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BSEE Ask Fernox


With the paern of use of buildings having changed significantly in the past year there are a range of factors that need to be considered to ensure the building service systems are safe, energy ecient and protected. Here Richard Crisp, Head of Chemistry at Fernox, provides the answers to key quesons about how water treatment can help.


How can I ensure energy efficiency in the building’s heating system? Energy wastage in commercial buildings is a significant issue. In January 2020, the Green Alliance published figures that suggested the energy wasted in office buildings in just London, Manchester, Bristol, Leeds and Birmingham alone could power 100,000 homes and is costing businesses £60 million in unnecessary energy bills.


Maintaining the correct levels of chemical water treatment in the heating system is essential. A good quality inhibitor will prevent corrosion and the build-up of sludge and scale that reduces efficiency and can ultimately shorten the life of the system. The best practice approach is to combine this with an in-line system filter that will capture and contain sludge, dirt and any other installation debris which has entered the system.


However, for older systems or where inhibitor levels have not been maintained and sludge and contamination has accumulated, it is recommended that the system is cleaned thoroughly. A universal cleaner, such as Fernox FC3 Cleaner, that is compatible with all metals commonly found in heating systems can be used to remove sludge and restore the system performance. Also, components such as the heat exchanger can also be cleaned on the burner side, using a dryside cleaner, such as Fernox DS-10 product.


What is the best approach to system testing?


There are a range of testing options depending what level of analysis is required. Inhibitor levels should be checked annually and testing kits available from leading


manufacturers make the process quick and easy. A dip test such as our Fernox Express Inhibitor Test will give an instant pass or fail for the presence of inhibitor. Simply dip the test strip into the water and compare it to the colour chart provided for immediate confirmation


that the system is protected. A wider overview of the system’s health, including water turbidity, pH levels, water hardness and presence of inhibitor can be achieved with on- site test kits. These packs, available from water treatment manufacturers provide all the equipment and reagents needed, and the tests do not require training to carry out. Where a more in-depth analysis is required, such as to establish targeted action to resolve and restore system efficiency, rapid app- integrated postal laboratory tests can be utilised. The process is easy, simply take a sample of the system water and send it off to the manufacturer’s laboratory. However, it is important to check that the test will include a diagnostic analysis of all the key system water parameters. With the Fernox Water Quality Test Kit and Water Test App, the results and a diagnostic report are accessible via the app. The electronic logging of sample details means it is easy to track and identify different samples – ideal for multi-building sites.


How can the building be protected from the risk of microbiological contamination such as Legionella? With many buildings closed, under- occupied or used differently there is a risk of microbiological


contamination. This includes algae and bacteria such as pseudomonas and Legionella, which can cause serious health issues. For example, water droplets containing Legionella bacteria can be released into the air from taps, showers and air- conditioning units. If inhaled this can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a serious and potentially fatal type of pneumonia. Systems that are particularly at risk include those where water can stagnate in tanks and pipework or where water temperatures rise or drop into the 20°C to 45°C range where the bacteria thrive. Also, poorly designed water systems that include dead-leg pipework also present a contamination hazard. There are a range of water


WATER TREATMENT


treatment options available that can be used to treat contaminated water quickly and effectively. It is important for the treatment to eliminate the contamination completely, so it is recommended that products from a reputable manufacturer are selected. One method of disinfection is chlorinating tablets that are dissolved into the system water. To be effective, a minimum of 50 mg/L of free chlorine must be maintained in the system for at least one hour. Therefore, the product information must be checked to ensure the quantity of tablets is sufficient to treat the system in question. If it is under-dosed, the water may not be properly disinfected and could still pose a risk. For example, the two Fernox Sterox tablets, which are supplied in the Chlorinating Kit will provide the required 50 mg/L of free chlorine in up to 225 litres of water. This is a safe treatment as residual chlorine is not harmful if consumed at low levels, but can leave an unpleasant taste in the water so the system should be flushed thoroughly before use.


Alternatively, a silver stabilised hydrogen peroxide treatment such as Fernox LP Sterox can provide a faster dosing process. This will disinfect water contaminated with Legionella, pseudomonas, bacteria, algae and remove any biofilms that have formed. The dosing process is simple. The required amount can be added to the tank and circulated through the whole system by running all hot and cold water outlets. The water at each outlet should be tested using an indicator strip and if the concentration at all outlets is 100 parts per million (ppm) or above, the dosing is sufficient. Products such as Fernox LP Sterox are safe for drinking water at the recommended concentrations so there is no need to flush or neutralise the system.


How can systems be protected against winter weather?


During the colder winter months, a common issue for empty or under- occupied premises is frozen pipes, especially where pipework runs outside or through unheated areas. As the water freezes, the flow becomes restricted and the system will fail. The pressure of the expanding water can also split pipes and break joints, causing serious leaks and flooding.


However, with the right water treatment this can be prevented. There are products available that combine an inhibitor with an antifreeze that prevents the water molecules from binding together and forming ice. Choosing a high quality combined product, such as Fernox Alphi-11, ensures the system is protected against corrosion and limescale formation while also mitigating the risk from colder conditions.


It is important to ensure that the correct level of antifreeze is present in the system as under-dosing will mean it is not as effective. The concentration can be easily checked with the right testing instrument such as a refractometer. This allows a visual measure of the refracted light given off by any glycol-based antifreezes to determine the concentration of the chemical in the system.


www.fernox.com 24 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER DECEMBER 2020 Read the latest at: www.bsee.co.uk


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