Raw water used in various industries often contains undesirable substances. The two main parameters that affect water quality are Total Suspended Solids (TSS) and turbidity. Both can cause serious problems in industrial processes, ranging from equipment damage, decreased production efficiency, to increased operational costs.
What is TSS and Turbidity in Raw Water?
TSS refers to solid particles suspended in water, such as silt, sand, clay, and organic matter. These particles are insoluble in water and can cause deposits in piping systems, tanks, and other industrial equipment. TSS is measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L) and is often a primary indicator of raw water quality.
Turbidity is a measure of how much light is scattered by particles in water. The higher the turbidity, the more cloudy the water. The unit of measurement for turbidity is Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU). In industry, water with high turbidity often indicates the presence of contaminants that can affect production efficiency.
What are the Bad Impacts of TSS and High Turbidity?
High TSS and turbidity in raw water can have significant impacts on water quality, treatment processes, and the environment. Here are some of the main impacts:
1. Water Quality Problems
High TSS and turbidity cause water to become cloudy and unsuitable for use in various industrial processes. Suspended particles in water can also carry organic matter that contributes to unpleasant tastes and odors.
In addition, high TSS levels can protect microorganisms from disinfection processes, increasing the risk of contamination and the potential for the spread of waterborne diseases.
2. Challenges in Water Treatment
High TSS and turbidity require the use of more chemicals in the water treatment process. Additional coagulants and flocculants are needed to remove suspended particles, which directly increases operational costs.
Filters and water treatment equipment clog faster due to high particles in the water, requiring more frequent maintenance and reducing system efficiency. Not only that, the higher the turbidity, the more energy is required in the pumping and water treatment process to achieve the desired quality.
3. Impact on Industrial Processes
Suspended particles in water can cause scaling and fouling of industrial equipment such as pipes, heat exchangers, and boilers. Accumulation of these particles reduces equipment efficiency, increases energy consumption, and shortens equipment life.
Industries that require high-quality water such as food & beverage and pharmaceuticals can experience decreased product quality due to particle contamination in water.
Read Also: Scaling and Corrosion in Boilers: A Hidden Threat to Face
4. Environmental Impact
High turbidity in water can inhibit the penetration of sunlight into the water body, disrupting the photosynthesis process required by aquatic organisms. In addition, high organic matter content in TSS can cause a decrease in dissolved oxygen levels, which has a negative impact on aquatic life.
Sedimentation due to suspended particles can also cause silting in reservoirs and rivers, reducing water storage capacity and increasing the risk of flooding.
Overcome TSS and High Turbidity with Lautan Air Indonesia
Addressing the problem of TSS and turbidity in raw water requires the right approach with the right chemicals. Lautan Air Indonesia provides a complete solution to address these issues through superior services and products.
Lautan Air Indonesia provides a variety of high-quality chemicals to improve the effectiveness of the water treatment process, such as:
- Coagulant to accelerate the sedimentation of particles in water.
- Flocculant to enlarge the floc so that it is easier to separate.
In addition to providing chemicals, Lautan Air Indonesia also offers the following services:
- Operation and maintenance of water treatment systems, ensuring the system is working optimally.
- Periodic monitoring and analysis of water quality to adjust chemical dosages as needed.
- Technical consultation to choose the best solution that suits your industry needs.
Conclusion
High TSS and turbidity in raw water not only cause aesthetic disturbances, but also have a major impact on industrial efficiency, operational costs, and regulatory compliance. Lautan Air Indonesia offers a complete solution through effective water treatment systems, high-quality chemicals, and reliable operational services.
Don’t let uncontrolled raw water hamper your production and increase your operational costs! Contact Lautan Air Indonesia now for the best consultation and solutions in industrial water treatment.