hpS-Water-FAQ

info@eco-nex.com
What is hpS Technology?
How does the hpS Technology work?
Does the hpS Technology remove all microbes?
Who else uses hpS Technology?
Why use hpS Technology instead of chemical treatment?
Why use hpS Technology instead of pasteurisation?
Are hpS units expensive?
How do I know if the hpS Technology is working?
Can I purchase hpS Technology cheaper elsewhere?
Can I try hpS Technology before I buy?
If hpS Technology uses Cavitation will this adversely affect the rest of my system?

What is hpS Technology?

HPS Technology is a physical method of destroying bacteria, algae and fungi within water.  In layman’s terms a steel cylinder blows up particles passing through it.  In scientific terms,  a vortex is formed via positive-negative pressures and the introduction of air to produce cavitation.  The result is to purify water.  Eco-Nex are the official suppliers of HPS Technology.  Working in conjunction with our German suppliers, Eco-Nex are the leading World-Experts on HPS Technology and its applications.  This is a non-chemical and environmentally sound water treatment method.  This is proven technology that has been in use for over 5 years.  For more information on installation sites see hpS Case Histories.  For more information on how it works, see below How does the HPS Technology work?

How does the hpS Technology work?

The hpS Technology uses a steel flow-cell through which water passes.  Water enters at a set pressure (generally governed by the pump).  This sets up the correct velocity for the water.  The internal shape of the flow cell guides the water in to a spiral pathway.  A small air-inlet at the base of the flow-cell creates a vacuum at the outlet pipe.  Due to the positive pressure on the water inlet and the negative pressure created by the air-inlet a cold-combustion zone is created at the base of the flow cell.  In this zone, thousands of cavitation bubbles are created.  For a billionth of a second a single cavitation bubble can reach the temperature of the face of the sun and the pressure of the deepest ocean.  Thus microbial contaminants can be ripped apart and oxidised.

Does the hpS Technology remove all microbes?

hpS Technology can be used to safely remove harmful pathogens.  In theory, no microbe is able to protect itself from the brute force of cavitation which can shred and vaporize organic matter.  For the control of microbes within buildings such as Legionnaires Disease & microbes that cause MIC (Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion), hpS technology can be a very cost-effective tool.  In ultra-high-risk situations such as Anti-Bio-Terrorism HPS Technology can be used in conjunction with other technologies to completely sterilise water.

Who else uses hpS Technology?

hpS Technology has been successfully deployed throughout Europe for approximately 5 years.  Major and minor organisations use hpS Technology because it is a simple and robust anti-microbial technology.  Uses of hpS technology range from prevention/control of Legionnaires' Disease through to cobating Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC).  Installations range from Industrial Cooling Towers to Water Features in Major Cities.  See hpS Case Histories for some organisations who currently use hpS Technology.

Why use hpS Technology instead of chemical treatment?

The hpS is a non-chemical anti-microbial treatment.  The vast majority of scientists (and most people with common sense) realise that it is not possible for a microbe to build up a tolerance or immunity to being ripped apart and vaporized by hpS technology.  It is a statistical probability that genetic mutation of tolerant/resistant strains of microbes will always stay one-step ahead of chemical treatment.

Eco sentiments in choosing a technology were considered eccentric 20 years ago and an indulgence 10 years ago.  Today, Eco thinking has become an integral part of every decision making process in the Public and Business World.  Side effects and potential side effects of using chemicals to treat water are numerous.  The hpS technology is a pure chemical-free alternative.

Chlorine came in to use as a treatment method over a centruy ago.  It helped to prevent/control diseases such as cholera.  Continued over-use of anti-microbial chemicals is believed by many microbiologists to have played a significant part in the mutation of chemical-resistant microbes.  Where certain microbes have been virtually eradicated through the use of chemical treatment, this has formed a vacuum where other microbes are now able to thrive

Chlorine when applied in standard doses, is relatively ineffective against microbes such as those that cause MIC or legionella.  Shock-dosing using chlorine at 50ppm was considered to be part and parcel of a cleaning regime until the early 1990’s; until most water technicians realised that it was impractical and potentially dangerous if a person inadvertently opened a tap whilst treatment was in progress.  Similarly, old-fashioned chemicals such as Bromine and Iodine are being phased out and are no longer generally used.

