Other Things I Should Know?

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1 FALCON tech data Ave NW Other Things I Should Know? Edmonton, Alberta Types of Water T6E 5L7 Raw Water - is natural water found in the environment and has not falconwatersolutions.com been treated. NO ions, minerals, particulates or living organisms been removed. Raw water includes rainwater, ground water, water from infiltration wells and water from lakes and rivers. Well Water - is found in an excavation or structure in the ground by digging, boring or drilling to access underground aquifers. The well water is drawn by a pump or using containers such as buckets that are raised mechanically or by hand. Municipal water- receives raw water or well water and will start a refined water treatment program based on accepted codes and standards as outlined by AWWA, or your pertinent accreditation association. The received water will enter a water treatment plant that will remove particulates, minerals, living organisms, further chemical treatment, ionization, sanitization to create potable water (fit for human consumption). The potable water is placed in a primary reservoir for further dwell time before being delivered by a distribution system to secondary reservoirs, water co-ops and end users (buildings). The potable water is also used for fire hydrants, irrigation, fire standpipes/fire sprinklers in buildings and all types of processes such as hydronic heating and cooling, manufacturing, etc. 1

2 The delivery of the potable water can be directed by one authority (Water Board) or by several sub groups that control and monitor their appointed section or territory. The rules and regulations must be followed, and a regular maintenance schedule with recorded repairs, testing to billing, etc. Chlorine treated - water is a type of sanitization process used to protect the potable water from contamination as well as the humans that consume the potable water. The procedures for adding chlorine into the potable water are controlled under strict guidelines to protect the potable water from contamination. This process is approved and still used in any jurisdictions throughout the world. Chloramine treated - this is becoming the most commonly used potable water sanitization process around the world. It was originally designed to protect potable water from contamination, as well as those who consume the potable water. The procedures for adding chlorine and ammonia into the potable water are controlled under strict guidelines in order to protect the potable water from contamination. There are many pros and cons regarding the use of chloramines. In the last decade, though, the water treatment industry has been transitioning to chloramines as the more desired treatment method around the world. Chloramines provide a longer sanitization period (days) than chlorine, and some studies have suggested that extended exposure to chlorine can be linked to cancer. Generally speaking, chloramine treatment is safer for plant operators than handling chlorine, and although it is very expensive, chlorine plants and reservoirs can be converted to chloramine plants - another reason chloramine treatment has become very common throughout the world. Chloramines are also able to travel further down the distribution system than a typical chlorine treatment system would allow. This means the water can be delivered further between sanitization injections and communities - delivering the product to more people with the existing infrastructure. 2

3 Chloramine treatment has been approved by Health Canada and the Environmental Protection Agency and is becoming the primary choice for water treatment facilities throughout the world. One of the major issues of using chloramines for potable systems or closed loop systems is the ammonia component of the compound. After the chloramine treated water crosses your property line, the ammonia will act aggressively on your plumbing system! Typically, it is your responsibility as the property owner for the portion of the service pipe that is underground and connected to the last potable water line attached to an approved plumbing fixture. Some water providers request that their customers buy additional insurance for service water line failures from the curb cock to the water meter. As chloramine treated water is delivered from the underground water distribution system, it becomes warmer (water in an underground distribution system has the approximate average of 6 degrees Celsius at 2 meters underground, (43 degrees Fahrenheit at 6"-6" underground). In the greater Edmonton, Alberta region, the ambient air in a building has an approximate average temperature of 21 degrees Celsius or 70 degrees Fahrenheit. As the temperature of the chloramine water increases, the quantity of ammonia will increase in ppm. This is noticeable in general plumbing fixtures with rubber gaskets, o-rings, and very noticeable in hot water tanks. Failures, leaks, floods will typically follow depending on use, maintenance, etc. In an open water system - found in a buildings potable water distribution system - there can be better outcomes, providing that proper building maintenance protocols have been followed. In most hydronic heating and cooling systems, the piping is normally designed as a closed-loop system. Currently, many building maintenance operators are using tap water (chloramine treated water) with a glycol solution in order to create hydronic fluid. In protecting the boilers, chillers, pumps, heat exchangers, heat transfer equipment, and piping system, the persons responsible must understand what is travelling through this essential and costly system. The ammonia concentration will also increase beyond acceptable levels in the closed-loop system due to increased temperatures. Since the system is closed, it will build up quickly in additional ammonia in ppm. The ammonia concentration will 3

