WASHINGTON — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved expanded uses for the Mexel 432/0 water treatment technology to address biofouling, in addition to its capabilities to combat corrosion, scale and sedimentation, according to a press release.
Owners and operators of large once-through and recirculating cooling water systems now have a powerful new tool to address efficiency losses and fouling in their water circuits and heat exchangers, the release noted.
An emulsion injected directly into the water for short periods each day, creates a protective coating on wetted surfaces to prevent problems before they develop, maintain high cleanliness factors and promote sustainable plant operations, reported the release.
“We are gratified that EPA has recognized Mexel 432/0 as an environmentally viable product to address the persistent fouling problems encountered in many plants. With intense competition in the wholesale generation markets, the ability to improve performance by as little as 0.5 percent to 1.0 percent can have a significant impact on dispatch,” expressed Mary Wolter Glass, president of Arlington-based Mexel USA LLC.
According to the release, EPA’s risk assessment also found that Mexel 432/0 poses no “higher risks to aquatic organisms than alternative chemical substances that could be used as biofoulants”.
