Industry Insights

An Introduction to Industrial Use of Technology for Non-Techies

It’s increasingly obvious to me that the gap in the general understanding of technology is continuously increasing with those that are not working in the space every day. I am referring to industrial technology versus the general consumer technology market. The consumer technology market has made our lives easier, simplifying tasks and adding entertainment with intuitive technology that most [...]

Options for Industrial Water Reuse

Every day in the U.S., more than 355 billion gallons of water are withdrawn from surface and ground water sources to serve industry and the public, according to a 2010 report from the U.S. Geological Survey. As the strain on water sources steadily increases, it is critical for all water users to work towards water conservation. The primary drivers towards water recycling and reuse practices are environmental [...]

Water Softener System Maintenance & Troubleshooting

A water softener system is one of a facility’s the best methods of defense against scale formation due to hard water on heat transfer surfaces, such as heat exchangers and boilers. In addition to a savings in energy, water and chemical costs, a well maintained softener can extend piping and equipment life. Some of the most common issues an operator may experience when maintaining water softener equipment is [...]

Boiler Automation Programs Ensure System Protection & Reliability

Monitoring and controlling a boiler’s internal treatment program is one of the best ways to prevent system downtime and avoid major repair costs. Common equipment problems, such as corrosion, scale and deposition can result in over $60,000 in repair costs and 2-3 days of downtime. Implementing a boiler automation program offers facilities the system protection and reliability required to run efficiently and [...]

Chemical Feed Skid Considerations for the Oil and Gas Industry

Chemical feed skids offer reliable and consistent dosing of chemicals into process applications. When designed correctly, chemical feed skids have the ability to increase system productivity by maximizing operating costs and reducing chemical costs. Available in hundreds of configurations, U.S. Water's chemical feed skids are customized to meet each facility's unique application and specifications. There [...]

Caring for Your Pre-Treatment Equipment: RO Membrane Cleaning

As water and energy costs increase, government regulations tighten and environmental stewardship initiatives progress, facilities must continue to enhance their system efficiencies. Reverse Osmosis (RO) equipment is becoming more common in water treatment systems. Unfortunately, even with high quality feed water, RO membrane scaling and fouling is inevitable. Regular cleaning and servicing of your RO system and its [...]

The Internet of Things and its Benefit to U.S. Water Customers

There is a lot of talk in the technology market about the Internet of Things (IoT). But, what does that mean and how does it affect water treatment technologies? As people living in a modern world, technology is the center of nearly everything we do. Human nature constantly drives us to improve our “things” through newly engineered technology. The Internet of Things (IoT) is about using technology to [...]

U.S. Water’s Unique Sulfur Control Solutions

Let's start with the scrubber. Aldehydes, primarily acetaldehyde, in fermentation gas are considered to be “hazardous air pollutants (HAPs)” by EPA. Aldehyde control is often based on sulfites, which react with the aldehydes, making them “scrubbable”. If you use more than required sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas can freely pass through the final stages of distillation and dehydration and [...]

FSMA Regulations and Their Impact on Water Treatment Chemistry for the Ethanol Industry

In 2011, the FDA was given a new mandate to require comprehensive, science based preventive controls across the food supply. These regulations, collectively called the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), apply to food for both human and animal consumption. While there have been rules governing food additives and safety for many years, these new rules further refine the requirements around control plans. The new [...]

How Does Piping Design Affect Bacteria Growth in Water Systems?

Q&A with U.S. Water’s Project Manager, Jason Mitchell   What is high purity water, and where is it used? High purity water, also referred to as ultrapure or deionized water, must comply with quality requirements to sustain specific production goals and standards. It is used in a variety of industries where bacterial contamination is strictly regulated such as biopharmaceutical, [...]

Cooling System Lay-Up

Protecting your system during the winter season with the right layup program will significantly reduce the amount of chip scale that will loosen up in the spring, prevent corrosion and iron-throw, and greatly extend the life of your equipment. U.S. Water offers four products that can be used for cooling lay-up; Protect 649, CTL-440, TOWERCLEAN 819 and Tower Toads . Each chemical has a best fit, and each [...]

Reverse Osmosis Membrane Advancements

Every day consumers research and identify what goods and services are available in the market for the particular area they are looking for. They buy based on the features they value and the price they are willing to pay. It's not very common that a consumer will buy without some level of evaluation. Contrast that with decisions in the industrial world and many times that level of evaluation doesn't take place. [...]