Scale is just one type of deposit that can form in systems using water. Scale forms when the solubility of a mineral is exceeded and precipitates from solution.  The most common scale in cooling and boiler water systems is calcium carbonate. Since the solubility of calcium carbonate decreases as the temperature increases, scale often forms on heat transfer surfaces. Microorganisms may also influence the deposition of minerals as often occurs in cooling water systems. Scale reduces heat transfer efficiency resulting in increased energy costs. Scale and other deposits can also lead to an increased risk of localized corrosion. Scale can be controlled by either removing the mineral ions from the water or by adding low levels of chemicals such as phosphonates or carboxylate polymers to prevent precipitation. WaCon manufactures and custom formulates a large number of products to meet a variety of different water and operating conditions.

Corrosion is a natural process by which metals return to their original oxide states. Uncontrolled corrosion cause a significant amount of damage to water use systems. There are numerous causes of corrosion in water systems. The severity of corrosion is influenced by numerous factors including: water chemistry, level of contaminants, deposits, temperature, flow, and microorganisms to name a few. While most metals will corrode in water some metals are more resistant than others. Copper is typically more resistant to corrosion than steel in most cases. However, copper is more affected by turbulent flows than steel and can be greatly damaged by moderate levels of ammonia while steel is not. There is a variety of corrosion inhibitors that can be used to help minimize corrosion in water systems. At WaCon, we carefully select our corrosion inhibitors to match the specific conditions found in your facility.

Microbiological Growth is a problem that will be encountered under almost any imaginable condition in most water use systems. Microorganisms such as bacteria, algae, and fungi create the most problems when they colonize and form biofilms on system surfaces. Biofilms consist of microbial cells and the extra-cellular polymers they produce. These biofilms are responsible for most of the microbial related problems in water systems including: fouling of heat exchangers and tower fill, reduced flow, corrosion, mineral scale, odors and the amplification of Legionella. Organisms growing within biofilm communities are also more protected from the effects of microbicidal compounds than free floating (planktonic) organisms. Effective control of biofilm organisms requires more than just the occasional use of a microbicide. At WaCon, have available a variety of both oxidizing and non-oxidizing microbicides as well as antifoulants to help control even the most difficult problems. It should be noted that most microbial control programs are designed to help minimize fouling, corrosion, and deposits and are not designed to control pathogens such as Legionella sp. Programs to reduce the risk of Legionnaires' disease involve the use of oxidizing microbicides and anti-foulants at much higher doses and frequencies than are typically recommended for normal control. At WaCon we can upgrade your existing program or recommend a new program to help reduce the risk of Legionella becoming a serious problem in your system. These programs do not eliminate the possibility that someone will contract Legionnaires' disease but will only ensure that you are following best available practices recommended by ASHRAE, CTI, and AWT.