Ideal Distributors Limited - Copper Silver Ion and Cooling Towers

Ion Systems & Cooling Towers

For years, operators of commercial and industrial facilities have sought alternatives and improvements to the chemicals used to purify the water in their cooling towers. There are many reasons: constant and effective sanitation is required, algae control is important, operating costs are always an issue; chemical safety and disposal is a concern and the environmental issue is stronger now than ever before.

Based on these reasons, it makes good sense to examine systems that will address these situations. Copper/silver ion systems are proven, efficient and effective in helping control algae, bacteria and virus in cooling towers.

Here is a bit of background. In the 1960's and early 1970's, the Johnson Space Center and NASA conducted a research program aimed at the development of a small, lightweight water purifier that required minimal power and no astronaut monitoring. They developed an electrolytic silver ion generator only slightly larger than a pager and weighing only nine ounces. These systems, mounted at various locations in the potable water supply and waste water system of the spacecraft, would dispense silver ions sufficient to eliminate bacteria and purify the water within a few hours.

This information was made available to the industry and from this beginning, one of the world's most advanced water purification systems was developed. It is capable of handling water volumes into the millions of gallons and used in many different applications. Pools and spas, fountains, cooling towers and injection molding systems routinely use ionization as a means of water sanitation.

In very basic terms, the IDS ion system works as follows. An anode, made of a proportion of copper and silver, and cathode are placed in a chamber. This chamber, or flow cell as it is more commonly called, is mounted in the recirculation system. A controller sends signals to the anode causing microscopic particles (ions) of copper and silver to be dispensed into the water as it passes through the flow cell. The copper destroys the algae and bacteria by piercing the outer membrane and disrupting enzyme balance. Silver is effective as a sanitizer because of its efficiency in interrupting DNA production preventing reproduction and accelerating the death phase of the bacteria and viruses. It has been proven to be very effective in its ability to destroy legionella, a particular concern in cooling towers. While lethal to bacteria, many viruses and algae, the system is completely safe for humans, animals and plants.

There are other specific advantages. Ions are chemically neutral when it comes to water balance. Unlike standard sanitizing chemicals, ions do not dissipate as readily and are relatively unaffected by heat or sunlight. Aeration is not a factor. They remain stable and effective under these conditions. Ion systems work exceptionally well in combination with other sanitation methods. See the report on the proven advantages of a combination of copper, silver and chlorine.

Operation of the system is virtually automatic and very simple. A water test is done on a weekly basis. Based on results from this test, the controller is adjusted to maintain the correct levels.

The success of ion systems is confirmed by the number of satisfied users and an increasing number of installations. Companies such as B.C Rail, Moeller, Grumman Industries, Huntsville Jetport and others are among these satisfied users. Articles such as one published in the June 1997 issue of Canadian Environmental Protection magazine further demonstrate it to be a tried and true supplement to the established chemical methods of sanitation.

Following is a brief explanation as to the installation and operation of the ion system.

Ion System: Each system comes complete with a controller, flow cell, electrode set, copper test kit, and instructions. Depending on the size of cooling tower, there may be multiple controllers and/or multiple sets of electrodes. Each ion system is designed and sized to a specific application.

Installation: Installation is generally done in the way of a small recirculating system in the sump. This is comprised of a small, low volume, continuous duty pump through which the sump water is circulated, passing through the flow cell containing the electrodes. If there is an existing recirculating system in place, the flow cell and electrodes can be plumbed into it. From there the operation of the cooling tower is as normal. An additional advantage of this recirculating system is that any read probes or chemical feed systems can be attached to it for improved efficiency.

Installation requirements are minimal. The system requires AC power for the ion system controller and the recirculating pump. There needs to be access to the system for occasional electrode inspection.

Operation: The ion system, once installed, is turned on to mid level to start dispensing ions into the water. A requirement of ionization is that there be some TDS level present to allow the process to take place. This is generally not a problem as most water has some mineral content and the standard anti corrosion or anti scaling agents help to provide a suitable level. After a day or so, a copper test is performed on the sump water to determine the copper level in solution. We suggest an initial reading of .5 ppm. If that level is present the controller is left as is. If the level is low, the system is turned up slightly, or if the level is exceeded, the system is turned down. This is a start point and the levels can be adjusted from there to achieve the desired results. We recommend the testing be done every couple of days until an effective level is achieved. After that, a weekly reading is usually sufficient.

Advantages: As previously mentioned, copper and silver ions are chemically neutral when it comes to water balance. Unlike standard sanitizing chemicals, ions do not dissipate as readily and are relatively unaffected by heat or sunlight. Aeration is not a factor. They remain stable and effective under cooling tower operating conditions. also, ion systems work exceptionally well in combination with other sanitation methods.

It is important to note that the ion system is completely pH neutral and has no effect on scaling or acidic water. Standard water balance and equipment protection methods are still required.

For additional information regarding your specific application, please contact our office.

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