Page 4 - INDEX Winter 2024

SPONSORS – IWTM,

WATER BY DE SIGN

These micro-bubbles can coalesce to form a bubble large enough to rise to high points in the system. In some
locations where the gas collects it can be removed by an automatic air vent. However, the micro-bubbles can
be transported to other locations where they collect, such as at the tops of radiators where they can hinder
heat transfer.

The Protector unit is usually installed after the boiler on the flow, where the micro-bubbles will be present in the
heated water, the unit can passively de-gas the water (in line with Henry’s Law) to help prevent the formation of air
pockets. What is more, when the system cools, the de-gassed water will act like a sponge to soak up air in contact
with the system water to continuously and efficiently de-gas the system. On a cooling system the Protector unit is
best installed in the return leg where the temperature is highest so that the de-gassing is most effective.

Protector units are typically installed in a side-stream/bypass configuration so that only a small proportion of the
circulating flow is passed through the device on a continuous basis. The units are sized so that the total system
volume should be able to pass through the unit in a 24-hour period. Several appliances can be combined for
larger systems.

It’s never a good idea to wait for a problem to develop before deciding how best to tackle it. Taking a proactive approach
is essential, especially when dealing with closed loop heating and cooling systems. Chemical treatments often only
deal superficially with the symptoms of corrosion where-as Protector fixes the cause. IWTM are the world leaders in
chemical-free water treatment for closed loop networks and have been using technology to engineer water sustainably
to deliver improved system efficiencies since the 80’s. To find out more about chemical-free water treatment go to
www.iwtm-uk.com

Case Study of Technology in Practical Application
IWTM were called in to remediate a newly acquired data centre as the existing water quality did not meet the criteria
required by the manufacturer of the new efficient chillers.

The warranty for the chillers required a water quality that replicated the VDI2035 standard for chemical free water
treatment for the 188m cooling circuit. IWTM were engaged to install Protectors and complete a full remediation
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based on chemical free principles.

4 Protector P70s were selected for ease of installation to the congested plant rooms with 2 additional temporary
Protector P40 mobile skids added to the network to provide additional anode power. The pea soup like sludge
blocked the filters and cleaning initially had to take place each day. As this continued the cleaning became less
frequent as the initial sludge was removed from the system.

After 4 weeks of circulation cleaning and filtration, ion exchange resin rinsing commenced
where the contaminated water was passed through a mobile ProFill resin device. As the water
is diverted from the system through the resin bed, chemicals and debris are left behind and
encapsulated within the resin, effectively demineralising the water and sending zero μS/cm
conductivity water back into the system. This was constantly repeated until the water achieved
the conductivity target.
Despite the stubbornness of the system IWTM’s solution successfully broke down and removed
the chemical sludge, bought down the soluble and total irons and the water turned clear as it
gradually depleted the resin. System reliability was increased as the corrosion rate was bought
down and IWTM's ClearView monitor was installed to provide continuous accurate real time
monitoring of the water quality.

The resulting remediation saw the chillers installed and warranty given as the solution
achieved the water quality levels required whilst saving the client £500k on the equivalent
chemical remediation. The success of this remediation was recognised with the CSA's Award
for Environmental Contribution. This was awarded as the system was treated in situ without
interruption to the operation of the data centre, with no water going to drain and without the
use of any chemical inhibitors or biocides.