Legionella epidemics regularly occur worldwide, causing dozens of illnesses and even deaths. Evaporative cooling systems are the source. Depending on the treatment and quality of the cooling water used in evaporative coolers and cooling towers, Legionella reproduces at an accelerated rate and be released into the environment via aerosols. Disinfection of cooling water is therefore an important component of a holistic hygiene concept in facilities that use such cooling systems.

INNOWATECH ECA technology helps operators of evaporative coolers and cooling towers protect cooling water from dangerous microbiological contamination, such as Legionella. In addition, treating the cooling water with INNOWATECH Anolyte® prevents the formation of biofilms. Biofilms provide a breeding ground for bacteria and, due to their thermally insulating properties, significantly reduce the efficiency of heat exchangers. Since bacterial metabolic products also lead to increased material wear via the biofilm, removing them reduces the risk of corrosion.

By producing the INNOWATECH Anolyte disinfectant on-site from water and table salt, the operating costs of cooling water treatment are significantly reduced. In many cases, water consumption can also be reduced and wastewater quality optimized. 

 

• permanent cooling water treatment with low FAC < 0.3 mg/l
•  Microbiologically safe cooling water that is free of Legionella bacteria
• Existing biofilms are broken down quickly
• Significantly reduced handling and storage of hazardous substances and dangerous chemicals
• Increased occupational safety and health protection for employees
• Reliable compliance with discharge limits (e.g. AOX)
• Highly effective, stable, pH-neutral, and chloride-reduced disinfectant
• No resistance formation
• Reduced consumption of chemicals for pH regulation and hardness stabilization
• There is no increased risk of corrosion
• Simultaneous cooling and drinking water treatment with one Anolyte production plant
• Anolyte production costs are low at less than € 10 for 1,000 liters (application concentration of 0.05 - 0.2%).

The cooling water quality is monitored using the INNOWATECH Multi-Measurement Center (MMC). This continuously measures, monitors, and documents the free available chlorine (FAC) in the cooling water, usually recording the measured values ​​hourly. In addition to FAC, sensors for redox potential, conductivity, temperature, and pH can also be integrated.

 All data is evaluated to determine the optimal biocide dosage and passed on to the control system and ultimately to the dosing pump for optimal anolyte dosing. The conductivity and temperature of the cooling water allow for an assessment of the corrosion risk in the cooling system, and corrosion can be prevented.

By documenting and continuously treating the cooling water with a low anolyte concentration, usually in accordance with the Drinking Water Ordinance, the 14-day total microbial count analyses required by the 42nd Federal Immission Control Ordinance (BImSchV) can be eliminated.

reduced heat transfer and increased energy consumption

Due to their structure, biofilms also impair the effectiveness of heat exchangers and promote microbially induced corrosion. They impair heat transfer four times more than mineral deposits of the same thickness (scaling). At the same time, the energy required to transport cooling and product water increases significantly, as deposits in cooling circuits reduce pipe diameters. This requires higher pumping capacity to transport the same amount of cooling water.