Quality control before pumping

Incorporation of quality control measures during all aspects of an acid job can make the difference between success and failure. Quality control monitoring during the actual pumping of the treatment only is not sufficient. In addition, quality control steps must be planned and executed during rig-up of equipment, before pumping, and after pumping. 

A very large petrochemical facility has many cooling systems and a variable water quality due to seasonal fluctuations. The river water makeup supply water is pumped approximately 100 km across a desert plain. The supply water pH can quickly increase to 8.6, the TDS rises to 1300 ppm, SS to 500 ppm (before clarification), chlorides to 650 ppm, and total hardness to 600 ppm. As a consequence, priority is given to stabilizing the makeup water quality as much as possible using acid dosing, but control is poor and acid incursions take place. 

When electricity, gas, water, lime, sodium carbonate, phosphoric acid, tanks, pumps, switches, valves, analytical equipment, and controls have been properly placed, it is time to consider the kiln itself and all the auxiliary equipment required to run the kiln. Of instant concern today are emissions and waste products. Dust collectors must be in place and operational before a kiln can be operated. There must also be a means of disposing or recycling off specification product. Poor-quality products are usually produced in the first trial runs of new equipment. 

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