Evaluation of the corrosive nature of water and its impact on an industrial cooling system

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Published: Oct 6, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.57166/riqchary.v7.n2.2025.8
Keywords:
water, analysis, corrosive, impact, industrial

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Zulennys Marcano Marín
CVG Briquetera del Caroní (BRIQCAR) Puerto Ordaz
https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4823-803X
José Castro Soto
Center for Chemical Studies, Territorial Polytechnic University of Bolívar State
https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5786-4743

Abstract

Water quality is a critical factor for the efficiency and lifespan of industrial cooling systems, potentially leading to operational failures. The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of the feedwater to the closed cooling system at Briquetera del Caroní (BRIQCAR), given the observation of deterioration and increased leaks. The descriptive study determined the physicochemical parameters of the feedwater, calculated the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI), and analyzed the pH and LSI trends over the period 2010–2025 using linear regression. The results revealed a statistically significant downward trend in the pH, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness of the water over the years. pH values shifted from alkaline to consistently acidic (<5.5). The calculated LSI was negative, accentuating an increasing corrosive tendency. Correlation matrix analysis confirms that the decrease in pH, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness are directly interrelated with the decrease in pH, which is the driving force behind the increase in corrosive potential. It is concluded that feedwater quality has evolved toward greater chemical aggressiveness, contributing to equipment deterioration and increased leaks. Continuous monitoring and the implementation of a corrective chemical treatment program are recommended to stabilize the LSI, protecting the infrastructure, and optimizing operational efficiency.

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Evaluation of the corrosive nature of water and its impact on an industrial cooling system. (2025). C&T Riqchary Science and Technology Research Magazine, 7(2), 66-75. https://doi.org/10.57166/riqchary.v7.n2.2025.8
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Vol. 7 No. 2 (2025): COINCITEC 2025
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Author Biographies

Zulennys Marcano Marín, CVG Briquetera del Caroní (BRIQCAR) Puerto Ordaz

Zulennys del Carmen Marcano Marín, graduated from the José Antonio Anzoátegui University Institute of Technology - Anzoátegui State, obtaining the title of Senior University Technician in Chemistry, mention Chemical Processes. With ten years of experience in drinking water treatment at the state-owned company Hidrobolivar serving as a quality control analyst and nine years of experience in direct reduction processes Midrex. Currently as superintendent (E) of processes and automation assigned to technical management and projects at the company Briqcar, C.A.      

José Castro Soto, Center for Chemical Studies, Territorial Polytechnic University of Bolívar State

José Castro-Soto holds a degree in Chemistry from the Universidad De Oriente (Sucre Campus). He has over 15 years of experience in university education. He has served as Head of the Laboratory Division (Quality Control Management – ​​HIDROBOLÍVAR C.A.). He currently serves as Head of the Department of the National Chemistry Training Program (PNFQuímica) at the Territorial Polytechnic University of Bolívar State (UPTBolívar).      

How to Cite

Evaluation of the corrosive nature of water and its impact on an industrial cooling system. (2025). C&T Riqchary Science and Technology Research Magazine, 7(2), 66-75. https://doi.org/10.57166/riqchary.v7.n2.2025.8
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