The ION STICK Electrostatic Water Treatment

THE ION STICK Alternative Environmental Water Treatment

Cooling Towers, Chillers, Condensers

TECHNICAL (SYSTEM) INFORMATION: Within the research facility of a large company in Ontario, the air conditionaing operation experiensed some unsuspected waterside problems.

In the spring and fall months when the airconditioning demand was tempermental, river water was pumped once through the chilled water piping system. This system included seven coils which supplied different areas of the building.

When the outside temperature was consistently high enough, and the river water temperature was excessive, the Carrire Delta T centrifugal water loop was closed and the system operated in the conventional manner.

PROBLEMS: The chilled water piping after 17 years with very little or no treatment deposition had reduced the piping diameter in places from 4" to 1". The decreased flow caused the system to become ineffective and heat transfer was minimal.

SOLUTIONS AVAILABLE:

Chemical Cleaning:	Cost in excess of $20,000.00
Physical Removal:	Rejected due to mess
Replacement:	Cost in excess of $100,000.00
ION STICK :	$3,400.00 cost + labour which can be carried out by present staff

PROCEDURES: Although dubious, it was decided to try the ION STICK since it was the least costly solution and with time over the Winter season the following procedure was followed:

The ION STICK was installed in the piping system in the penthouse by the chiller.
The coils and chiller evaporators were bypassed to make one closed loop circle of the larger piping.
A 100 gallon tank was installed as part of the bottom of the system in the basement mechanical room with a 21/2 to 3" drain valve and hose to drain attached.
A 3" hose was set up on the pump strainers in the penthouse to drain.
The ION STICK's were turned on and the blow down and bleed points run daily from November to March over the Winter season.
No chemicals at all were added and a section of pipe in the basement mechanical room was monitored periodically.

RESULTS:


Before ION STICK	After ION STICK

As of March, 1988 the section of pipe being monitored had been opened up to almost its full diameter with only spotted sections of scale and over 90% of the sludge and scale removed. Replacement of the piping was not necessary. Efficiency and operation improved dramatically.