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Ammonia (NH3) is one of the nitrogen compounds often found in industrial and domestic wastewater. This compound can come from various sources, including food, textile, petrochemical, and household waste. Although it seems trivial, high ammonia content in wastewater can have serious impacts on the environment and human health.

According to various studies, ammonia in wastewater that is discharged without treatment can cause a decrease in oxygen levels in the water, which ultimately disrupts the balance of the aquatic ecosystem.

In addition, ammonia is also toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms, even in low concentrations. Not only that, the presence of ammonia in water that is reused for industrial processes or irrigation can cause damage to piping systems and industrial equipment due to corrosion.

Worrying Impacts: Environment and Health in Danger

If wastewater with high ammonia content is discharged directly into the environment without adequate treatment, the negative effects will be very broad. Here are some of the main impacts:

1. Decreases Water Quality and Disrupts Ecosystems

Ammonia can cause eutrophication, which is an increase in nutrient levels that encourage excessive algae growth. This can reduce oxygen levels in the water and cause mass deaths of fish and other aquatic organisms.

2. Toxicity to Aquatic Life

Even in low concentrations, ammonia can be toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms. Fish exposed to ammonia for a long time will experience stress, respiratory problems, and even death.

3. Corrosion of Industrial Equipment

In industrial processes, the presence of ammonia in water can cause damage to piping systems, boilers, and other equipment because of its nature which can accelerate the corrosion process.

Read Also: Scaling and Corrosion in Boilers: A Hidden Threat to Face

4. Health Impacts on Humans

Exposure to ammonia in water used for human consumption or industrial needs can cause various health problems, such as skin irritation, respiratory disorders, and digestive disorders if swallowed in large quantities.

With these various impacts, ammonia treatment in wastewater is no longer just an option, but an urgent need for industries that care about environmental sustainability and government regulations.

Effective Ways to Reduce Ammonia Content in Wastewater

Various methods can be applied to reduce ammonia levels in wastewater, depending on the characteristics of the waste and the needs of the industry. Here are some of the main solutions:

1. Biological Process: Nitrification and Denitrification

Biological process is one of the most effective methods in reducing ammonia levels in wastewater. This method involves two main stages:

• Nitrification: Nitrifying bacteria such as Nitrosomonas convert ammonia to nitrite, then Nitrobacter converts nitrite to nitrate.
• Denitrification: In this stage, denitrifying bacteria convert nitrate to harmless nitrogen gas and release it into the atmosphere.

2. Chemical Process: Chemical Precipitation and Oxidation

For industries with very high ammonia content, chemical methods can be an alternative solution. Some of the techniques used include:

• Chlorination: This process uses chlorine to oxidize ammonia to nitrogen gas.
• Precipitation with Magnesium Ammonium Phosphate (MAP): Ammonia reacts with magnesium and phosphate to form struvite crystals that can be precipitated and removed from wastewater.

3. Physical Process: Ammonia Stripping

The ammonia stripping method is carried out by increasing the pH of the wastewater using lime or soda ash, then flowing air into the system to evaporate the ammonia from the water. This method is very effective for wastewater with high ammonia concentrations.

4. Use of Filtration and Adsorption Systems

Several types of filtration media such as zeolite and activated carbon can be used to absorb ammonia from wastewater. This technique is often used as a complement to other methods to achieve optimal results.

5. Combination Solutions: Integration of Various Methods for Maximum Efficiency

To obtain optimal results, many industries apply combination solutions, namely combining several of the above methods in one treatment system. For example:

• Combination of Nitrification-Denitrification with Filtration: Biological processes can be combined with filtration media such as zeolite to increase the effectiveness of ammonia removal.
• Ammonia Stripping followed by Chemical Oxidation: The stripping method can be used to reduce large amounts of ammonia before chemical oxidation is carried out to ensure a cleaner end result.
• MAP precipitation before biological process: By precipitating ammonia in the form of struvite, the biological load in the nitrification-denitrification process can be significantly reduced.

Read Also: Why is My Cooling Tower Experiencing Biofouling?

Why Choose Lautan Air Indonesia?

As a company with more than 40 years of experience in the field of water treatment, Lautan Air Indonesia offers a variety of the best services and solutions to help industries deal with ammonia problems in wastewater. Our advantages include:

• Advanced technology and customer-based solutions
• Expert team with extensive experience in the field of wastewater treatment
• Availability of high-quality chemicals and filtration media
• Consulting services, system design, to implementation and maintenance

If your company faces challenges in managing ammonia content in wastewater, Lautan Air Indonesia is ready to be a trusted partner in providing efficient and environmentally friendly solutions.

