Closed heating and cooling water circuits operate as a “closed loop” or “closed system” meaning that they are effectively sealed and the water inside the system is not exposed to the atmosphere. This means that a closed loop system contains a fixed volume of water that recirculates and tends to suffer only negligible water losses.
What happens if my closed water system is not maintained properly?
If the closed water system is compromised, either through high Microbiological growth or poor water chemistry, this can cause a range of issues from blockages and poor water circulation to leaks and eventual equipment failures in pumps and valves. It can also lead to inefficient running, increased energy consumption and increased running costs, including higher maintenance costs and expensive remedial work.
How Swiftclean can help
Our closed system water analysis fully covers the standards outlined in BSRIA Closed Heating and Cooling System BG 50/2021 as highlighted in chapter 6.4: Management of the Closed Water Treatment Program.
Fully trained Swiftclean surveyors can carry out an analysis of your closed water system to determine the overall health of the system, including the amount of corrosion inhibitor present and the level of existing corrosion currently taking place.
In addition to our water chemistry analysis, we can also offer Microbiological analysis to include
- Aerobic Colony Count 30C (Also expressed as TVC)
- Nitrite Reducing Bacteria (NRB)
- Sulphite Reducing Bacteria (SRB)
- Pseudomonas
Tracer chemical service
We can now offer an innovative tracer chemical service. By dosing your system with this chemical, we can provide accurate measurements of system volume and apply a tailored maintenance program, which will keep your water systems healthy, efficient, and sustainable.
How does a tracer chemical work?
We dose a tracer chemical into the system via injection pump or dosing pot, which is allowed to circulate, for a fixed time (depending on the size of the system and the efficiency of the system pumps).
Once this process is complete, a test is conducted with a specialised testing kit, which measures the level of tracer chemical in the system, and from this we can calculate an accurate system volume.
This means we can then accurately advise the correct dose rates specific to the system. Usually, this would be a combination of corrosion inhibitors and biocide to build an effective treatment plan. It is also key that regular chemical parameter analysis is performed to ensure the system continues to run as efficiently as possible.
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What happens once samples have been taken?
Once the samples have been analysed you will receive a report which will advise you of our findings and detail any recommended remedial actions i.e. dosing of corrosion inhibitor and/or biocide or further works to reduce the level of corrosion in the system.
How often does testing need to be carried out?
The BSRIA Closed Heating and Cooling System BG 50/2013 guide states that new heating or cooling systems should be tested between one and three months after commissioning.
It also suggests a more frequent schedule of water testing may be suitable during the first six months.
Once a system is shown to be under control and well maintained, testing frequencies may be relaxed to six monthly or annually.
Is it the Law to carry out sampling of our closed water system?
It’s not the law to have sampling carried out. However, if it isn’t carried out on a regular basis, it can lead to corrosion of the system and leaks which could be far more costly or time consuming to fix.
The BSRIA Guide Closed Heating and Cooling System BG 50/2013 and British Standard 8552:2012 gives best practice recommendations and guidance for the sampling and treatment of water from closed circuit heating and cooling systems in buildings
Can I test my system myself?
Yes, Swiftclean can supply chemicals and testing kits. Please email info@swiftclean.co.uk for further information.
We also provide ongoing consultancy and training services in all aspects of water treatment.
Swiftclean Commitment:
- FREE quotation/technical advice – Nationwide – call 0800 243 471
- Works carried out in accordance with the Legionella Control Association (LCA) code of conduct
- Risk Assessments and control schemes carried out to L8, BSRIA and CIBSE guidelines
- All works fully certified and legionella control log books provided
- Fully trained and directly employed staff
- Method Statements and Risk Assessments provided site specific as required
- Training for your own staff following risk assessment
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Please call us or email info@swiftclean.co.uk for further advice and a free quote.
