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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Advanced Stabilized Alkaline Phosphate (ASAP) Cooling Water Treatment Program

Increased legislation concerning heavy metals continues to limit the choices for good cooling water treatment programs. Additionally, personnel safety is a top priority for industry. With these concerns in mind, Nalco has developed the Advanced Stabilized Alkaline Phosphate (ASAP) program.

What is the ASAP program?

ASAP is Nalcos next generation Alkaline Phosphate program that has been optimized for high temperature and long Holding Time Index (HTI) applications. It helps protect open recirculating cooling water systems from corrosion and scale by utilizing Nalcos state-of-the-art High Stress Polymer and a new dual function corrosion inhibitor.

Figure 1 Diagram of a corrosion cell

Additionally, lower circulating phosphate residuals mean lower phosphate going to blowdown, resulting in a reduced load to waste water treatment. The ASAP program is designed to reduce or eliminate the need to feed acid. The program parameters take advantage of a towers natural cycling up of alkalinity.

mild steel localized corrosion protection and the stabilization of calcium carbonate at high temperatures. Two types of phosphate, orthophosphate and polyphosphate, provide the corrosion protection for mild steel. Orthophosphate has been known as an anodic inhibitor which combines with iron at the anode to form a highly insoluble iron phosphate precipitate. In addition, orthophosphate is thought to promote passivation through the formation of a passive gamma iron oxide (Fe2O3) film. Both of the mechanisms provide a protective film at the anode and prevent pitting and/or localized corrosion.
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Where should ASAP be used?

The ASAP program is an excellent alternative for plants that have environmental limitations on heavy metal and phosphate discharge. In most cases, the level of phosphates in this program will not be constrained by environmental discharge limits. The ASAP program is the program of choice for plants desiring fewer foulants in their recirculating cooling water systems. The program requirements of 4 to 8 ppm phosphate are significantly less than the 10 to 17 ppm phosphate requirements for a stabilized phosphate program.

How does the ASAP program work?

The program contains several corrosion inhibitors for mild steel and yellow metal corrosion protection. In addition, state-ofthe-art High Stress Polymer (HSP) technology is used for control of scale and deposits. The program also contains a dual function organic phosphate for

Cathodic protection is provided by two mechanisms, both of which require at least 25 ppm calcium in the recirculating water. At the cathode, hydroxyl ions are released from the reaction of oxygen and electrons. The result is a localized high pH at the cathodic metal surface (see Figure 1). Both the new organic phosphate inhibitor and polyphosphate combine with calcium in the water and locally precipitate at the high-pH cathodic sites. The principal corrosion inhibition mechanism for the ASAP program is cathodically controlled. The purpose of the polymer is to maintain the phosphate corrosion inhibitors in a soluble form in the recirculation water and prevent bulk precipitation. Using the most advanced polymer technology ensures excellent program control at the most economical cost. An azole is included in the ASAP program for yellow metal corrosion protection.

What are the calcium limitations of the program?

The minimum calcium level is 50 ppm for good corrosion protection. Calcium levels of up to 1200 ppm can be achieved before uncontrollable calcium phosphate precipitation may occur.

How can I be assured the program is working effectively?

Monitoring and control are important aspects of any cooling water program. As part of the monitoring program, the ASAP program incorporates deposit monitors, corraters and corrosion coupons to continually evaluate deposit control and corrosion. Proper control of product feed can ensure the success of any program. TRASAR Technology can be incorporated into the ASAP program. TRASAR provides on-line measurement and control of product feed.

What can I do if I have high iron in my makeup water?

Control of iron is very important with any phosphate-containing program. Uncontrolled, iron phosphate deposition will result in reduced heat transfer and potentially underdeposit corrosion. The ASAP program incorporates the most efficient and technologically advanced polymer (HSP) able to tolerate iron. Additional polymer feed (over the normal program recommendations) typically results in improved performance and iron control. No additional products are needed.

How can I find out more about the program as it applies to my particular system?
The needs of your plant are unique due to the diversity of design and equipment. Nalco offers several choices for cooling water treatment programs. Your Nalco representative can determine the proper program to meet your plants particular needs and work with you to help implement a program that provides the best results.

How important is pH control?

The ASAP program is designed to run at higher alkalinities (pH). Both pH and alkalinity are important parameters for the proper operation of the program. Being in the correct pH range is often more important than the proper alkalinity. Use of this program can eliminate or significantly reduce the need for acid feed.

What effect does temperature have on this program?

The ASAP program has shown, in practice, the ability to handle temperatures similar to alkalinezinc programs. The polymer portion of the program has raised the breakpoint for cooling water calcium phosphate dispersants. The program provides reliable operation in bulk water temperatures to 160F, or on exchangers with metal skin temperatures of 180F.

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