Don’t let the problem of ammonia in wastewater hinder your company’s operations and environmental compliance. Contact Lautan Air Indonesia now to get the best solution that suits your industry needs.

With the right solution, we can maintain environmental sustainability while increasing the efficiency of industrial operations. Together with Lautan Air Indonesia, realize better wastewater treatment!

Industrial and domestic wastewater often contains high levels of COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) and BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand). COD and BOD are two main parameters that indicate the level of pollution in wastewater.

COD measures the amount of oxygen needed to oxidize organic and inorganic materials in water, while BOD measures the amount of oxygen needed by microorganisms to decompose organic materials biologically.

High levels of COD and BOD in wastewater can cause various environmental problems, such as pollution of rivers, lakes, and groundwater sources. If left unchecked, this condition will damage the aquatic ecosystem and disrupt the lives of living things in it.

In addition, the discharge of wastewater that does not meet quality standards can result in legal sanctions for industries that violate them.

Impact of High COD and BOD

When COD and BOD in wastewater exceed the established limits, the impact can be very detrimental, both to the environment and the industry itself:

• Water Source Pollution: Wastewater with high COD and BOD levels will reduce the levels of dissolved oxygen in water, causing the death of aquatic organisms such as fish and important microorganisms.
• Bad Odor: The decomposition process of organic matter in wastewater with high BOD often produces a foul odor that disturbs the surrounding environment.
• Violation of Regulations: The government has strict regulations regarding wastewater quality standards. Industries that do not meet these standards can be subject to sanctions or large fines.
• Suboptimal Performance of Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP): If COD and BOD levels are too high, the existing wastewater treatment system may not be able to handle them efficiently, resulting in higher operational costs.

Read Also: How to Reduce Ammonia Content in Wastewater?

Effective Ways to Reduce COD and BOD in Wastewater

To overcome high levels of COD and BOD in wastewater, the right approach is needed. Here are some methods that can be applied:

1. Physical Treatment

This method involves the process of separating large particles and solids from wastewater before entering the further treatment stage. Common techniques used include:

• Screening: Using a sieve or net to remove coarse material from wastewater.
• Sedimentation: Using gravity to settle solid particles at the bottom of the tank.
• Flotation: The process of separating oil and fat by raising light particles to the surface of the water.

2. Chemical Treatment

This method uses chemicals to reduce COD and BOD levels in wastewater, such as:

• Coagulation and Flocculation: Adding coagulants (such as PAC or Aluminum Sulfate) to bind small particles into larger ones so that they can be easily settled.
• Chemical Oxidation: Using strong oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) or ozone to oxidize organic compounds that are difficult to decompose.
• Ph Adjustment: To increase the efficiency of biological and chemical processes in wastewater treatment.

3. Biological Treatment

This method uses microorganisms to decompose organic matter in wastewater. There are two main types of biological treatment:

• Aerobic Process: Using aerobic bacteria that require oxygen to decompose organic matter, such as in an Activated Sludge or Biofilter system.
• Anaerobic Process: Using anaerobic bacteria that do not require oxygen, usually used to treat waste with high organic content such as the food and beverage industry.

4. Advanced Technology for Wastewater Treatment

Along with the development of technology, several advanced methods have also begun to be applied to increase the efficiency of wastewater treatment:

• Ultrafiltration and Reverse Osmosis Membranes: To filter micro particles and harmful organic compounds.
• Ozonation Technology: Used to oxidize pollutants that are difficult to decompose.
• Electrocoagulation: Using electric current to precipitate pollutants in wastewater.

Lautan Air Indonesia Overcomes High COD and BOD in Wastewater

Lautan Air Indonesia has more than 40 years of experience in dealing with various industrial wastewater problems. We provide comprehensive solutions to reduce COD and BOD in wastewater with various superior services, such as:

• Provision of Water Treatment Chemicals: We provide coagulants, flocculants, oxidants, and various other chemicals that are effective in overcoming high COD and BOD.
• Integrated Wastewater Treatment Systems: We offer design, installation, and maintenance of wastewater treatment systems, including small to large-scale wastewater treatment plants.
• Process Consultation and Optimization: Our team of experts is ready to help analyze and provide the best solutions that suit your specific industry needs.
• IoT-Based Monitoring and Control: With IoT technology, we can help you monitor wastewater quality in real-time to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

Conclusion

Overcoming high COD and BOD in wastewater is not an easy task, but with the right approach, this problem can be overcome effectively. The use of the right physical, chemical, and biological treatment methods can help industries achieve the set quality standards.

