Da Lin Power Station

The Site:Seawater is used as a coolant in the heat exchanger. Since the temperature inside the exchanger was below 50°C, scale was not a big problem. The problem was biofouling. Investigations have shown that a layer of 250 microns thick microfouling can reduce heat transfer efficiency by up to 25%. Microfouling also reduces water flow and increases corrosion. At Da Lin Power Station, each exchanger operated for only two months before service was required, and then it took three days or more for cleaning.Da Lin Power StationTaiwanThe result:On November 2003, a HydroPath unit was installed at position shown in Diagram [A]. After two months, the heat exchanger was opened for inspection. Biofouling was eliminated, Cleaning was done by water spray and took only one hour. Operators then extend the cleaning periods to 6 monthly intervals.HydroPath provides a solution forBiofouling in Power Station Exploded view of fouled heat exchanger before HydroPath Diagram [A]HydroPath UnitAfter Page 1