Seawater Discharge Temperature

[sqiu]

We want to use seawater as direct cooling water in a Gulf of Mexico offshore platform. Could anybody advise us what is the allowable discharge seawater temperature by regulations?

Regards

Sqiu

 

[MikeHalloran]

I don't know what regulations would apply, but there is one practical upper limit: If the temperature gets near 140F, salt precipitates and clogs your pipes.




Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[sqiu]

Thanks Mike.

The maximum seawater temperature 140F is from the equipment and piping point of view. I think there is temperature differential (the temperature difference between seawater inlet and seawater discharge) limitation for protection of ocean life. If we lift seawater at 70F and discharge it at 140F, a lot of fishes in the area will be dead.

Regards

Sqiu

 

[BigInch]

If that's what you're worried about, you had better plan to be within only a relative few º of ambient. Much of the marine life is extremely sensitive to temperature and salinity changes although some change can be tolerated, if it occurs over some minimum time period. I wouldn't be able to tell you how much or how long though. It is also very dependent on exactly which species you are interested in protecting too. Contact your national environmental or fish and wildlife agency for their specific recommendations, or regulations that might apply for that matter.

"I think it would be a good idea."
- Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948),
when asked about Western civilization

 

[jmw]

On the other hand, increased sea temperatures near power station outflows often results in significant benefits to some sea life and makes these and oil rigs good fishing grounds.


JMW

http://www.ViscoAnalyser.com

 

[jmw]

My search: "power station outflow fish":

http://www.fintalk.com/moxie/1/1_1/fishing-in-florida.shtml

http://indian-river.fishing-charters.lagooner.com/power-plant.php

http://homepages.ed.ac.uk/evah01/venues/venues.htm

http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/119065809/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0

JMW

http://www.ViscoAnalyser.com

 

[sqiu]

As an engineer like all other my colleges, my job is to pollute the environmental as much as that are allowed by the laws and regulations for the maximum economic profits. I know the fishes will be happy if my discharged water is a relative few oF ambient to provide them a source of warm water for a happy bath. However, my pumps, my piping and my heat exchanger will be huge and uneconomical. I just need the allowed seawater discharge temperature value in the Gulf of Mexico, where many oil facilities have been installed. However, so far, I am still out of luck and nobody told me the value or directed me to a reliable source. I have searched the EPA site and MMS site and found nothing relevant.

Sqiu

 

[BigInch]

I don't actually know, but have surfed some info that might give you some clues. You might give the guys a call and ask where the temp limits came from. Never know, they might be in a helpful mood. Phone number is on the last page.

http://www.torplng.com/cmtdoc/TORP Environmental Impact Presentation.pdf

"I think it would be a good idea."
- Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948),
when asked about Western civilization

 

[BigInch]

Some ideas about discharge temperatures are given here too.
I've found BLM folks to be pretty helpful when you contact them on the phone, or even by e-mail.

http://www.usbr.gov/pmts/water/publications/reportpdfs/report137.pdf

"I think it would be a good idea."
- Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948),
when asked about Western civilization

 

[sqiu]

Thank very much BigInch

The report that you linked is really helpful. I found the temperature difference is about 3 oC on Page 87 (I have not and will not read through whole report). I understand the actual value is subject to the approval of the authorities.

Have a nice weekend

Sqiu

 

[chemicalengineerthai]

42 Degree C maximum in may area, which is less impact to biological system.

Please use closed circuit water, and bring external sea water to cool that closed circuit water.

We understand you would like to gain heat coeffienct and higher temperatur approch and to save cooling area but do not damage the enviroment.

PCHE ( print circuit heat exchanger ) can be your solution