Suspended Solids and Energy Transfer
By-products of corrosion and scale formation, installation debris and general fouling can create a high suspended solids loading in closed systems. This can impact on the energy transport characteristics of the water and disrupt fluid flow rate and distribution. Particles can become lodged in moveable components such as automated valves and will block strainers, accelerate erosion and lead to sludge deposits in low flow areas. EnwaMatic® side stream filtration removes debris to less than 10 microns, including lighter, non-ferrous particles which present problems for traditional settlement, cyclone or magnetic devices. Independent tests have shown suspended solids in closed systems are reduced to levels comparable with potable water. A simple backwash procedure, which can be fully automated, eliminates the replacement or cleaning of strainers, cartridges or filter bags.
Bacterial Control Strategies
EnwaMatic® units play a valuable role in modern bacterial control strategies. Traditional chemical inhibitors often contribute to bacterial problems by providing nutrient sources. EnwaMatic® treatment removes potential nutrients, elevates pH, maintains correct flow and temperature profiles and ensures a high standard of physical cleaning, creating a harsh environment for bacterial growth. Maintaining a clean system allows more effective biocide dosing and the EnwaMatic® is complimentary to more aggressive strategies aimed at the Pseudomonas species.
The Key to Successful Commissioning
New build and refurbishment projects place increasingly demanding requirements on water quality to ensure the correct performance of modern, high efficiency components. Chemical cleaning, flushing, pressure tests and snagging works place severe strains on the water treatment regime. A self regulating treatment process, coupled with automated backwashing, offers an ideal solution from the final stages of mechanical installation through to a successful hand-over.
Environment & Health & Safety
ENWA technologies protect heating and cooling systems by combining modern filtration techniques with green alternatives to traditional chemical dosing. Control of harmful processes and the removal of suspended debris enhances the performance, efficiency and lifespan of HVAC systems.
Environment
EnwaMatic® technology protects the environment in two ways: By providing a green alternative to chemical inhibitors and cleaning agents, whilst increasing the energy efficiency and lifespan of the systems they serve.
The calcite / dolomite reaction media is also utilised in other potable water and process water applications. Treated water is clear and colourless, reducing the impact of spillages during maintenance works in ‘front of house’ areas. By reacting to any additions of make-up water and the continuous removal of debris, the requirement for periodic chemical cleaning and flushing can be removed.
Health & Safety
There is no requirement for storage of inhibitor chemicals or consumables to be held onsite and maintenance engineers do not have to manually handle filtration media, nor do they have to administer inhibitors through a dosing pot.
Water = Energy Carrier
Energy efficiency is maintained by protecting the function, life cycle and heat transfer efficiency of the key components. Insulating layers caused by scaling, corrosion or biofilm formation can dramatically reduce heat transfer, whilst suspended debris can block or damage components such as TRV’s, fan coil units, temperature sensors, heat exchangers and automated valves. Unchecked, harmful processes including corrosion, debris erosion and scale will reduce the effective lifespan of equipment, presenting a major cost and environmental impact.
The properties of water as an energy carrier can be degraded by suspended solids loading. Particles of iron, for example, will hold heat and reduce transfer efficiency at heat exchange surfaces. Boilers or chillers will operate less efficiently as design Delta T values are not achieved. Pumps may have to work harder to meet the demands of the building, or to overcome local flow restrictions. Erosion damage to impellers and seals will increase the likelihood of premature failure. Impaired sensors or automated control valves will undermine many of the benefits of BMS systems.
