KEMCO TECHNOLOGIES

Service Inspired by Knowledge

WATER TREATMENT
TECHNOLOGY
WEEKLY REPORT
WEEK 02

Agilandeswari Mohan
Faculty adviser, Mr Jun Sodsod, Miss Autumn Bradenburg
Kemco Technologies
Kingdom of Bahrain
 WEEKLY OBJECTIVE
• This week’s focus was on studying the overall process of equipment's such as chiller,
cooling tower, boiler, reverse osmosis Explored their functioning, component and
functions of them
• Dedicated time in studying water treatment process and the methods used to purify and
treat water and emphasized the importance of water quality and its impact on efficient
and sustainable operation
• Explored various water treatment processes like filtration, EDR Electrodeionization, ion
exchange chromatography using resins and dealkylation
• Examined the importance of proper filtration in meeting desired water quality standards
• Had known the ministry requirements and laws of water system and chemical safety in
Bahrain.
• Had conducted experiments on 4 samples of chiller and 2 cooling tower samples and
interpretated the results
• Practicing and developing my report writing skills and enhancing it.
 OBJECTIVES
MINISTRY REQUIREMENT AND LAWS PERTAINING TO WATER SYSTEM AND
CHEMICAL SAFETY IN BAHRAIN

Located in the Arabian Gulf, Bahrain is a small island nation characterized by an arid
climate, high temperatures, and limited rainfall
Bahrain has different source of water : Ground water, municipal water, drinking water,
municipal waste water, surface water and non conventional water resource
• Bahrain's climate is characterized by high temperatures, erratic rainfall, and high
evapotranspiration rates, resulting in a deficit in the water budget and making it
impossible for a perennial surface water system to exist.
• Bahrain has two groundwater systems: the renewable Dammam aquifer system and the
non-renewable Rus-Umm er Radhuma (Rus-UER) aquifer system.
 OBJECTIVES
• The Dammam aquifer system consists of two groundwater zones: the 'A' aquifer and the
'B' aquifer, with the 'B' aquifer being the principal source of groundwater abstraction.
• The Rus-UER aquifer system is a brackish water lens and is considered non-renewable,
with its salinity expected to increase as abstraction continues.
• Groundwater abstraction rates in Bahrain are more than twice the recommended safe
yield, resulting in a severe decline in aquifer water levels and the cessation of natural
springs.
• Non-conventional water resources in Bahrain include desalination and treated municipal
wastewater.
• Bahrain relies on desalination plants to meet its municipal water requirements, with a
mix of technologies including multistage flash distillation, multiple effect distillation,
and reverse osmosis.
 OBJECTIVES
• Treated municipal wastewater is reused for irrigation and landscaping, but there are large
amounts of unused tertiary treated wastewater.
• Bahrain has extremely poor freshwater resources, with per capita availability well below the
water poverty line.
• Groundwater in Bahrain is experiencing salinization and deterioration in quality due to
overexploitation, leading to reliance on desalinated water for drinking water supply.
• The sanitation system in Bahrain covers most of the country, but there have been challenges
with the infiltration of groundwater and high salinity of municipal water affecting wastewater
quality.
• Environmental risks associated with the water sector in Bahrain include the impact of
desalination plants on the marine and air environments, as well as the discharge of partially
treated/untreated wastewater and sludge.
• Efforts are being made to improve wastewater treatment and reduce the environmental
impact, including the decentralization of wastewater treatment plants and plans for expansion
and modernization.
 OBJECTIVE
Ministry requirements to water system :
•Bahrain currently follows the Gulf Standard Organization (GSO) standards for unbottled
drinking water, which have fewer parameters compared to other GCC states like Qatar,
Oman, and Abu Dhabi.
•Recommendations for revising the water quality standards have been proposed in
Revision A of a report, and discussions have taken place with representatives from the
Electricity and Water Authority (EWA).
•The EWA has provided a table with new portable water quality standards that they prefer
to work with, which have been included in the Hidd and Al Dur power and water purchase
agreements.
•The considerations for establishing these new standards include the World Health
Organization (WHO) guidelines for drinking water quality, standards adopted in other
countries, and existing practices at comparable treatment plants .
 OBJECTIVE
BAHRAIN
Water quality standards and recommendations for Bahrain : PARAMETES HIDD AL DUR
COLOUR 15 <1.0
TURBIDITY 2 max <0.2
unobjection unobjection
The Ministry responsible for overseeing water systems in TASTE able able
unobjection unobjection
Bahrain is the Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs, ODOUR able able
TEMPERATURE <40 <40
and Urban Planning. The ministry sets requirements and PH 6.5 - 8.5 7.0 - 8.0
TDS 200 - 500
regulations to ensure the safety and quality of water systems ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY 440 - 1100 250 - 500
TOTAL HARDNESS 100 - 300
in the country. Some of the key requirements for water CALCIUM 70 - 200
MAGNESIUM <30
systems in Bahrain include: ALKALINITY 70 - 200
1.Water Quality Standards: SODIUM 150 <50

