Problem 6.8: Two cooling towers operate at the same pH and

From Chapter 6 Problem Set. Level 3: System Integration.

Question

Two cooling towers operate at the same pH and conductivity. Tower A reads +650 mV and Tower B reads +200 mV. What can you reasonably conclude from these readings? What additional information would you need before comparing biological control or corrosion risk?

Answer

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Tower A is exhibiting a more oxidizing ORP response at the probe. That supports the conclusion that its bulk redox environment is more oxidizing at the time of measurement. However, ORP alone cannot establish oxidizer concentration, biological kill, or corrosion rate. The oxidizer used, residual concentration, temperature, demand, contact time, metallurgy, inhibitor program, flow conditions, and corrosion measurements would also be needed.