Manufacturers of anti-microbial chemicals for water treatment are continuously working on new products.  For the last decade, the use of Ozone and Chlorine Dioxide has steadily increased in-line with increasing problems with MIC and legionella.  Under new brand names, some chemical manufacturers and suppliers are advertising their products as "environmentally safe".  It is always worth reading the COSHH data for any chemical to reach one's own conclusions as to just how safe and environmentally freindly these products are.  In simple terms, hpS Technology uses no chemicals - hence no special fire/explosion proof cabinets are needed; no COSHH training to prevent burns of the skin or lungs are needed, etc, etc.

Why use hpS Technology instead of pasteurisation?

The simple answer – is to reduce carbon emissions, reduce the risk of scalding, reduce lime-scale deposition on plant and equipment, reduce the breeding ground for bacteria, and reduce the risk or heat-resistant microbes.  Used in conjunction with Silver Residual TreatmentTechnology for Dead-Legs, the ultimate anti-microbial technology can be obtained.

In the 19^th Century at the end of the Industrial Revolution, pasteurisation was a brand new technology.  Sweeping breakthroughs were made in hygiene using pasteurisation in the early 20^th Century.  Yet that was a long time ago. 

Apart from science fiction writers like HG Wells, few people imagined the sprawling mass of urban, commercial and industrial sites across the planet that we see today.   New ways of living have brought new threats from ever-evolving micro-organisms.

Prior to the II World War, anyone who had an indor water closet (WC), running water in the house, an indoor-bath/shower and central heating system, was considered to be very wealthy.  Likewise, it is difficult to imagine the skyscrapers and production plants of today without air-conditioning.  For man, we have seen 2-3 generations of people populate the planet in the last 60 years.  Yet in the microbial world, millions of offspring can be created in a matter of days.  Modern Science Fiction films such as Marvel's X-Men excite audiences at the cinemase, based on the theory of evolution and genetic mutation.  In reality, microbes are mutating at a much greater pace than man.

50 years ago, scientists believed that by simply heating water to a certain temperature, that all microbes could be destroyed.  Recently, with the increase in air-travel, microbiologists have been able to travel the World in search of new life forms.  Deep in the oceans where few rays of sunlight manage to penetrate the depths of aquatic life, new microbes have been found thriving in incredibly hot tectonic rift zones.  Similarly, expeditions to volcanoes have demonstrated microbes thriving at temperatures that would burn a man to a crisp.

In 1977, a new bacterium was discovered and named, after the death of many old soldiers at a conference in the USA.  As with most microbes, it was named after the place of the discovery, the Legionnaires’ conference.  In the natural environment, legionella can be found in many puddles in small numbers.  Yet given the opportunity to migrate to an air-conditioning system, a relatively benign microbe can multiply exponentially to become a lethal pathogen.

In the late 1970s and throughout the 1980’s Facilities Managers across the globe began to tackle the threat of legionella.  It was believed by the vast majority of people that this new threat could be averted by the use of pasteurisation.  If the hot water supply was heated to at least 65° Celsius and maintained at that temperature it was believed that this would solve the problem.  Accordingly, if the cold-water system was kept below 20° Celsius, then the problem would be contained.  Unfortunately, this practice led to numerous expensive and problematic side-effects.

One of the basic necessities for humans is drinking water.  Hard-Water containing calcium and magnesium is favoured by man for its minerals.  Hence, circa 75% of towns and cities are historically built upon hard-water.  Whilst hard-water may be beneficial to drink, when heated, minerals such as calcium and magnesium come out of solution.  The precipitation of calcium and magnesium on to metal surfaces such as pipe-work, boilers, etc, can cause major problems

Prior to the advent of pasteurisation, lime-scale deposition was a problem; but since the widespread use of pasteurisation post-1977, it has led to major furring of systems.  Lime-scale is an insulator, thus each time a layer forms on the inside of a boiler, it requires more energy to heat the water by each degree Celsius.  In effect, pasteurisation has led to a downward spiral of clogged pipe-work and systems.  More and more energy is required to heat the water, which in turn leads to more and more crystallisation throughout the system.

