Task
The KFW banking group operates various evaporative cooling systems at its Frankfurt location to ensure room air cooling and cooling of the local data centers.
To cool the building structure in one of the properties, a service water system is used for recooling via evaporative cooling units. However, this mode of operation means that the system water is also subject to special requirements in terms of cleanliness, consistent quality, and hygiene in order to comply with the 42nd BImSchV (Federal Immission Control Act).
The aim of the process is to minimize corrosion, biofouling, hardness deposits, and dirt ingress throughout the entire system in the long term, while at the same time ensuring water consumption through an optimized monitoring and desalination regime. Other important requirements included compliance with the WHG, ABWV, 42. BImSchV, and VDI 2047 Sheet 2 guidelines, as well as easy handling of operating resources and support in operational management.
System specifications
- Water type: Municipal water, partially softened
- Materials in the system: Black steel, plastics, copper, non-ferrous metals, stainless steel
- Operating temperatures: 32°C +/- 5°C
- Circulation volume: 35 m³
- Make-up water: municipal water - soft water blend
- Emergency feed: Municipal water
Solution
ALMAWATECH developed a coordinated dosing, measurement, control, and monitoring concept, taking into account its own operating resources, based on a multifunctional protection strategy consisting of:
- Actively controlled hardness stabilization and corrosion protection for mixed metal materials (ALMA VKA F 220 Plus)
- Needs-based biocide management to combat microbiological growth, prevent biofilm formation, and control Legionella bacteria (ALMA BIO-C99; ALMA BIO-110)
- Fully automated monitoring and control of key water parameters via ALMATrol measurement, control, and signaling device integrated into the control room's building technology with proactive alarm notification.
- Maximum thickening depending on water quality to ensure economical operation and minimize water consumption
The dosing of operating materials and adjustment of water quality are carried out fully automatically depending on the sensor-detectable product content, conductivity, pH value, redox potential, and volume flows, ensuring stable and water-saving operation with minimal use of chemicals. To ensure cleanliness, filtration using cyclone technology with automatic dirt separation was introduced in order to capture finer particle sizes and minimize backwash water losses.
The biocide is added as needed and adjusted to the level of contamination in the cooling water. It is regulated to a target level effective against Legionella bacteria via the ALMATrol device. This takes into account operational occupational safety issues, the requirements of the Water Resources Act, the Waste Water Ordinance, Legionella prevention in accordance with 42. BImSchV and VDI 2047 Sheet 2, and is automatically documented by providing data logs for the operating log. Operating personnel are also warned in a timely and proactive manner in the event of deviations.
In addition, quarterly water analysis and system maintenance by ALMAWATECH Service was established.
Similar projects
Robert Bosch Vehicle Electrics Eisenach GmbH—ALMA AQUA
Process additives for closed cooling circuits at Robert Bosch Fahrzeugelektrik Eisenach GmbH with steel, galvanized steel, copper, and stainless steel
Konrad Hornschuch AG - ALMA AQUA
Cooling water treatment for a closed cooling circuit at Konrad Hornschuch AG with steel, galvanized steel, copper, and stainless steel.
Bühler Alzenau GmbH - ALMA AQUA
Cooling water management for a semi-open system water circuit at Bühler Alzenau GmbH with non-ferrous metals, stainless steel, and aluminum
KfW Bankengruppe - Cooling water treatment
ALMA AQUA cooling water management for an open evaporative cooling circuit with various non-ferrous metals and black steel