Water and Wastewater

Water Analysis for Power Generation

Analyzing water for power generation is an integral part of the generation process, since the quality of the water, if contaminated, can damage machinery and turbines.  As a result, Texas OilTech Laboratories recommends testing boiler steam and water for potential contaminants that may lead to corrosion or erosion of the metals used in the process.

Using advanced modern technology, Texas OilTech Laboratories can detect to the parts-per-million various properties and chemicals found in the steam and water, so as to ensure that the power generation process does not lead to turbine failure.  Potential contaminants include but are not limited to chloride, phosphate, dissolved oxygen, hydrazine, sodium, and perhaps most importantly, silica.

In addition, Texas OilTech Laboratories can test for Nitrogen Oxide contents.  Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) are the main by-products of the combustion process and environmental issues dictate low NOx emissions.  Local regulations vary but NOx are usually held to less than 15 ppm by volume.  Injected water or steam can be used to control NOx and turbine manufacturers have water specifications to assure that particulate and other contaminants are not introduced into the turbine.

Drinking Water

At Texas OilTech Laboratories, we are committed to testing an analyzing the quality of our community’s drinking water.  At many sites, including open wells, covered dug wells, shallow tube wells, deep tube wells, protected springs, and community rainwater collection systems, water pollution and contamination are common.  In order to ensure that water quality is maintained at potable levels, we recommend rigorous testing of all water sources and water samples during treatment and transportation.

Contaminants and pollutants are transferrable to water sources through a multitude of agents.  Most commonly, Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs), used in synthetic compounds found in leather, cleaning products, metal plating, and paper and packaging, can accumulate in sediments and soil which may, in turn, contaminate water supplies.  As a result, we recommend a full test of all particles and contaminants due to the high probability of exposure during storage or even from natural surroundings.

In addition, tests for residual chlorine are of the utmost importance, since this substance acts as a disinfectant crucial to diminishing the incidence of waterborne diseases.  The proper residual chlorine levels must be maintained, as they do change over time.  In addition, proper analysis of pH levels must also be performed, since pH and residual chlorine have an interactive effect when applied to water treatment.  As such, both parameters need to be routinely checked and monitored to ensure that their cooperative effects are keeping water supplies safe and clean.

Wastewater

Population increases and heightened use of water supplies has produced the need to rapid and safe treatment of wastewater.  Typically, wastewater contains various pollutants which during the generation process also produce harmful by-products.  In order to ensure that the wastewater is not only safe for the community but also for the environment, a series of tests are recommended.

At Texas OilTech Laboratories, we provide a complete package of tests to guarantee that the produced wastewater is meeting the demands of the client as well as the quality standards of the US Environmental Protection Agency.  As a result, we are happy to help our community by engaging in water analysis that helps to keep our wastewater safe by providing information on the relative strength of the wastewater, the concentration of particles within the wastewater, and the features that contribute to the natural aging of the water bodies.