4 start to react with prime materials that make up the hydronic system. Water treatment companies that monitor and control the hydronic fluid generally do not check for ammonia concentration and may be unaware of ammonia concentration. With that being said, other unwanted water quality conditions will start to show up in reports and a filtration, purging, flushing job may be necessary to remedy the problems. Most times the problems will either return or provide a worse outcome than originally anticipated. It is possible that the local water treatment companies have not been informed of the associated problems of using ammonia and the reactions that are generated when coming in contact with pipe, fittings, valves, control valves, pumps, heat exchangers, boilers, chillers, heat transfer equipment, glycol, etc. Mechanical contractors that install, service, maintain the hydronic heating and cooling system may be unaware of ammonia concentration. With that said, other water quality conditions could start to show up in equipment failures, leaks, floods if a proper maintenance schedule is not followed. Most times the leaks will be repaired, not considering water quality, and a return at a later date will be required with a worse outcome. It is possible that the local mechanical contracting companies have not been informed of the associated problems of using ammonia and the reactions that are generated when coming in contact with pipe, fittings, valves, control valves, pumps, heat exchangers, boilers, chillers, heat transfer equipment, glycol, etc. Mechanical designers that engineer provide mechanical plan and specifications for hydronic heating and cooling systems may be unaware of ammonia concentration. If not testing for ammonia, potential problems will start to show up in equipment failures, leaks, floods, etc. It is possible that the mechanical designers have not been informed of the associated problems of using ammonia and the reactions that are generated when coming in contact with pipe, fittings, valves, control valves, pumps, heat exchangers, boilers, chillers, heat transfer equipment, glycol, etc. Building Owners and Building Operations are the end users of the hydronic heating and cooling systems and may be unaware of ammonia concentration. Even if unaware, water quality conditions will start to show up in equipment failures, leaks, floods, etc. If not dealt with 4

5 properly, the problems will either return or provide a worse outcome. The bottom line is that the problem is not going away and the costs of repairs will continue to increase. It is possible that the building owners and building operations have not been informed of the associated problems of using ammonia and the reactions that are generated when coming in contact with pipe, fittings, valves, control valves, pumps, heat exchangers, boilers, chillers, heat transfer equipment, glycol, etc. The unfortunate reality is that building owners and building operations must deal with the final outcomes of improper maintenance and poor water quality. This leads to frustrated tenants, financial burdens, warrant issues and finally insurance concerns. Manufacturers provide the materials and equipment for hydronic heating and cooling systems and for the most part are aware of ammonia concentration. With that said, the water quality conditions are specified in the installation, operations and maintenance manuals provided. They have provided awareness to the possibilities of ammonia concentration, ph values and several other relevant parameters that must be followed to retain warranty and proper operating conditions. Manufacturer s information must be used to inform all parties of dangers and concerns when coming in contact with pipe, fittings, valves, control valves, pumps, heat exchangers, boilers, chillers, heat transfer equipment, glycol, etc. Manufacturer s representatives, salesmen, wholesalers need to be more pro-active in regard to water quality parameters. Bulletins, information sheets need to be supplied and explained to the qualified tradespersons that install and maintain hydronic heating and cooling systems. In general, any person or organization that works in or around these types of systems will require education regarding the proper water quality required for a given installation. Water Polishing - is taking approved, acceptable, refined potable water and improving the product. By removing detrimental components of the municipal water, the polished water will provide improvement and value to the finished water product. By removing ammonia, establishing an approved ph, providing the correct hardness/soft water parameter, and removing other items to prevent further reactions within the surrounding environment (piping, equipment, etc). Water polishing 5

6 is designed to provide the correct water treatment parameters as dictated by the manufacturers installation, operations and maintenance manuals. It should also provide coverage of warranty parameters, quality assurance and insurance coverage along with the proper testing documentation and an approved Preventative Maintenance Program (PMP). RO (Reverse Osmosis) water - allows water to pass through the filter membranes, but not undesired particulate matter. The passage of chloramines through the filter process begins the fouling process that will shorten the life considerably of the filter membrane and possible the R.O. system. The rule of thumb for an R.O. system is; for every two gallons introduced to the inlet of the RO system, one gallon will be produced or a 50% loss of water. The second gallon is lost to the backflushing operation, which adds up for the operation cost of the water charges, life of the RO system, membrane filters and the additional drainage charge Reverse Osmosis is NOT GOOD for the environment. In chloramine treated water, the ammonia is allowed to travel through the filter membranes and collect in the recovered water storage. This will increase the ratio of ammonia in ppm. Ammonia will compromise the filter membranes quicker than using straight chlorine treated water. Ammonia will also unfortunately shorten the life of the filter membranes and/or equipment and provide an additional financial burden to the end user. RO is generally used at point of service: the delivery system requires a storage vessel, as well as a pump. RO systems are not generally recommended for chloramine treated water. Other types of secondary water treatment. Other water treatments exist that will polish water to a particular parameter by using such items as UV light, chemicals, filtration etc. Each device will have a specific duty and may or may not be required in 6