Lautan Air Indonesia is here as the best solution for industries that want to ensure that their wastewater is safe for the environment and by regulations.

Want to know more about how Lautan Air Indonesia can help solve your industrial wastewater problems? Contact us now and discuss your wastewater treatment needs with our experts!

Boilers are the heart of heating systems in industries ranging from manufacturing to power generation to food processing. However, over time, many companies face the challenge of decreasing boiler heating efficiency. Reduced efficiency means increased fuel consumption, increased operating costs, and higher exhaust emissions. This is certainly a serious concern for industries that want to optimize production costs while maintaining environmental sustainability.

What are the main causes of decreased boiler heating efficiency? And how to overcome it? This article will discuss the factors that cause boiler inefficiency and solutions that can be applied to restore its performance to optimal levels.

Causes of Boiler Efficiency Decline

Boilers that are not operating at optimal efficiency can be a source of significant energy waste and costs in industry. Even though they appear to be working well, there are various factors that can cause boiler efficiency to gradually decline.

Some of these are related to water quality, equipment condition, and how the system is operated. Understanding these causes is the first step to identifying the right solutions and ensuring that the boiler continues to function optimally.

1. Boiler Scale and Deposits

One of the main causes of decreased boiler efficiency is the formation of scale and deposits in the system. Water used in the heating process often contains minerals such as calcium and magnesium that can settle on the boiler heating surfaces. This scale accumulation inhibits heat transfer, so more energy is required to heat the water to the desired temperature.

Read Also: Scaling and Corrosion in Boilers: A Hidden Threat to Face

2. Poor Feed Water Quality

Poorly treated boiler feed water can carry contaminants such as iron, silica, and dissolved gases (O2 and CO2). These contaminants can cause corrosion and scale formation in the boiler, which ultimately reduces heating efficiency and shortens the operational life of the boiler.

3. Incomplete Combustion

Incomplete combustion often results in significant energy losses. Factors such as an unbalanced air-fuel ratio, a poorly calibrated burner, or varying fuel conditions can reduce combustion efficiency, resulting in more energy wasted.

4. Heat Loss Due to Poor Insulation

Boilers that are not well insulated will experience significant heat loss. If the heat generated is not stored efficiently, the boiler must work harder to maintain operating temperature, which means increased fuel consumption.

5. Excessive Blowdown

Excessive blowdown to remove contaminants from the boiler can also reduce efficiency. Each time a blowdown is performed, a large amount of hot water is removed from the system, which means more energy is needed to heat the replacement water.

Read Also: How to Reduce Boiler Blowdown for Operational Efficiency?

6. Use of Outdated Equipment

Boilers that have been in operation for a long time and have not received optimal maintenance will experience a natural decrease in efficiency. Outdated or unrestored equipment tends to be more energy-intensive and less efficient in the heating process.

Solutions to Restore Boiler Efficiency

After understanding the factors that cause boiler efficiency to decrease, the next step is to find the right solution to restore its performance. Here are some strategies that can be applied:

1. Optimal Water Treatment with the Right Chemicals

Effective water treatment is essential to prevent scale formation and corrosion in the boiler. Lautan Air Indonesia provides a variety of chemical solutions for water treatment, including:

• Coagulants & Flocculants: Helps remove suspended particles in feed water.
• Disinfectants & Deoxygenators: Reduces dissolved oxygen content that can cause corrosion.
• Scale Inhibitor: Prevents scale formation in the boiler to maintain heating efficiency.

2. Implementation of Water Quality Monitoring System

Lautan Air Indonesia offers a real-time water quality monitoring solution that allows early detection of changes in boiler feed water parameters, so that preventive actions can be taken before the boiler experiences problems.

3. Combustion Process Optimization

Combustion efficiency can be improved by:

• Periodic burner calibration to ensure optimal air-fuel ratio.
• Using better quality fuel or additives to improve combustion efficiency.
• Installing exhaust gas sensors to control emissions and detect inefficiencies in the system.

4. Improved Boiler Insulation

Investing in better insulation will significantly reduce heat loss. Optimal insulation will help maintain stable temperatures and reduce energy consumption.

