ALGAE CONTROL FOR THE METALLURGICAL INDUSTRY
24–60 MONTH RENT-TO-OWN
GLENCORE SUCCESS STORY — ULTRASOUND IN ACTION SINCE 2018
From Chemicals to Ultrasound
Glencore’s nickel operation in Norway had struggled for years with mussel colonies building up inside its pipes.
Within a few weeks of installing ultrasound, the mussel fouling problem was resolved, eliminating the need for costly chemical treatments. According to the company, this resulted in annual chemical savings of approximately NOK 800,000.
GLENCORE’S SUCCESS STORY — PUBLISHED IN NICKEL NEWS, NOVEMBER 2018
ALPHA helps control fouling in tubes, pipes and heat exchangers.
Excessive algae growth can cause costly problems in water tanks and irrigation reservoirs serving greenhouses, tree nurseries and plant growers. Algae can affect water quality, reduce light transmission when growing on glass surfaces, and clog filters and irrigation equipment.
Biofilm is a layer of microorganisms that develops on submerged surfaces, including tank walls, pipes and heat exchangers. In suitable water conditions, it can encourage mussels and barnacles to settle and grow. Algae and other organic matter can contribute to this fouling process.
The ALPHA 4-Ways ultrasound system is designed to help control algae and biofilm in water systems, reducing fouling and supporting cleaner, more efficient equipment. Results and treatment times depend on water conditions, the organisms present and installation.
ELKEM SUCCESS STORY — ULTRASOUND IN ACTION SINCE 2017
FROM CHEMICALS TO ULTRASOUND
ELKEM installed the ALPHA 4-Ways ultrasound system at its seawater reservoir intake.
ELKEM SOLAR’S PROBLEM BEFORE SWITCHING TO ULTRASOUND
ELKEM Solar experienced extensive mussel buildup on intake grates and inside seawater pipes at its factory. This affected heat exchanger performance and increased water temperatures, requiring frequent, costly cleaning and maintenance.
Four months after installing ALPHA 4-Ways, a visual inspection of the seawater intake basin and other key components showed a significant reduction in mussel growth.
REPORT FROM ELKEM SOLAR, NORWAY
Maintenance Planning Manager Gert Ivar Gundersen of Elkem Solar AS reported that almost no mussels remained following the installation. The few still present were dead. He also noted a significant reduction in biofilm and algae on the walls.
ELKEM Solar AS agreed to act as a reference for other businesses experiencing similar seawater fouling and mussel problems.
Reference contact:
Gert Ivar Gundersen
Maintenance Planning Manager
ELKEM Solar AS, Norway
