Hydroflow – an electronic water softener – removes the ‘cholesterol’ from water pipes and heating equipment without the use of chemicals.

Comprising minerals (usually calcium and bicarbonate) that are dissolved in water, limescale creates a hard mass on the surface of pipes and heating equipment when water is heated (or becomes otherwise supersaturated). “Limescale that forms on the inside of water pipes increases the resistance to the system and decreases the flow of water. This results in greater energy consumption and even damaged pumps. Limescale build-up on heating equipment also impedes heat transfer and the elements use more energy. Removing this limescale often results in expensive downtime for various industries,” explains Tinus Venter, director of Hydroflow SA.

No chemicals

Hydroflow is a patented technology that eliminates the formation of both old and new limescale. A ferrite ring is placed around a pipe (PVC, galvanised copper, steel) in diameter sizes ranging between 0 mm and 3 m. This ring induces a high frequency electrical signal into the water that can travel up to 2 km throughout the water system, both up- and downstream. This causes the mineral ions to form clusters that do not settle on the sides of the pipes and equipment. These mineral ions act as a starting point for the crystals, so that, when water is heated, the limescale forms as a fine powder in suspension, which can then be washed away by the flow. The high-frequency signal is not dependent on water flow or quantity.

The technology is used in a wide range of industries – from geysers in domestic use to desalination plants, wastewater treatment plants, heat exchangers and cooling towers in power stations, factories, mines and steel mills.

“Hydroflow is an environmentally friendly option that reduces operational expenses. No additional chemicals are added, reducing the margin of human error regarding quantities and timing, as well as the harmful effects (corrosion and rust) that chemicals have on the pipes and dosing systems. It also uses a minimal amount of energy; its power consumption is similar to that of an LED light (2 W),” states Colin van Rooyen, a consultant for Hydroflow.

Furthermore, Hydroflow is easy to install; there is zero downtime (it clamps over pipelines). With no mechanical parts, Hydroflow does not require any maintenance. Hydroflow is robust, and can be exposed to the sun and rain. “While this technology has been used for nearly 30 years in the UK and is available in over 70 countries, it is still relatively new in South Africa. Like anything ‘new’, there is initial scepticism regarding its viability, but Hydroflow has many successful references and case studies. Hydroflow water conditioners have also won the Solar Impulse Efficient Solution Award by the Solar Impulse Foundation, as well as the Innovative Technology Award from the Water Environment Foundation,” concludes Venter.