Heat exchangers are an excellent application for magnetic water treatment. They are used to raise or lower the temperature of water (occasionally they will use some medium other than water such as ethylene glycol). Water from a boiler, cooling tower and occasionally a geothermal system is pumped through a series of tubes inside the heat exchanger. Water is circulated between the outer shell of the heat exchanger and the tubes. The heat exchanger takes place as the controller water transfers a temperature change through the tubes into the water inside the shell. Scaling takes place inside the tubes of the heat exchanger. This scaling greatly reduces the efficiency of the heat exchanger and requires shut down and either acid or mechanical cleaning of the exchanger.

With magnetics, the scales will be removed within five to eight weeks depending on water chemistry and volume of water used. In some instances larger pieces of scale may break loose and this could clog the heat exchanger. Approximately eight weeks after installation, the heat exchanger should be opened for inspection to assure that the GMX units are performing as designed. Any remaining sludge or scale residue can be removed at that time.

RESULTS / BENEFITS

Any existing scale will be removed and no further scale formation should occur. The heat exchanger will operate far more efficiently and require less energy and less water. Increased equipment life will be realized due to reduction or elimination of corrosion. Temperature control is easier if the equipment is able to operate as designed without scales.

In many heat exchangers the coolant flows over the elements and deposits are left on the exterior of these elements. Installation of the on line units “upstream” from the condenser will prevent scale formation on these surfaces.