Evaluación de efectividad de remoción de sílice mediante intercambio iónico en la Termoeléctrica Termocoa, Villavicencio

Abstract

The growing demand for water with characteristics of high purity in the thermoelectric industry lies in avoiding an increase in the costs of operation, maintenance, energy consumption and resources, caused by the formation of incrustations of compounds difficult to remove such as silica in the pipelines , modules or plates of the machines and equipment responsible for the generation of electric power; an evaluation of the effectiveness of silica removal was carried out using the ion exchange technology in the Ocoa Thermoelectric Plant in Villavicencio-Meta in order to propose the modifications that must be made to the Industrial Water Treatment System (STAI) to guarantee a water with high purity characteristics; developing a statistical analysis of representativeness, reliability of the system and future probabilities according to the historical review of the physicochemical parameters in the last three years (2015 to 2017) to determine the current status of the STAI; 5 treatments were established for the demineralization train operation varying flow rates and pressures: T1 (250 to 270GPM & 40PSI), T2 (250 to 270GPM & 80PSI), T3 (117 to 140GPM & 40PSI), T4 (117 to 140GPM & 80PSI) ), T5 (274 to 278GPM & 64 to 73PSI) obtaining 150 data for each treatment (6 sub-samples * 5 parameters * 5 sampling points) and using the non-parametric two-way ANOVA methodology and the Duncan statistic statistical differences were identified significant among treatments, taking into account as variables of response conductivity, pH, silica, iron and turbidity, and the capacity of removal of them was quantified; finally, a technical-economic-environmental diagnostic workshop was held with the participation of the company's personnel through a decision matrix to identify the technology that best suits the needs of the industry; as a result, it was evidenced that the STAI that the company has is not reliable as its efficiency diminishes over time, the parameters evaluated showed significant statistical differences, being the T4 the one that best adjusts to the required operational conditions, with an effectiveness of removal of silica of 98.14%, iron 0%, turbidity 31.25% and conductivity 97.87%, however, with the development of the workshop it was concluded that the most advisable is to implement a system of technologies together with osmosis Inverse followed by electrodialysis since it is more favorable for the health and safety of workers, represents a greater reliability of the system, lower environmental impact, less requirement in control and analysis, among others.