WASTE MANAGEMENT & WATER TREATMENT A fresh approach to water treatment
In order to ensure a heating system is working as optimally as possible, it is essential that the system water is in good quality. So, as pressure mounts to make heating and cooling as efficient as possible, Mark Boccetti, technical advisor representative at Spirotech, explores the new innovations in this field
I
nefficiency and
malfunctioning can occur in a heating system when water quality is not kept in good health. Unless treated, it can lead to the
presence of air and dirt, which are catalysts for trouble, and if not diagnosed and dealt with, the likelihood of problems occurring increases. Within commercial systems, common problems are magnified when compared to those experienced in a domestic environment. What’s more, whilst modern heating systems are markedly improved in terms of design and efficiency compared to their older counterparts, they are much more sensitive to dirt and air contamination, which will lead to them slowing and malfunctioning in a shorter time frame and with more destructive effect. With so much emphasis placed on big-ticket items, like boilers or chillers, arguably the most crucial element – system water – is too often not given ample consideration. By not properly caring for system water, end- users are setting themselves up for a host of long-term problems and unnecessary costs within a relatively short time frame. This includes poor performance,
increased energy consumption, system imbalance, poor pressurisation, excessive wear on parts, and in the worst case parts failure. All of these issues are likely to lead to an increased need for maintenance, which can be detrimental in terms of downtime and associated costs, or even the need to completely replace the system.
18 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER MARCH 2025
A deep dive into water treatment
Water is one of the best heat transfer mediums, which is why we use it in heating and cooling systems. However, due to waters ability to act as a solvent, it is capable of dissolving more substances into it than any other liquid (chemicals, minerals and nutrients). However, some of these dissolved substances can cause issues within the heating or cooling systems. These issues can very easily reduce the efficiency of the system and increase the running and maintenance costs.
Calcium and Magnesium ions (in the form of salts) can deposit onto surfaces of a high temperature, leading to scale formation on the boiler heat exchanger. This will reduce the transfer of heat and increase energy consumption. Additionally, salts – ions – in the water aid the corrosion process, which causes the formation of magnetite which can travel and collect around the system and cause damage to the boiler. By removing or reducing these ions, corrosion can ultimately be slowed down. While there are solutions, such as the SpiroTrap dirt separator, which can capture and remove magnetite and other debris from the system, it is far more effective to look at preventative measures, rather than find a cure to treat the issue after it’s occurred.
Introducing demineralised water
The practice of demineralised water is that the water within the heating or cooling system is
conditioned when the system is initially filled, removing unwanted substances such as calcium and magnesium ions as well as other salts at the very start of its lifespan. This is typically achieved using
resin beads, which comprise of positively and negatively charged beads. These beads attract the unwanted positive and negative ions in the water and exchange them with useful and safe ions. Through conditioning the water and removing these unwanted salts and minerals, the conductivity of the water decreases while the pH value is increased. By treating the water as it enters the system, engineers can rest assured that it is set up for success from day one. By limiting corrosion from the outset, demineralised water helps to maintain system health and keep the system running at its most efficient. This evolving practice of demineralised water for heating and cooling systems can be achieved with solutions such as SpiroPure, the Pro series for commercial and light-commercial buildings, which is available in 9.5L and 23L sizes, in both fixed and mobile filling options.
Pushing the boundaries
Water quality is unquestionably key to the performance and longevity of a heating system. Keep it in good condition, and the system will perform as it should for years to come, when properly maintained with regular servicing. However, neglect it and there can be costly consequences.
While traditional methods of water treatment are still much advised to keep heating systems
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working optimally, engineers shouldn’t overlook new emerging practices with proven success that are emerging. By adopting these new methods and solutions, such as demineralised water, engineers can position themselves as leaders within the industry and push the efficiency of heating systems further than ever before.
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