7 an overall treatment program. The type of application, and associated materials will provide the direction an operator must use for the preventative maintenance program. Additional Information Rule of thumb is to find the tightest water quality parameter for a given product/material. As long as that (tightest) parameter does not impede on other materials throughout the entire system, this is the water parameter that should be used as a benchmark for consistent water quality. An example is having a material specified between 7.2 and 8.2 ph all other materials in the system are able to function at 6.5 to 8.5 ph. The water treatment contractor would adjust and control the ph to the 7.2 and 8.2 to protect the system and retain the warranty of the system. If there is a real problem between water qualities through out the hydronic system, heat exchangers can be used to separate systems. Water quality parameters need to be followed in order to retain warranties throughout the entire hydronic heating and cooling system. Glycol/Water The mixture of glycol and water is common in hydronic heating conditions. From protecting a condensing boiler with a 100% direct combustion air to a heating system that is heating a potential cold environment, etc. When freeze conditions exist 2 degrees Celsius (35 degrees Fahrenheit), ethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol can be added to water to provide freeze protection and burst protection. Adding glycol to hydronic solution (water) will change the heat transfer abilities, where water has a factor of 1 adding glycol will reduce this number below the figure or less than 1. As the percentage of glycol increases, this factor is further reduced. In addition, flow rates will become higher leading to higher pressure drops, energy consumption and equipment wear. Between the two glycols, ethylene is a better heat transfer fluid than propylene glycol. Propylene glycol is less toxic when first introduced to the hydronic fluid system. Once the glycol/water solution in the hydronic fluid degrades over time, additional control chemicals will have been added and the toxic level will increase. 7

8 Water quality is essential for the entire hydronic heating and cooling system, as well as the compatibility of the glycol. It is essential that the water quality be properly tested for all values prior to combining glycol/ water. The water treatment company supplying the glycol and other chemicals will be required to follow all procedures provided by all the manufacturers manuals. Glycols will have a tighter ph range; they are not to be operating below a ph of 7. The glycol also cannot travel above a ph above 9 to protect the hydronic system. Do not mix ethylene and propylene glycol in the same hydronic system or use automotive-type glycols. Automatic makeup water systems should not be used in order to prevent loss of glycol in the system and/or a dilution of freeze protection. Basic water quality testing for a hydronic heating and cooling system should include Ammonia - is found in chloramine and natural water environments (wells). The recommended amount of ammonia is below 2.0 ppm for yellow metal products (some manufacturers list 0 as acceptable). *When in doubt read all the manufacturers manuals for all materials and equipment. Conductivity - Conductivity of a substance is defined as the ability or power to conduct or transmit heat, electricity, or sound. In water treatment, conductivity is used to measure the mineral content of the liquid substance and its temperature. The more pure the water is the less conductivity will be produced. Pure water is not a good conductor of electricity. TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) is a measure of the total ions in solution. EC (Electrical Conductance) is actually a measure of the iconic activity of a solution in terms of it s capacity to transmit current. Some hydronic controls require a certain amount of conductivity in the water solution. The parameters of water quality need to be maintained to operate the equipment without affecting the hydronic system. This will be monitored and maintained throughout the life of the hydronic system. 8

9 Dissolved Iron a measure of the amount of iron (ferrous and ferric) found in water. As steel pipe, fittings etc. start to wear, (erosion), rust (oxidize) occurs, and amounts of dissolved Iron will be detected. This can be controlled by sidearm filters, chemicals, ph control etc. If unchecked it will produce sludge, rust deposits, weaken metal and eventually a failure. This will be monitored and maintained throughout the life of the hydronic system. Hardness it can start right at the source. As water passes thought the ground, it comes in contact with and dissolves many of the earth s minerals. Water that has passed through iron ore may have a rusty appearance due to the dissolved iron ore it contains. Water that has passed through limestone may have a milky appearance. Water that has not been softened will contain these minerals as well as other minerals listed below in the other categories of hardness. Temporary Hardness bicarbonates of calcium and magnesium dissolved in water cause temporary hardness. When water is heated, the bicarbonates settle out of the water and form scale deposits. Temporary hardness starts to settle out of the water as scale at a temperature of approximately 50 Degrees C (120 Degrees F) to 60 Degrees C (140 Degrees F). The higher the water temperature, the more rapidly the scale forms (settles out). This can be controlled by using an approved softening method prior to introducing the water solution into the hydronic heating and cooling system. By controlling all the water quality parameters it will provide the proper medium that will come in contact with the entire hydronic system. Classification Soft Moderately Soft Moderately Hard Hard Very Hard Hardness 0-50 ppm (mg/l) ppm (mg/l) ppm (mg/l) ppm (mg/l) over 200 ppm (mg/l) Glycol - % of glycol to use in your system is dictated by the manufacture (separation of systems and components with HEX s may be required to 9

