Magnetic dirt filtration technology in the removal of magnetite from boiler and cooling tower systems

• What is magnetite and its effect on water systems
• What is magnetic filtration technology and its application on Iron removal
• Case studies studying teh efficiency of magnetic filtration in iron removal

Swati Sharma, Ph.D

An important method of improving a facility’s energy efficiency is to increase the condensate return to the boiler. Depending on the systems, Magnetite, also known as black iron oxide, is one of the potential contributors in reduction of condensate return usage into the boiler feedwater system. Absence of a condensate return, the steam system must make up the loss with make-up water thereby increasing in operational costs. Most of the systems suffers from black iron oxide contamination creating thick sludge deposits. This deposits as result of corrosion along with water hardness scales and other unwanted contaminants can lead to system failure. A patented design using magnetic dirt filtration technology was studied for the removal of magnetite in the condensate return. The filters use individually removable neodymium magnetic rods making it easy and safe to maintain. The study showed more than 80% removal of magnetite from the system resulting in low iron levels.

Dr. Swati Sharma has 6 years of experience in water/wastewater treatment using biological and electrochemical methods. Currently working as Technical Wastewater Consultant in Water Engineering Inc. Dr. Sharma has been working closely on a number of projects involving iron issues in water systems.