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PALAPSA case study
Colloid-a-tron improved cooling efficiency, reduced scaling, and delivered 15 years of maintenance-free performance.
Client: Plásticos Panamericanos PLAPASA S.A.
Region: Ecuador
Sector: Manufacturing
Product: Colloid-a-tron water conditioner
Plásticos Panamericanos PLAPASA S.A. is a plastics manufacturer based in Guayaquil, Ecuador, operating injection and blow moulding machinery that relies on stable, closed-loop cooling systems. Cooling water circulates through mould ducts and heat exchangers to regulate process temperatures and protect hydraulic systems.
Consistent thermal performance is critical to maintaining production continuity, product quality, and equipment lifespan.
The challenge
Scaling and biological growth were affecting the cooling circuits and heat exchangers, restricting flow and reducing heat-transfer efficiency.
Uncontrolled scale risked:
Reduced cooling performance
Process instability
Increased downtime
Higher maintenance labour requirements
The solution
In 2010, PLAPASA installed two Colloid-a-tron units:
One on the 6°C cold water line feeding mould cooling manifolds
One on the cooling tower outlet supplying heat exchangers
The units were installed without chemicals or additional energy input.
Results
Improved water transparency and progressive elimination of algae
Reduction of scaling within cooling ducts
Maintained effective flow diameter in cooling circuits
Improved mould cooling efficiency and process stability
Clean heat exchangers with no scaling observed
Maintenance intervals increased by approximately 15–25% within six months
Reduced downtime and maintenance labour hours
Continuous operation for 15 years without maintenance
Investment fully amortised; units expected to operate for at least 5 additional years
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