Permanent
magnets
These encourage the formation of larger, needle
shaped crystals as opposed to the normal, small cubic
pattern. This reduces the ‘stickiness’ of
the scale, and enables it to be washed away by the flow
of water.
They are ideal for the protection
of individual appliances. BWT distributes a number
of these products under the Liff and Aqua-Dial brands.
Electromagnets
These encourage some of the dissolved calcium
in the water to precipitate as minute seed crystals
in the water itself. When the water is heated these
‘seed crystals’ attract further scale to
them rather than the metal surfaces around them. The
larger crystals which result, are washed away in the
water flow.
These can be used to protect the entire
household as well as individual appliances.
Electronic
devices
These use very low power electrical energy
flowing through wires wrapped around the pipes. Again,
these encourage the formation of seed crystals which
attract further precipitation to themselves rather than
the metal surfaces around them. The larger crystals
which result, are washed away in the water flow.
These devices are ideal for protecting
individual appliances, but can be used to protect the
entire house if they are powerful enough.
Electrostatic
devices
These use the flow of water through the device
to create an electric field, which encourages the formation
of needle shaped seed crystals, which attract further
precipitation to themselves rather than the metal surfaces
around them. The resulting crystals are washed away
in the water flow.
Electrolytic
devices
These add minute quantities of metal –
usually zinc or iron – to suppress the formation
of scale by altering the chemical equilibrium of the
water. They also act as sites for the scale to precipitate
on to, consequently protecting metal surfaces.
Physical water conditioning devices
do not soften
the water by lowering the calcium and magnesium content.
The performance of all water treatment
devices is dependent on a number of factors, including
the quality of the water locally, and the nature of
the specific heating system involved. |
