Frequently Asked Questions about
Water Treatment
What happens if I don’t use treated water?
Your system could experience one or more of the following issues: corrosion, microbiological growth, fouling and scaling. Copper and other system metallurgies may corrode at accelerated rates without corrosion inhibitor treatment. Bacteria can develop in the cooling loop and will result in loss of heat transfer and generation of corrosive by-products. Fouling occurs when corrosion products and biomasses plug small orifices and piping resulting in reduced flow rates and heat transfer. Use of municipal waters as makeup source will introduce contaminants that will result in mineral scales on system piping, especially areas of heat transfer.
Will the use of treated water affect my heat transfer?
Treated water will improve heat transfer by eliminating scale, microbiological growth, fouling and corrosion.
Are there any instances when I shouldn’t use Coolcentric's treated water?
Our treated water solution is not freeze protected, so applications where this is required are not recommended with the standard product. Contact Coolcentric if freeze protection is required.
If I am using glycol do I still need treated water?
Both Ethylene Glycol and Propylene Glycol offer freeze protection and some corrosion protection, however these glycols will degrade over time. That degradation forms corrosive glycolic acid. Also, under certain conditions, glycol can act as a nutrient for bacteria growth. Finally, corrosion inhibitors in “inhibited” glycol solutions do not target the mixed metallurgy commonly found in the process critical closed loops, including: copper, aluminum, stainless and carbon steel. Unless freeze protection is required, glycols are not recommended since they inhibit heat transfer and do not address complete system protection.
Can I add treated water while the system is operating?
Yes, the CDU has a built-in fill system that can be used without interrupting unit operation. Refer to the CDU Installation Manual for the proper procedures.
Can I use the treated water with a deionizing filter?
No. Deionizing filters may remove some of the treatment chemistry.
Can I use the treated water with a particulate filter?
Yes. Particulate filters >0.5 micron will not remove any of the treatment chemistry.
Do I have to do anything to maintain the correct inhibitor mix?
No. The product is pre-mixed and a closed loop system normally will not experience fluid loss.
Do I have to prepare the system before adding the treated water?
Some field installed piping systems may not be clean after assembly. In those situations we recommend that the system be filled with Coolcentric Cleaning Fluid and circulated for 1-2 hours and drained completely prior to filling with treated water. Our Cleaning Fluid is an alkaline cleaner that removes dirt, greases, oils and bacteria that remain in the system.
Do I need to mix the water treatment products with water?
No. Our solution is premixed for optimal performance and can be added directly to the cooling system from the original containers.
How do I determine how much to put in?
Refer to the CDU Installation Manual for details on filling the system, or call your Coolcentric representative for assistance.
How do I know if the water treatment is working?
System reliability, steady flow rates and consistent heat transfer are indicators of system performance. Analytical testing can also confirm corrosion, scale and microbiological control.
How do I know if there is a problem?
Reduction in flow rates, change in water clarity and/or reduction in heat transfer can all be indicators of system problems.
How long does the treated water last?
In a closed system the inhibitors will be effective for many years. Testing and analysis can be performed on the secondary loop to verify performance.
If I were using deionized water, why would I need treated water?
The deionization process removes many of the minerals that can result in mineral scale; however the water is then so pure it will leach metal from the pipe walls. Although scale potential is reduced, deionized water becomes very corrosive and can still develop bacteria problems and fouling. Treatment is required to address these areas.
Is Coolcentric water treatment hazardous?
No, Coolcentric pre-mixed treated water is safe, non-hazardous and non-corrosive; it can be easily disposed of down a sanitary drain. Refer to the Treated Water Material Safety Data Sheet for further information.
What is a Material Safety Data Sheet?
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is required for all chemicals in the United States. The MSDS includes product information, hazard identification, regulatory information, safety and disposal information, shipping information, toxicological information etc.
|
