FlowMark Water Treatment
FlowMark technology prevents scale buildup by neutralizing the natural charge that suspended solids carry which in turn makes the suspended solids the preferred location for scale to form.
Mineral ions precipitate onto suspended solids instead of system surfaces forming microscopic crystals that gradually grow into larger crystals. On single pass flow through systems the mineral crystals remain small enough to pass harmlessly through the water system. On recirculating systems with multiple passes some of the mineral crystals grow large enough and gain sufficient specific gravity to settle out in low velocity areas such as basin sumps. This precipitated mineral powder can then be removed by blow-down, physical cleaning or filtration.
Bacteria Control
In re-circulating systems such as cooling towers and evaporative condensers heterotrophic bacteria plate counts can be controlled well below industry standards providing sufficient levels of calcium are present in the make-up water supply. Bacteria become encapsulated within the mineral crystal formation process which is outlined above. Once entombed within the mineral crystals, bacteria cells are deprived of nutrients necessary to support life and population multiplication. Heterotrophic plate counts should be regularly monitored with dip slides and/or laboratory analysis.
Note: Physical cleaning of cooling towers is an important part of cooling tower maintenance and should not be overlooked.
Corrosion
Corrosion is addressed by maintaining the cooling water in a stable, alkaline pH range. Maintaining the recommended conductivity set-point ensures the system operates in a supersaturated state. It is recommended to install corrosion coupons on all new FlowMark installations to monitor corrosion rates and insure control within industry standards. In rare cases the addition of an environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitor may be required.
Filtration
The inclusion of a media filter with any FlowMark system installed on an evaporative cooling application is highly recommended to remove excess suspended particles.