10 retain warranty) Water must be compatible with the glycol and all the materials that the water/glycol solution comes in contact with. Once the solution has been verified during certification, it must be maintained throughout the life of the hydronic system. Nitrates Nitrate/Nitrite salts may occur naturally, but their presence in a water supply usually indicates population type pollution. The most common sources of nitrate/nitrite contamination are animal wastes, primary/secondary sewage, industrial chemicals and fertilizers. This is most common when using poorly treated water in rural areas. Other chemical compositions can elevate this number. This will be monitored and maintained throughout the life of the hydronic system. Molybdate is a corrosion inhibitor used in open and closed heating and cooling systems. The concentration in ppm must be controlled and maintained; molybdate can raise the ph levels if not carefully monitored. The corrosion inhibitor is designed to prevent corrosion to piping systems. This will be monitored and maintained throughout the life of the hydronic system. ph (potential hydrogen) different system components have different ph requirements necessary to maintain longevity, warranty, and insurance. From the scale would indicate an acidic solution, the closer to 0 the stronger the acidic solution. At midpoint 7 the solution is classified as neutral, it is neither acidic nor alkaline. At to 14 the solution will be classified as alkaline or basic. The higher the number on the chart the more alkaline the solution, at a ph of 12 the solution is classified as caustic. Examples of water quality parameters are 6.5 to 8.5 ph for AWWA (potable water), above 6.5 and below 9.0 ph ASHRAE, (hydronic heating and cooling systems). Some manufacturers have stricter parameters. *When in doubt read and follow the manuals for all materials and equipment. This will be monitored and maintained throughout the life of the hydronic system. 10

11 Temperature A detailed log of the hydronic system temperatures should always be kept as a part of a regular maintenance program. TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) refers to the total weight of all the minerals, salts and metals in solution in the water. Soluble minerals such as sodium do not show up in simple hardness tests and do not form a curd with most detergents (soap test). Many other impurities may be dissolved in water that will have no effect on the equivalent calcium/magnesium hardness, but may render the water useless for many processes without further treatment. Often, water required for high pressure steam, hot water, cooling towers, surgery wash lines, dialysis machines, and sterilizers require a more vigorous treatment program than a typical municipal potable water system. *There may be further water quality parameter requirements necessary to honour your warranty. Always reference the manufacturers operations and maintenance manuals before implementing a proper maintenance program. Hydro testing fluid requires a liquid medium that will not react with the materials that have been fabricated like ammonia. Contamination of weld alloys may not be detected until after months of operation - don t take the risk! Let Falcon Water Solutions provide you with our HVAC-safe water, designed with all the necessary water parameters in mind Chemical cleaning is required on new installations as well as renovations to existing systems. Ammonia free water will remove that threat of attacks on the hydronic materials. Chemical cleaning is designed to remove construction build-up during a new installation (sludge, scale etc) on poorly maintained hydronic heating and cooling systems. The collaboration of the water treatment company, mechanical contractor, controls contractor, commissioning contractor and the owner s operator/ representative is essential for this process. 11

12 Flushing is done after the chemical cleaning has been completed and drained from the entire hydronic system. After draining, the system is refilled with a neutralizer and clean, non-reactive water. All the equipment and zones are then allowed to pass water at working temperatures and velocities. The system is filled and the all the equipment, zones etc. are allowed to pass water at working temperatures at the correct water velocities. After a certain time frame, the building is drained once more and any loose deposits are removed - strainers are cleaned. Any older systems that may have contained ammonia previously will require an additional ammonia test in order to guarantee that the standing ammonia residual has been absorbed in the flushing operation, as well that the neutralizer has completed its job. This process may be required several times until the results are correct. 12