1. Set standards for pH, turbidity, chlorine residual, bacterial CHLORIDE 250 <100
ALUMINIUM 0.2 <0.2
contamination, and chemical pollutants in drinking water. IRON 0.2 <0.1
2. Aim to ensure water meets acceptable health and safety levels. COPPER 1 <0.05
ZINC 3 <0.1
2.Water Treatment: MANGANESE 0.05 <0.05
1. Mandate water treatment processes to remove impurities and BORON 1 <1.0
RESIDUAL CHLORINE 0.5 - 0.5 0.4 - 0.6
contaminants. BROMATE 0.01 0.01
LANGELIER SATURATION INDEX -0.2
 OBJECTIVE
2. Include filtration, disinfection (typically with chlorine), and pH adjustment.
1.Water Distribution Infrastructure:
1. Establish guidelines for designing, constructing, and maintaining water distribution
networks.
2. Cover aspects like pipe materials, sizes, pressure requirements, and leak detection
measures.
2.Monitoring and Testing:
1. Require regular monitoring and testing of water quality.
2. Conduct inspections and sampling of water sources, treatment plants, and
distribution networks.
3. Verify compliance with standards and regulations.
3.Emergency Preparedness:
1. Set guidelines for emergency preparedness and response.
 OBJECTIVE
2. Establish contingency plans, backup systems, and communication protocols.
3. Address water supply disruptions, contamination incidents, and natural disasters.
1.Licensing and Permits:
1. Require water system operators to obtain licenses and permits from the ministry.
2. Licenses may have specific conditions and requirements related to water quality,
infrastructure, and operational practices
Laws pertaining to water system in Bahrain :

In Bahrain, the laws pertaining to the water system are primarily regulated by the
Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs, and Urban Planning. Some of the key laws
and regulations related to water systems in Bahrain include:
• Water Resources Law: Regulates the management and conservation of water resources,
including allocation, extraction, and utilization from various sources.
 OBJECTIVE
• Water Supply Regulation: The Ministry regulates the water supply system, ensuring
water quality standards, reliable infrastructure, and proper distribution to consumers.
• Licensing and Permitting: Water system operators must obtain licenses and permits from
the ministry, which may have specific conditions related to water quality, infrastructure,
and operations.
• Water Quality Standards: The ministry sets standards for parameters like pH, turbidity,
chlorine residual, bacterial contamination, and pollutants to ensure safe drinking water.
• Water Infrastructure Design and Construction: Guidelines are established for designing,
constructing, and maintaining water distribution networks, covering pipe materials, sizes,
pressure requirements, and leak detection measures.
• Monitoring and Compliance: Regular monitoring and testing of water quality are
required, and inspections may be conducted to verify compliance with regulations.
 OBJECTIVE
• Emergency Preparedness and Response: Guidelines are in place for addressing water
supply disruptions, contamination incidents, or natural disasters through contingency
plans, backup systems, and communication protocols.
Ministry requirements and laws pertaining for chemical safety in Bahrain
• The Supreme Council for the Environment, represented by the Environmental
Assessment and Control Department, is responsible for monitoring and controlling the
import, export, use, storage, and handling of chemicals used in various industries and
services. The council issues licenses for the import and use of chemicals, following
specific regulations and ministerial edicts.
• To streamline the licensing process and ensure effective control, the council has
implemented an Electronic Licensing System for Chemicals and Ozone. This system is
the first of its kind in the Kingdom and the GCC countries and provides a comprehensive
package for controlling the import, use, handling, and storage of chemicals.
 OBJECTIVE
• The system offers several features and services, including new company registration,
adding new environmental permits to existing companies, pre-approval for importing
and exporting chemicals, purchasing chemicals from the local market, customs clearance
requests, authorization of customs clearance companies, registration of chemical storage
sites, submission of annual and quarterly reports, and payment of customs clearance fees.
• The system is designed to comply with international agreements such as the Stockholm
Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, the Rotterdam Convention on the
Application of the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Chemicals and Pesticides, the
Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, and the Montreal Protocol on
Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.
• The licensing procedures for new companies and existing companies to import, export,
or use chemicals involve submitting application forms, providing Material Safety Data
Sheets (MSDS) for each substance, and undergoing inspections and evaluations by the
department's specialists.
 OBJECTIVE
The license is granted if the data is complete and the materials are not banned or severely
restricted.
• Similar procedures apply to the licensing and customs clearance of banned and severely
restricted chemical materials. Applicants must fill in the required forms, provide a
written license from the Assessment and Control Directorate, and comply with all
instructions. The applications are examined, and upon approval, the import can proceed.
• The system emphasizes the prohibition of importing and using banned or severely
restricted materials without a proper license. Violators will be held legally responsible.
However, there may be exceptions for laboratory analysis, medical uses, or when
substances are used in a closed system, subject to obtaining prior written consent from
the Assessment and Control Department.
• The National Ozone Unit, under the Supreme Council for the Environment, is
responsible for monitoring cooling air-conditioning materials, devices, and equipment to
ensure they are free of substances that deplete the ozone layer.
 OBJECTIVE

The unit grants licenses for the importation of alternative substances and devices that do
not harm the ozone layer. Licensing procedures for these materials involve submitting
application forms, providing MSDS, and obtaining approval from the Hazardous
Chemicals Directorate.
• Overall, the system and procedures aim to ensure the safe and responsible handling of
chemicals, protect human health and the environment, and comply with international
agreements and regulations.
 OBJECTIVE
AN OVERVIEW OF INDUSTRIAL WATER TREATMENT AND ITS
IMPORTANCE
Industrial water treatment refers to the processes and techniques employed to treat and
purify water used in industrial applications. It involves the removal of impurities,
contaminants, and pollutants to ensure that the water meets the required quality standards
for its intended use within industrial processes. The importance of industrial water treatment
can be highlighted through the following key points:
Compliance with Regulations: Industrial water treatment is essential for complying with
environmental regulations and standards set by governmental authorities By treating the
water to remove pollutants and contaminants, industries can avoid legal penalties and
negative consequences associated with non-compliance.
• Protection of Equipment: Untreated water containing impurities and contaminants can
cause significant damage to industrial equipment
 OBJECTIVE
such as boilers, cooling towers, heat exchangers, and pipelines. Industrial water treatment
helps prevent scale formation, corrosion, and fouling, thereby extending the lifespan and
efficiency of equipment.
• Process Efficiency and Cost Reduction: Clean and treated water ensures optimal
efficiency and performance of industrial processes. By removing impurities, water
treatment reduces the risk of blockages, clogging, and operational issues, leading to
improved productivity and reduced downtime. It also helps in minimizing maintenance
and repair costs associated with equipment damage caused by untreated water.
Product Quality and Consistency: In industries where water is used as a component or
directly in the manufacturing process, the quality and consistency of the final product can
be greatly affected by the quality of water used. Water treatment ensures that the water
meets the required specifications, thereby enhancing the quality and consistency of the end
products.
 OBJECTIVE
• Environmental Protection: Industrial activities can contribute to water pollution if
untreated water is discharged back into the environment. Water treatment processes help
in removing pollutants and contaminants, reducing the environmental impact of industrial
wastewater by ensuring its safe discharge or reuse.
• Health and Safety of Workers: In industries where water is used for employee hygiene,
drinking water, or other direct contact purposes, ensuring the safety and quality of water
is vital for the health and well-being of workers. Water treatment helps eliminate harmful
substances, bacteria, and pathogens, safeguarding the health and safety of employees.
• Sustainable Water Management: By implementing efficient water treatment processes,
industries can contribute to sustainable water management practices. Recycling and
reusing treated water can help reduce the demand for freshwater sources, conserve
resources, and minimize the overall environmental footprint of industrial operations.
In summary, industrial water treatment plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with
regulations, protecting equipment, improving process efficiency, maintaining product
 OBJECTIVE
• In summary, industrial water treatment plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with
regulations, protecting equipment, improving process efficiency, maintaining product
quality, safeguarding the environment, ensuring worker safety, and promoting sustainable
water management practices. It is an integral part of industrial operations, contributing to
operational excellence, cost savings, and responsible environmental stewardship.
 EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS
As part of my activities this week, I conducted 3 experiments.“
With 4 chiller water samples and 2 cooling tower samples

