Abstract: Cooling water systems in the industries have remained a neglected area for long period of time. Supply of fresh water to chemical process industries (CPI) is restricted. Environmental regulations regarding effluent discharge have become stricter and the market competition has resulted in continuous need for additional cooling capacity for new projects. As a consequence of these changes, cooling water systems have become an important part of CPI.
Simultaneously many technological developments have taken place in this area especially in chemical feeding and dosing systems, monitoring tools, equipment and automation. The state-of-the-art treatment programs demand use of costlier specialty additive for optimal performance. These programs demand new monitoring methods and use of diagnostic equipment like chlorinator, computerized dosing system bio-fouling monitors, non-invasive flowmeter and halogen analyses. Justification of higher operating cost and higher capital expenditure necessitate a careful study of the alternate methods of measurement and monitoring techniques.