In the realm of industrial operations, maintaining the efficiency of oxygen plants is crucial. This case study delves into a significant observation at one of our Oxygen Plant, where an increased frequency of strainer cleaning was noted. By identifying the root causes and implementing corrective actions by the expert team from MWTS, the plant achieved remarkable improvements in operational efficiency.

Observation

 An increased frequency of strainer cleaning was observed in the oxygen plant, necessitating intervention to maintain optimal performance.

Probable Reasons: The likely causes for this issue included:

• Inadequate backwashing of the side stream filter, leading to fouling and biofilm buildup.
• Microbiological growth, which reduced the effectiveness of water treatment chemicals.
• Accumulation of dust, dirt, and loose material in the system.

Corrective Actions: To address the issue, the following steps were implemented:

1. Thorough Open Backwash: The SSF unit was taken offline for a comprehensive open backwash to remove dust, dirt, fouling, loose material, and organic matter from the system.
2. Increased Dosing of Chemicals: The dosing of non-oxidizing biocide and corrosion inhibitors was increased to combat microbiological growth and enhance the effectiveness of water treatment.

Results:

• Strainer Cleaning Frequency:
  • Before: Every 2 hours
  • After: Every 8 hours

This case is not isolated to oxygen plants alone. Similar issues can occur in various industries, including:

• Chemical Manufacturing: Where water treatment and filtration are critical for process integrity.
• Pharmaceuticals: Where maintaining pure water systems is essential for product quality.
• Food and Beverage: Where clean water is vital for production and safety standards.
• Power Generation: Where efficient cooling and water treatment systems are crucial for operational stability.

Impact on the Industry: The actions taken at the oxygen plant by MWTS has led to significant improvements:

• Reduced Maintenance Costs: By extending the interval between strainer cleanings, maintenance costs and downtime were reduced.
• Enhanced Operational Efficiency: The plant’s overall efficiency improved, leading to more stable and reliable operations.
• Improved Water Quality: The increased dosing of biocides and corrosion inhibitors ensured better water quality, reducing the risk of contamination and equipment damage.

This case study underscores the importance of proactive maintenance and targeted interventions in industrial operations like how it is done by the expert team of MWTS. By addressing the root causes of increased strainer cleaning frequency, MWTS achieved substantial improvements in their oxygen plant’s performance. These insights can be applied across various industries to enhance efficiency and reliability.