EXPERIMENT 1 : > 2 SAMPLES FROM COOLING TOWER

PARAMETERS SAMPLE 1 READINGS SAMPLE 2 READINGS COOLING TOWER CONTROL VALUES
PARAMETERS VALUE
PH 8.2 8.3
PH 8.5
TDS 192 209 TDS 2500max
TURBIDITY 11.1 NTU 62.7 NTU TURBIDITY <5.0
TOTAL HARDNESS 15 30 HARDNESS 250 max
CHLORIDE 1200 max
CHLORIDE 20 80
PHOSPHATE 8 to 12
PHOSPHATE 0.4 0.4
IRON 0.2
IRON CONTENT 0.03 0 BACTERIAL GROWTH <10000
BACTERIAL GROWTH
 RESULT INTERPRETATION
From the above results we can interpret that:
 PH of both the sample is less, having more H+ ions :Resulting in corrosion leading heat
exchange problems, Scaling and biological bacteria growth causing fouling
To overcome this chemicals like sodium hydroxide or Sodium carbonate should be added
to raise the PH back.
 TDS is normal
 The 2 samples are turbid indicating presence of suspended particles leading to clogging
of pipes and microbial growth
Ensuring proper filtration system and increasing filtration capacity or chemically treating by
increasing dosage of coagulants and flocculants or installing a clarifying process for settling
suspended particles at bottom
 Hardness, chloride, iron is normal
 Phosphate -
 Bacterial growth -
 EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS
EXPERIMNET 2 : > 2 SAMPLES ARE FROM CHILLER

SAMPLE 1 SAMPLE 2 CHILLER CONTROL VALUES

PARAMETERS READINGS READINGS
PARAMETERS VALUES
PH 10 10.76
PH 9 min
TDS 461 1168
TDS 2500 max
CHLORIDE 1050 750
CHLORIDE 1700 max
IRON 0.06 0.03
IRON 900 min
TOTAL
HARDNESS 1 5 NITRITE
NITRITE 247.25 649.3 TOTAL HARDNESS
 RESULT INTERPRETATION
From the above results we can interpret the data :
 PH of both the samples is high resulting in more OH+ ions, This creates scale formation,
microbial growth, corrosion
This can overcome by dosing acids like sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid and chemicals
like phosphoric acid or citric acid and using corrosion inhibitors or scale inhibitors and
biocides
 TDS, iron and chloride are normal.
 HYPOTHESIS AND FINDINGS
Hypothesis: The implementation of an ion exchange resin system will effectively remove
hardness ions from the water supply, reducing scaling issues and improving the quality of
water for industrial processes.

Findings:
The study evaluated the performance of an ion exchange resin system in treating the
incoming water for an industrial facility. The ion exchange resin system employed a strong
acid cation (SAC) resin to remove hardness ions, primarily calcium (Ca2+) and
magnesium (Mg2+), from the water.
• The results demonstrated that the ion exchange resin system effectively reduced the
concentration of hardness ions in the treated water. Analysis indicated a significant
decrease in calcium and magnesium levels, with hardness reduction rates exceeding
90%. The treated water exhibited a hardness level well below the specified limit for the
industrial process, mitigating scaling issues on equipment surfaces.
 HYPOTHESIS AND FINDINGS
• Additionally, the ion exchange resin system demonstrated its ability to exchange hardness
ions with sodium ions (Na+). The sodium ions were released into the treated water,
resulting in a slight increase in the sodium content. However, the sodium levels remained
within the acceptable range for the industrial process, posing no adverse effects.
• Moreover, the resin system showed high regeneration efficiency, allowing for the
recovery and reuse of the resin bed. Through regeneration cycles using a brine solution,
the ion exchange resin was rejuvenated, maintaining its effectiveness in subsequent
treatment cycles.
 RESEARCH QUESTION

 What will be the environmental impacts of chemical water treatment process and how
can they be mitigated ?

The environmental impacts of chemical water treatment processes can vary depending on
the specific chemicals used, the treatment methods employed, and the context in which they
are applied. Here are some common environmental impacts associated with chemical water
treatment and potential mitigation strategies:
• Chemical Discharge: Properly treat wastewater to minimize residual chemical discharge.
Comply with regulatory standards and consider eco-friendly alternatives.
• Generation of Sludge or Residuals: Manage sludge through dewatering, stabilization,
and appropriate disposal or resource recovery methods.
• Energy Consumption: Optimize treatment processes, use renewable energy sources, and
conduct energy audits to minimize energy consumption.
 RESEARCH QUESTION
• Chemical Usage and Storage: Follow safe handling and storage practices, implement
protocols, and provide training to prevent accidents or spills.
• Impacts on Non-Target Organisms: Conduct toxicity assessments, monitor and adjust
treatment methods if needed, and explore non-chemical alternatives
 REFERENCE
Kemco technology manuals
Samco an industrial facility’s guide to cooling tower water treatment
Buckman chemistry, connected
Georgia institute of technology chemical treatment of water
An introduction to cooling tower water treatment
The Supreme Council for Environment, Kingdom of Bahrain (sce.gov.bh)
Water Resources in Bahrain - Fanack Water
Bahrain - Mott MacDonald