US4273146A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Cooling tower operation with automated pH control and blowdown
Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Co
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Filing: 1979-01-05
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Granted: 1981-06-16
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Expires: 1999-01-05
Abstract
Abstract Cooling tower water is analyzed for pH and electrical conductivity. In response to the pH measurement, acid addition is made periodically (intermittently) so that fluctuations in pH during acid addition are minimized. The conductivity measurement, which relates to salts concentration, controls periodic (intermittent) blowdown of water having high salts concentration so as to minimize waste of water and water additives during blowdown.
Inventors
- 👤 Neal W. Johnson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 15:52
CPC Classifications
G; G05; G05D; G05D21/00; G05D21/02; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S261/00; Y10S261/46; Y10T; Y10T137/00; Y10T137/0318; Y10T137/0324; Y10T137/0329; Y10T137/034; Y10T137/2496; Y10T137/2499; Y10T137/2509
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
127 words
In a process for controlling the pH and salts concentration of water in a water circulating system wherein cool water is used to cool warmer fluids by indirect heat exchange and the resulting warm water is cooled and recirculated for further heat exchange, said process comprising measuring the pH of the water and adding acid to the water while the measured pH of the water exceeds a preset pH value, measuring the electrical conductivity of the water and releasing water from the system while the measured conductivity exceeds a predetermined value, adding water to the system to maintain a predetermined volume, the added water having a lower electrical conductivity than the released water, the improvement comprising releasing said water from the system intermittently on timed on/off cycles.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
127 words
In a process for controlling the pH and salts concentration of water in a water circulating system wherein cool water is used to cool warmer fluids by indirect heat exchange and the resulting warm water is cooled and recirculated for further heat exchange, said process comprising measuring the pH of the water and adding acid to the water while the measured pH of the water exceeds a preset pH value, measuring the electrical conductivity of the water and releasing water from the system while the measured conductivity exceeds a predetermined value, adding water to the system to maintain a predetermined volume, the added water having a lower electrical conductivity than the released water, the improvement comprising releasing said water from the system intermittently on timed on/off cycles.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
Process in accordance with claim 1 wherein said pH and said electrical conductivity are measured on the cool water, wherein warm water is released from said system and wherein said added water has a lower temperature than the released water.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
Process of claim 1 wherein said acid is added to the water intermittently on timed on/off cycles.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
97 words
Apparatus for controlling the pH and salts concentration of water in a circulating system which comprises: means to measure the pH of the water; means to add acid intermittently on a timed on/off cycle while the measured pH of the water exceeds a predetermined value; means to measure the electrical conductivity of the water; means to releasing water from the system intermittently on a timed on/off cycle while the measured conductivity exceeds a predetermined value; and means for adding makeup water to a predetermined volume, the makeup water having a lower electrical conductivity than the released water.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
97 words
Apparatus for controlling the pH and salts concentration of water in a circulating system which comprises: means to measure the pH of the water; means to add acid intermittently on a timed on/off cycle while the measured pH of the water exceeds a predetermined value; means to measure the electrical conductivity of the water; means to releasing water from the system intermittently on a timed on/off cycle while the measured conductivity exceeds a predetermined value; and means for adding makeup water to a predetermined volume, the makeup water having a lower electrical conductivity than the released water.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-06-15 | 1984-12-15 | 1985-06-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-06-15 | 1988-12-15 | 1989-06-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-06-15 | 1992-12-15 | 1993-06-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |