performance evaluation of technos cleaning balls in rdc msf pilot

all cleaning frequency were kept same as in normal operation and test data were
recorded.
It is preferred to inspect visually the tubes and water-boxes of brine heater and high
temperature stages before and after the test to check the extent of scale and sludge
deposition. It provides information about the effective distribution or sinking rate of the
balls. However, the inspection of the commercial distillers is bound to the maintenance
schedule and high demand of water production.
3.4.3 Chemical Analyses
Chemical analyses of different brine streams were performed daily to monitor the
constituents responsible for steady operation of the plants. The analyses of copper
content in the brine recycle and brine blowdown streams were also done to find out the
extent of tube metal losses due to ball cleaning.
4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
During the tests of Technos balls in MSF pilot, Jeddah III and Al-Jubail II commercial
plants, operations including ball performance were monitored closely.
4.1 MSF Pilot Plant
Prior to the tests on commercial plants, a test on the RDC pilot plant was carried out to
make a preliminary assessment about the temperature tolerance and effectiveness of the
Technos balls. Balls were tested at 110 o C for one-week duration and the performance
was compared with that of the balls presently under use in the plant.
4.1.1 Ball Physical Integrity
Technos balls were checked for any mechanical damage, shrinkage, surface wear,
deformation or loss of texture periodically during execution of the test. Balls were not
found to undergo any sort of deformation, texture failure or any type of mechanical
damage during the test. The used balls were not found softer than the new ones. The
diameter of used balls was also around 14.5 mm. A little decrease in size (i.e. ∼0.5 mm)
was attributed to the shrinkage and uniform wear.
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