Stability assessment of the chemical composition of the water used to supply the circuits in selected power plants of TAURON Group

Abstract

Electricity production in Poland is carried out mainly in conventional power plants, and the necessary resources include fuel and water. Significant water intake and production of sewage necessitate the application of technological solutions limiting the negative impact on the water environment. For this reason, Tauron Group's power plants for replenishing losses in cooling circuits use beside surface water, water from inactive mining plants. Due to the increased content of chlorides and sulphates in relation to surface water, mine water show significant corrosion properties. However, they are characterized by a relatively stable chemical composition mainly dependent on the physicochemical properties of the geological environment. The surface water quality is affected by many factors, such as seasons, thaws, rainfall, or the presence of pollutants from sewage disposal. The relative stability of the chemical composition of mine water allows for easier determination of chemical dosage during treatment process. The paper presents a stability assessment of the chemical composition of waters used to supplement circuits based on data from 2007–2017.