What is water treatment?
The primary goal of any water treatment
program is to prevent corrosion, scaling, fouling, and biological growths,
such as algae, fungi, and bacteria. Corrosion destroys the metals in
a system causing the premature failure of that system, resulting in system
down time or replacement. Scaling coats the heat exchange surfaces
and acts as an insulator, decreasing system efficiency. Fouling and biological
growths can also coat heat exchange surfaces, as well as clogging pipes
and coils.
|
Do I need water
treatment on my HVAC system?
If your system uses water to produce
steam, heat, or cooling, then you need water treatment on your system.
A comprehensive water treatment program can increase the longevity
of your equipment and ensure its maximum operating efficiency.
|
How often should a cooling tower
be cleaned?
We recommend cooling towers be
cleaned twice a year, in spring and fall. At a minimum, they
should be cleaned once a year. Contaminants can build up in a
tower if not cleaned and provide a medium for algae and bacteria to grow.
Dirt, dust, insects, and other airborne contaminants can also
clog pipes, coils, chiller tubes, heat exchangers, and pump strainers.
|
What is the difference between
solid chemicals and liquid chemicals?
Both our solid and liquid products
use the same active ingredients and are both fed using industry standard
chemical pumps. The difference is the solid chemical is diluted
on-site and the liquid chemical is already diluted when you receive
it.
|
Should I have my tower tested for Legionella (Legionnaires'
disease)?
|
Cooling towers have long been
thought to be a major source for Legionella, but new
data suggest that this is an overemphasized mode of transmission.
The major source is water distribution
systems of large buildings including hotels and hospitals. Other sources include mist machines, humidifiers, whirlpool spas,
and hot springs. Air conditioners are not a source for Legionnaires'
disease. They were suspected to be the source
in the original American Legion outbreak in a Philadelphia hotel, but
new data now suggests that the water in the hotel was the actual culprit.
(Source: www.legionella.org
)
Still, many building owners, property managers, and maintenance
personnel wish to have their systems tested for Legionella.
Please contact us and we will be happy to perform this test for
you.
|
What about magnets, UV lights, ozone, and other non
chemical treatment systems?
There have been many non chemical
treatments we have seen or heard about over the years. Every couple
of years, a new company comes out with a "magic box" that will solve
all your water treatment needs. Please contact your mechanical contractor
or a reputable water treatment company before investing in such a product.
The only alternative treatment system that has proven to work
over several years is ozone. The initial cost is higher than
a chemical treatment system, but is lower when spread out over the
life of the equipment. Contact us if you are interested in an
ozone system or would like more information.
|
I have been told
geothermal systems don't need water treatment. Is this true?
Absolutely not. While
geothermal systems use plastic piping for the wells that are in the
ground, the pumps, separators, heat exchangers, and coils in heat pumps
are still metal and need to be protected from corrosion. Some systems
use plastic piping inside the building, but others use iron or copper
piping which requires an inhibitor be added.
|
How long has
your company been in business?
We have been in business since
1993.
|
Why should I
choose your company?
We have over 40 years combined
experience in the water treatment industry, have a knowledgeable, courteous,
and trained staff, carry a complete line of chemicals, pumps, controllers
and other equipment, and can design a comprehensive water treatment program
for your systems that won't break your budget.
|
|