Ensuring Business Continuity in Winter Conditions with NSI Mobile Water Solutions
Winter weather presents a variety of operational challenges for industrial plants, particularly in the areas of water and wastewater management. Freezing temperatures, snowstorms, and ice can all disrupt critical processes, creating potential hazards and costly downtimes. For plant operators, maintaining operational continuity and minimizing risks to water systems is essential for avoiding production delays and damage to equipment. Proper winterization and a strong partnership with expert service providers such as NSI Mobile Water Solutions can help safeguard their facilities from the impact of winter weather, ensuring that critical water systems continue to function effectively.
The risks associated with winter conditions
Winter poses unique challenges for industrial plant operators that demand your attention.
According to numerous studies, widespread application of road salt during the winter leads to the accumulation of sodium and chloride in soils and surface waters. High chloride levels are corrosive and can damage equipment such as pumps, pipes, and filtration systems, leading to frequent breakdowns or reduced efficiency. The presence of excessive chlorides can also disrupt processes like cooling, steam production, and water treatment.
Additionally, freezing temperatures pose a risk to caustic solutions used in ion exchange regeneration. If these caustic chemicals freeze, it can halt water treatment processes, leading to operational delays.
Emergency plant failures are another significant concern during winter, as frozen pipes can lead to costly downtime and safety risks. To prevent such incidents, regular maintenance, pipe insulation, heating solutions and emergency backup systems are essential.
Ensure your business continuity during this winter!
Winterization solutions to protect your assets from freeze damage
Cold weather presents significant risks to industrial plants, but with proper winterization and preventative measures, these challenges can be effectively managed. One key aspect of winter preparedness is ensuring that water treatment systems are protected and operating efficiently.
Our wide range of services, from provision of temporary water treatment systems to long-term asset rentals, is supported by advanced plug-and-play technologies. Among these, our Ultrafiltration MOUF range is particularly effective in winter scenarios. It provides macro-modular separation that removes colloids, particles, large organics, and microbiological contaminants. In combination with disc filters, these technologies act as protective barriers, filtering out suspended solids and larger dissolved particles before they reach sensitive equipment, ensuring efficient and uninterrupted operation during the cold months.
In the event of ion exchange regeneration issues caused by frozen caustic solutions, we offer a range of mobile deionization (demineralization) options, such as the MODI 15000T trailer-mounted mobile demineralization plant. Once the ion exchange resins are depleted, the MODI 15000T trailer is returned to one of our strategically located regeneration centers in Heinsberg (Germany), Wissous (France), and the UK. With 24/7 availability of regenerated ion exchange resins and mobile water units, plant operators avoid delays caused by freezing or chemical shortages. Additionally, our solution ensures the proper handling of wastewater and hazardous chemicals in full compliance with EU environmental regulations.
Even in emergencies, you can be prepared. Our ReAct “Treated Water Security” Plan offers plant managers an added layer of protection. In urgent situations, Mobile Water Solutions commits to rapidly deploying pre-engineered mobile water treatment systems within hours, ensuring minimal disruption and an uninterrupted water supply. Registered ReAct customers always receive priority service.
Registration is quick and simple. We conduct an audit to gather key details like water quality, quantity, pressure, and the types of hoses and connections used. This allows us to pre-select and agree on the necessary resources in advance, ensuring they are ready for immediate deployment when needed. Additionally, if your company is ISO 22301 certified, our ReAct service will meet our Business Continuity Planning requirements for water treatment.
Winter protection for a Swedish Biorefinery: a real-life example
From September 2023 to April 2024, we provided critical winter support to a leading biorefinery in Sweden, ensuring their operations continued smoothly despite seasonal challenges. When a breakdown in their boiler (steam dome) limited boiler feed water production and heavy rains degraded raw water quality, we deployed mobile water solutions to keep operations running.
Initially, we supplied a mobile filtration unit (MOFI 3x60s), reverse osmosis (MORO 4x25T), and deionization (MODI) trailers to meet water treatment needs. However, worsening raw water conditions led us to upgrade to an ultrafiltration unit (MOUF 2x140C) and increase capacity with additional reverse osmosis units (MORO 25C).
The entire mobile water system operated under a tent with heating, ensuring protection from freezing temperatures. Operating at 120–150 m³/h, our mobile system ensured the biorefinery maintained continuous boiler feed water production through the harsh winter, with daily maintenance expertly handled by a local O&M partner.
Is your business ready for colder months? Safeguard your facilities to ensure critical water systems.
Plan for severe weather now
In times of sudden cold snaps or equipment breakdowns, having access to reliable and easily deployable water treatment services is invaluable. Mobile units offer a versatile and practical solution for industrial plants and can be deployed to remote or hard-to-reach locations where permanent infrastructure may be inadequate or unavailable, ensuring a reliable water supply under all conditions. Collaborating with NSI Mobile Water Solutions empowers businesses to keep your plant running, no matter how severe the weather gets.
Contact us or email us at mws@nijhuisindustries.com for more information.
About the Author
Per-Åke Lindström
Division Sales Manager - Nordics & Baltics
Per-Åke Lindström is a seasoned industrial leader with extensive international experience in technical sales, services, sales management, and strategic business development. With over a decade of experience in Eastern and Central Europe and Eurasia, he brings a global perspective to his role as Division Sales Manager for Nordics & Baltics. Per-Åke’s expertise spans various industries, including water and wastewater, machinery, metals, and chemicals. His strong business acumen and deep technical understanding make him a valuable asset to the team.