Pilot project - Arcelor Mittal WWA Ghent (Belgium)

Several studies have shown that contamination of pipes, tanks or other materials in contact with liquids is caused by biofilm formation. Microorganisms such as iron and clacium adhere to the biofilm and use it as a basis for adhesion. Learn more by reading this blog!

ROI calculation, 3 years after installation ROI calculation, 3 years after installation

HEAT EXCHANGER TYPE:

  • GEA / ALFA LAVAL

CONTENT:

  • Canal-water (filtered and cooled 22-30°C)
  • Osmose – water (for cooling, neutralized)

PURPOSE:

  • Reduce maintenance (cleaning now every 6 months)

PROPOSAL:

  • To reduce biofilm with Harsonic devices to present attachment of micro- organisms
Description Harsonic® technology Description Harsonic® technology

Several studies have shown that contamination of pipes, tanks or other materials in contact with liquids is caused by biofilm formation. Microorganisms such as iron and clacium adhere to the biofilm and use it as a basis for adhesion.

In seawater, various types of biofouling can cause significant problems. Shells, mussels and algae attach to the biofilm and need this slimy material to develop.

Harsonic® technology, which combines several techniques, provides an effective solution for biofilm removal. The Harsonic® devices work directly on the biofilm via HS technology, using high-frequency (or ultrasonic) tones. This results in light vibrations that are completely harmless to the pipes or tanks.

In addition, Harsonic® directly counteracts the development of bacteria and single-cell organisms. These can be killed, leading to a significant reduction in bacterial colonies. Harsonic® devices can even kill larvae less than 10 days old, something that has been universally proven.

Biofilm forms the basis for bacterial development. The well-known Legionella bacterium, for example, develops at warm temperatures and is related to biofilm. As biofilm ages, it thickens and becomes more resistant to chemical treatments. Especially in areas where chemical treatments are ineffective, such as micro-cracks and corners, Harsonic® offers a total solution.

Installation: May 2014 Installation: May 2014

The heat exchangers were subjected to treatment using 4 transducers per heat exchanger.
Each transducer, made of 75-mm-diameter stainless steel, was securely fixed with a two- component adhesive. They were placed on the inlet tube (1 piece) and on the outside of the front (2 pieces) and

back plate (1 piece). All transducers were connected to the control units inside the housing.

Harsonic standard system, price per HE:

item number B.Box4HDTank
TD75 x 4
indBox (3/4) 558mmx378mmx180mm
glue
6,155 euro
– discount in exchange for reference
15% (923 euro)
net purchase price for a total of 4 transducers 5,231 euro

ROI calculation: information provided by AM Gent (Dirk Vispoel & Guido Nuyttens)

Guido Nuyttens Lead user maintenance & repairs I Spare parts I Oils & lubricants Arcelor Mittal Europe – Flat products
CTO – North Business Unit team

Cleaning of Heat Exchanger (technical + flat rate) – € 19.5 /plate, for both sites:

– E2R2 with 169 plates – € 19.5 * 169 plates = € 3,259
per cleaning (1 plate cooler)
– Shear EF1 with 274 plates (69+69+136) = € 19.5 * 274 = € 5,343 (3 plate coolers)

Cleaning is required twice a year:

The annual cleaning cost is therefore (3,259 + 5,343) * 2 = €17,204/year. This calculation does not take into account gaskets nor leaks/damage. (price 170€ to 300€/piece)

Costs with Harsonic:

Cost of Harsonic for one cooler (based on 3 coolers)
Purchase price material € 15,693 + installation € 1,450 = 17,143/3 = € 5,714 / plate cooler Based on the experience with the plate cooler E2R2, we can conclude that a cleaning would
be necessary after 3 years.
Harsonic’s cost for the 4 coolers (E2R2 and scissor-EF1) is €5,715 * 4 = €22,860 . (consumption is negligible)

Summary:

ROI €22,860 / € 17,204 = 1.33 years Profit 1.66 * €17,204 = €28,558
(after first 3 years, later it will be higher)

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