5. Efficient Blowdown Management

Blowdown carried out with the right strategy can reduce energy loss. An automatic blowdown system controlled based on water quality parameters can help maintain a balance between contaminant removal and operational efficiency.

6. Boiler Maintenance and Modernization

Lautan Air Indonesia offers operation & maintenance (O&M) services to ensure that your boiler is always operating at optimal efficiency. These services include:

• Periodic boiler inspection and cleaning
• Evaluation of system performance
• Recommendations for equipment repair and modernization

Conclusion

Decreased boiler efficiency is a common problem in various industries, but can be overcome with the right strategy. From optimal water treatment to regular maintenance and combustion optimization, every small step can make a big impact in restoring boiler heating efficiency.

Lautan Air Indonesia is ready to assist you in optimizing your boiler system through various water treatment solutions, water quality monitoring, to operation and maintenance services. Contact us today to get the best consultation and solution for your industrial needs!

Cooling towers are important components in industrial cooling systems that function to remove heat from the production process. However, in its operation, problems often arise that can disrupt system performance, one of which is foaming.

Foaming occurs when air bubbles are trapped in circulating water and form excessive foam. This phenomenon not only reduces heat transfer efficiency, but can also cause water overflow, increase corrosion, and inhibit water flow in the system. If left untreated, foaming can result in downtime that is detrimental to industrial operations.

Why Does Foaming Occur?

Foaming in cooling towers can be caused by several factors, including:

1. High Concentration of Organic Substances and Contaminants

The main source of foaming is the high content of organic substances such as oil, fat, or surfactants in the cooling water. These materials can come from heat exchanger leaks, the use of inappropriate chemicals, or contamination from the surrounding environment.

Read Also: Why is My Cooling Tower Experiencing Biofouling?

2. Chemical Imbalance in Cooling Water

The use of inappropriate or unbalanced chemicals can increase the surface tension of the water, which accelerates foam formation.

3. Poor Water Quality

The make-up water used in cooling towers must have a quality that meets industry standards. If the water contains too much suspended matter or has an inappropriate pH, foaming is more likely to occur.

4. Suboptimal Blowdown System

Improperly controlled blowdown can increase the concentration of dissolved solids in the cooling water, which contributes to foam formation.

The Negative Impact of Foaming on Cooling Towers

If not addressed immediately, foaming in cooling towers can cause various serious problems, such as:

• Decreased Cooling Efficiency – Foam covering the water surface inhibits heat transfer, so the system cannot work optimally.
• Corrosion and Scaling – Chemicals trapped in the foam can increase the risk of corrosion in cooling tower pipes and equipment.
• Overflows and Water Loss – Excessive foam can cause water to overflow from the cooling tower, increasing water consumption and operational costs.
• Increased Maintenance Costs – Systems affected by foaming require more frequent maintenance, which means increased costs and production downtime.

How to Overcome Foaming in a Cooling Tower?

After understanding the causes and impacts, the next step is to find an effective solution to control foaming. Here are some strategies that can be applied:

1. Water Quality Monitoring and Control

• Perform regular water quality tests to ensure the make-up water is free from contaminants that can trigger foaming.
• Ensure pH, alkalinity, and total dissolved solids (TDS) are within the appropriate ranges.

2. Antifoam or Defoamer Use

• Using the right antifoam chemicals can help control foaming effectively.
• The choice of defoamer should be tailored to the type of contaminants present in the system.

3. Blowdown Optimization

• Optimal blowdown settings can help control the level of contamination in the cooling water.
• Use an automated system to ensure the right amount of blowdown.

4. Routine Cleaning and Maintenance

• Perform regular cleaning of the cooling tower to remove dirt, oil, or organic matter that can trigger foaming.
• Ensure the heat exchanger is free from leaks that can contaminate the cooling water.

5. Proper Chemical Use

• Using chemicals specifically designed for cooling towers can help prevent foaming and other problems such as corrosion and scaling.
• Consult a water treatment professional to ensure the formula used is appropriate for your system conditions.

Overcome Foaming with Effective Solutions from Lautan Air Indonesia

As a company with more than 40 years of experience in the water treatment industry, Lautan Air Indonesia provides various solutions to overcome foaming problems in cooling towers, including:

• High-Quality Antifoam and Defoamer – Products specially formulated to reduce and prevent foaming in industrial cooling systems.
• Water Monitoring and Analysis Services – Our team of experts is ready to assist in conducting regular water quality monitoring to ensure the cooling tower system is running optimally.
• Cooling Tower Maintenance and Cleaning Program – We provide cleaning and maintenance services to prevent contamination that can cause foaming.
• Blowdown Consultation and Optimization – With our technology and experience, Lautan Air Indonesia can assist in setting up a blowdown system to be more efficient and cost-effective.

