High cycle cooling water operations are typically practiced in water short areas and in areas where extreme environmental sensitivity exists. The resulting open, evaporative cooling water systems often suffer from one or more of the following problems: Water shortage, poor makeup water quality, high corrosion rate, effluent quality restrictions. Perhaps the most common solution to these problems is the use of sidestream softening systems. These systems are configured to control the levels of selected dissolved solids and of total suspended solids. Because these systems appear to be relatively cost effective, they are often used in the electric utility industry in central generating stations, i.e. where large amounts of cooling waters are required. This paper sused the Sierra Pacific Power Company’s North Valmy Station sidestream circulating water system as a model. It discusses many of those problems encountered in successfully managing a complex high cycle cooling water system with sidestream softening. Finally, the paper describes design changes planned to improve efficiency and to extend the life of the circulating system.
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