Smart Fix Beats Acid at ND Power Plant

Overview:

• Issue: Restricted water flow due to crystalized calcium sulfate buildup in return piping
• Solution: Identified the true cause and restored proper water temperature by relocating the discharge line
• Results: Buildup dissolved in under 4 hours—no acid or mechanical cleaning required
• Collaboration: Worked directly with plant personnel to resolve the issue quickly and safely

Location: Power Generation Facility – North Dakota

A power plant in North Dakota was struggling with major flow issues in its scrubber water return system. Water recycled from the ash ponds back to the plant was moving slowly, raising concern among operators. Initial assessments suggested significant scale buildup in the return line.

Consulting engineers recommended acid cleaning the pipe to remove the buildup. However, before moving forward, the plant contacted Aqua-Pure Inc. for a second opinion.

Quick Diagnosis, Smarter Solution

We inspected the system and quickly identified the real problem. The material clogging the pipe wasn’t typical scale—it was crystallized calcium sulfate. This issue occurred during the winter when temperatures dropped significantly.

Our investigation found the root cause: The plant had moved its scrubber discharge line to a location much farther from the return line. This change caused a major drop in water temperature. As a result, the calcium sulfate in the return water began to crystallize and stick to the pipe walls.

We recommended relocating the discharge line back to its original position, closer to the return pipe. The fix worked fast. Within just four hours, the calcium sulfate dissolved, and the return line was completely clear—no acid, no downtime, no risk.

Aqua-Pure Inc. delivers fast, cost-effective solutions for complex industrial water treatment challenges. Contact us to improve system performance without expensive downtime.