In the UK, the 199's saw the inception of a framework for legionella control by the Government appointed Health & Safety Executive.  Under the title "the Prevention and Control of Legionnaires' disease HS(G)70", this document formed the basis of disease control in water systems.  The document was adopted by nations from Europe to Australasia, re-written in accordance with local needs.  This document supported (and in its revised form of L8 still supports) the widespread use of pasteurisation.  Certainly, in the early years, pasteurisation was beneficial in reducing the number of pathogens in water; yet the steady build-up of lime-scale in pipe-work and plant that ensued has produced a habitat that can become a breeding ground for microbes.

Countless organisations have been forced to grasp this nettle.  Many have resorted to acid-flushing of systems to remove lime-scale caused by excessive pasteurisation.  Needless to say that using acid can burn out seals on pipe-work and lead to further problems such as corrosion.  Should a tap (Fawcett) be opened inadvertently by the public during this process, one can imagine the terrible consequences.  In a similar vein, one can imagine the horrific injuries that water at 55-65° Celsius can cause to an unsuspecting elderly patient in a hospital.

By the end of the 1990's and through to the present day, amatter of even more concern has taken place, regarding widespread inception of pasteurisation to control water-borne diseases.  As millions of water systems in buildings around the globe have accepted the daily use of pasteurisation, some microbes began to build a tolerance or immunity to high temperatures.  These "thermophilic" microbes began to flourish in the vacuum left by the extermination of their temperature sensitive cousins.  New strains of legionella and other potential pathogens have finally mutated to outwit mankind.

Help, is at hand though.  Eco technologists have been steadily working away on new technologies that work in tandem with nature to combat disease.  If you have never done so before, try a simple test to prove the efficacy of a basic idea (Adult Technicians Only).  Take a thermometer, boil a kettle of water, and pour the water in to a bowl.  Wait until the water has cooled to between 37-45° Celsius.  This temperature is perfect for washing your hands, yet will not scald.  Imagine running a hot-water system at this temperature range using a non-chemical anti-microbial treatment? 

Using a standard U-Value for calcium/magnesium crystals 1mm thick, one measures the total mm thickness of the lime-scale deposition and applies this to the equation for raising one litre of water by one degree Celsius within a boiler/calorifier.  Before even picking up a calculator, any Facilities Manager will already be realising the potential carbon savings of a lower temperature regime.

Germany is taking a lead in these matters.  For a Case History, see Duisburg Hospital near Dusseldorf, which has been using hpS Technology at lower temperatures for a nunber of years.  In principle, this because German Legislation steers Facilities Managers to control/prevent disease and punishes those who do not.  In some countries such as the UK, legislation has steered Facilities Managers towards complying with Health & Safety Executive Guildelines and does not generally support pioneering ideas without years of tests and supporting data.  Unfortunately, microbes do not care about legislation and waiting circa 6 years for complete validation gives the microbes a major head start.

FM people walk a thin line between accepting the potential horrific consequences of a thermophilic microbial outbreak whilst complying with current guidelines.  Alternatively, FM people can bite-the-bullet and protect the occupants and visitors of buildings by demonstrating common sense and the use of best practice and up-to-date knowledge.

With the ever-increasing threats from Global Climate Change and the introduction of carbon credits, the tide is changing.  Thermophilic microbes, coupled with the metal-destroying microbes are beginning to make FM people seriously look at alternatives to pasteurisation.  Moreover, the new threats from bio-terrorism are leaving the decision makers swaying towards arming themselves with something more powerful than just trying to "fry the bugs" in hot water.  Arming oneself with hpS Technology provides a comfort zone of future-proofed technology.

Are hpS units expensive?

