increase the backwash rate. Add some chlorination to the raw water treatment.