In open recirculating systems, what is the typical concentration of cooling water?

In open recirculating systems, the typical concentration of cooling water is around 7 to 12 times the inlet concentration. This increased concentration is primarily due to the evaporation that occurs in the cooling system. As water evaporates, it leaves behind dissolved solids, including minerals and other impurities, which causes the concentration of these substances in the remaining water to increase.

The management of this concentration is vital, as higher levels can lead to scaling and corrosion issues within the system. Therefore, operators must regularly monitor and manage the concentration levels, potentially using chemical treatments or blowdown strategies to maintain optimal conditions.

The range of 7 to 12 times reflects the balance needed to ensure efficient operation while mitigating potential issues related to high concentration. This makes it an industry-standard expectation for many applications where open recirculating systems are utilized.