This simple answer to this question is NO.  As a general anti-microbial treatment hpS technology destroys microbes such as legionella.  Using cheap chemicals such as chlorine or heating water via pasteurisation are generally considered ineffective against legionella.  The hpS units are a capital purchase, which if compared with expensive chemical alternatives over a 5-year treatment programme are similar in price.  The hpS is a physical solution not a chemical solution.  There are no moving parts to replace.  Ongoing maintenance programmes will require servicing a pump, but do not require the same extensive COSHH procedures associated with handling/storing toxic chemicals.

Pasteurisation is often seen as cheap solution to combating microbes in water.  Many pathogens are becoming heat-resistant.  For further details why pasteurisation is an outdated and potentially harmful process see Why use HPS Technology instead of pasteurisation?

Chlorine is cheap and readily available.  Yet chlorine does not kill many pathogens such as legionella.  There is little point in purchasing a chemical that will not protect one from water-borne disease.  For further details read Why use HPS Technology instead of chemical treatment?

The hpS units are built to standard ISO9001.  The units are built mostly from high-grade stainless steel.  There are no moving parts inside the unit.  Hence maintenance of the units is minor.  The technology is based on a pressure differential between the water inlet and the air-inlet port.  Some systems require a pump which will require maintenance.  Good pumps such as Grundfos come with a 5 year guarantee and any good FM person knows that a good pump can last 15-20 years.

All eco-nex customers can choose from a standard capital purchase or various forms of financial packages over the long lifetime of the equipment.

How do I know whether the hpS Technology is working?

This can be achieved on-site using eco-nex rapid test equipment; by our systems surveyors working with testing laboratories; or via your own in-house laboratory or external water consultants.

It is common practice for some water treatment companies to base the efficacy of their chemicals on the amount of chemicals in your system.  This fallacy is based upon laboratory experiments for the kill rates of chemicals against specific microbes under specific conditions.  Any Facilities Manager worth his salt will tell you that the laboratory and real life are two different things.  In short, how can one make a realistic determination of microbial control without actually taking microbial readings?  The only real way to determine whether any anti-microbial technology is working is to undertake regular microbial tests (See Consultancy).

Eco-Nex are equipment suppliers and Consultants.  We appreciate that some customers may simply wish to purchase hpS products.  Any competent in-house engineer or competent external supplier can provide microbial surveys.

In some circumstances, tests can take up to two weeks before recieving the results.  This time-lage can be a concern to Facilities Managers.  A few legionella bacterium entering a water system on day1 can multiply to a potential outbreak by day3.  Hence why eco-nex can supply rapid test equipment that we can deploy, or easily train your engineers to use.

Can I purchase hpS Technology cheaper elsewhere?

The simple answer is NO.  eco-nex work directly with the manufacturer.  We do provide commercial, trade and wholesale discounts for purchases of 5 or more units.  Buyers or resellers purchasing 50 or more units per annum are appointed an account manager and the appropriate rate of discount.  Contact us today for further information.

Can I try HPS Technology before I buy?

The simple answer is YES.  Eco-Nex have a number of customers who wish to purchase multiple HPS units, who have not used HPS technology to date.

It is standard practice for some organisations to perform a pilot study prior to roll-out.  In such circumstances, eco-nex will require a written letter of intent to purchase the total quantity of units subject to meeting the pre-arranged terms and conditions of the pilot programme.  A nominal fee for renting the appropriate units will be charged, a returnable deposit paid, and a Consultancy Package purchased to set up and administer the pilot programme.

If HPS Technology uses cavitation will this adversely affect the rest of my system?

The simple answer is NO. 

The hpS Technology uses an enclosed stainless steel Flow Cell.  The cavitation process takes place within the Flow Cell.  Whilst positive pressure is maintained to the inlet port of the Flow Cell, pressure on the outlet port of the Flow Cell is between 0-1 Bar pressure.

In effect, the system works via a pressure differential between the water inlet port and the air-inlet valve.  The cavitation process occurs because of the pressure differential and the internal shape of the Flow Cell.  Pressure is equalised once the cavitation process takes place and the energy is used before the water leaves the outlet port.