Dear Solomon,  17 Oct ...

Dear Solomon,  17 Oct 2017

From your mention of "flashing" it seems you have a MSF system rather than ME?  Can you describe what are the effects that you observe on flashing?   What other observations have you recorded or noticed - e.g. greater steam consumption and reduced brine heater output temperatures -  that accompany the observed lower distillate output?  If the chlorine application that you practice is done to control growth of foulants in the intake system (please clarify) then I think it is possible that you are not only degrading but also dislodging some of the accumulated and attached biofouling material.  This probably fouls the heat transfer surfaces in heat exchangers and condensing tubes, consequently affecting  distillate outputs.  This might occur intermittently.   Fine particulate material is known to cause “foaming” effects in many processes and surfactants could perhaps be released.  Can you observe effects like foaming etc. in the lab scale?  If biological attachment and growths in the intake system and in the entire system are kept under tighter control, intermittent bio particulate releases might be reduced?  Perhaps your chlorination approach can be studied and adjusted?  I hope this suggestion is of some interest and value to you.  It would be good to learn of any success or further problems! 

Bruce Hendry Pr Eng,

Private Consultant,

Cape Town, South Africa.  

+27(0)822006898