Contact Lautan Air Indonesia for More Effective Cooling Tower Solutions

Foaming in cooling towers is not just an operational disruption, but can also impact efficiency, cost, and equipment life. With the right strategy and support from Lautan Air Indonesia, you can optimize cooling tower performance while saving operational costs.

Don’t let foaming disrupt your production! Contact Lautan Air Indonesia’s team of experts now to get the best solution for your industrial water treatment.

Cooling towers are one of the crucial components in industrial cooling systems. However, cooling tower owners or operators often face a detrimental problem, namely biofouling.

Have you ever seen a layer of brownish green slime inside the cooling tower? Or maybe experienced a decrease in cooling efficiency for no apparent reason? These are signs that biofouling has developed in your system.

Biofouling is the growth of microorganisms such as algae, bacteria, and fungi on the surface of the cooling tower. This problem not only damages equipment but also hinders the performance of the cooling system, increases energy consumption, and even has the potential to cause corrosion and the spread of harmful bacteria such as Legionella. But, why does this happen? And how to overcome it?

Serious Impacts of Biofouling on Your Cooling Tower

When biofouling begins to grow inside a cooling tower, a number of negative consequences can occur.

1. Decreased Heat Exchange Efficiency

Biofouling forms an insulating layer that inhibits the transfer of heat from the water to the air. As a result, the cooling system works harder to reach the desired temperature, increasing energy consumption and operating costs.

Read Also: Foaming in Cooling Towers: A Problem that Disrupts Efficiency

2. Increased Risk of Corrosion

Some types of bacteria in biofouling, such as sulfate-reducing bacteria, produce compounds that accelerate corrosion of the cooling tower’s metal components. This can reduce the life of the equipment and increase the need for maintenance and replacement parts.

3. Blockages in the Water Circulation System

Biofouling can clog pipes, nozzles, and heat exchangers, reducing water flow and decreasing cooling efficiency. This can lead to overheating of industrial equipment and disrupt overall operations.

4. Increased Health Risks

The growth of microorganisms in a cooling tower can cause serious health problems, especially if Legionella thrives in the system. This bacteria can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a potentially fatal respiratory illness.

Without proper prevention and treatment, biofouling can cause production downtime, increase maintenance costs, and shorten the life of your cooling tower.

Biofouling Control with Lautan Air Indonesia

Lautan Air Indonesia has a complete solution to overcome and prevent biofouling in your cooling tower. With more than 40 years of experience in the water treatment industry, we provide high-quality services and products that can ensure your cooling system remains optimal and free from microorganism interference.

1. The Right Chemical Treatment Program

We provide various types of biocides that are effective in controlling the growth of microorganisms in cooling towers, including:

• Oxidizing biocides such as chlorine and bromine that work quickly to kill bacteria and algae.
• Non-oxidizing biocides that are more stable and effective in the long term.
• Dispersants to help remove biofilm that has formed so that it does not stick to the surface of the cooling tower.

2. Monitoring and Control with IoT-Based System

With controller & IoT technology, we can help you monitor the quality of cooling tower water in real-time, so that the dosage of chemicals can be adjusted to actual needs, optimizing efficiency and operational costs.

3. Periodic Service and Maintenance Program

Our team of experts is ready to assist you with operation & maintenance services to ensure that your cooling tower system is always in optimal condition. We offer:

• Routine inspections to detect early signs of biofouling.
• Mechanical cleaning to remove biofilm that has formed.
• Evaluation and optimization of water treatment programs to always suit your operational conditions.

4. Provision of High-Quality Chemical Treatment

Lautan Air Indonesia provides a variety of water treatment chemicals specifically designed to prevent and overcome biofouling, including corrosion inhibitors, scale inhibitors, and biocide formulations that are effective and environmentally friendly.

Protect Your Cooling Tower from Biofouling Now!

Don’t let biofouling damage your cooling tower and increase operational costs. With solutions from Lautan Air Indonesia, you can ensure that your cooling system remains efficient, free from blockages, and safe for equipment and worker health.

Contact us now for the best consultation and solution in your cooling tower water treatment! Visit our website or contact our team to get special offers and services that suit your industry needs.