The Economics of Maintenance: How Soltellus Cuts Down Costs

In today’s competitive market, industries are constantly seeking ways to optimize operations and reduce costs. One significant area of expenditure is maintenance. Whether it's in industrial cooling, oil and gas, or membrane filtration, maintenance costs can quickly add up due to issues like scale and corrosion. Soltellus™ Polymer by Lygos offers a promising solution that not only enhances system efficiency but also cuts down maintenance costs across multiple applications. 

The Hidden Costs of Scale and Corrosion

Industrial Cooling Systems

In industrial cooling systems, scale formation and corrosion can lead to several hidden costs:

• Operational Downtime: Frequent cleaning and descaling are required to keep the systems running smoothly. This downtime translates to lost production time and revenue.
• Increased Energy Consumption: Scale deposits act as insulators, reducing heat transfer efficiency and leading to higher energy consumption to maintain desired temperatures.
• Equipment Wear and Tear: Corrosion and scale cause premature aging of equipment, necessitating frequent replacements and repairs.

Oil and Gas Industry

In the oil and gas sector, scale and corrosion issues are equally, if not more, problematic:

• Flow Restrictions: Scale deposits in pipelines and equipment can severely restrict flow, reducing operational efficiency and increasing the energy required to maintain high production levels.
• Safety Hazards: Corroded equipment poses significant safety risks, leading to potential leaks and hazardous working conditions.
• High Maintenance Costs: Regular maintenance and replacing corroded parts increase overall operational costs, impacting profitability.

Membrane Filtration Systems

Membrane filtration systems are widely used for water purification in various industries, including for the purification of various feedwaters including brackish water, surface water, seawater, and wastewater reuse. However, these systems are susceptible to scale, which can lead to:

• Decreased Filtration Efficiency: Scale reduces membrane permeability, lowering filtration rates and reducing system performance.
• Frequent Cleaning Requirements: The buildup of scale necessitates frequent cleaning, which increases operational downtime and maintenance costs.
• Membrane Damage: Persistent scaling can cause irreversible membrane damage, requiring costly replacements.

Desalination Plants

Desalination plants play a crucial role in providing potable water. However, these plants face significant challenges due to scale and corrosion:

• Reduced Water Production: Scale buildup in pipes and equipment can restrict water flow, reducing the efficiency of treatment processes.
• Increased Energy Consumption: Scale acts as an insulator, reducing heat transfer efficiency and increasing the energy required for desalination processes.
• Maintenance Challenges: Corrosion can damage pumps, valves, and other equipment, increasing maintenance and replacement costs.
• Health and Safety Risks: Corroded equipment can lead to contamination of potable water, posing health risks to consumers and potential legal liabilities.

Soltellus: A Cost-Effective Water Treatment Solution

Soltellus by Lygos is a biodegradable scale and corrosion inhibitor designed to address these pervasive issues across various water treatment applications. The significant decrease in scale formation and corrosion leads to:

• Reduced Downtime: Less frequent maintenance is required, resulting in more uptime and higher productivity.
• Lower Energy Costs: Improved heat transfer efficiency translates to lower energy consumption and cost savings.
• Minimizing Equipment Wear and Tear: Reducing the frequency of replacements.
• Increasing Safety: Reducing the risk of leaks and failures, ensuring a safer working environment.
• Chelation: Chelates nuisance metals such as Iron (Fe) and Magnesium (Mg).

Conclusion

The economics of maintenance in water treatment are crucial for the operational efficiency and profitability of industries. Soltellus offers a solution that not only provides superior protection against scale and corrosion but also promotes cost savings and improved efficiency across multiple applications. By integrating Soltellus into your water treatment processes, you can significantly cut down maintenance costs and enhance the overall performance of your operations.