Preventing limescale formation in commercial hot water systems is easy and cost effective thanks to the new, improved KalGUARD system from Sentinel Commercial.
This scientifically-proven device, which uses electrolytic technology recommended by the Compliance Guide to Part L to prevent limescale build up, is already installed in thousands of premises across the UK, including those belonging to hospitals, healthcare organisations, and care homes. The updates, all designed to make the system easier and faster to install, ensure KalGUARD is set to be even more popular.
The recent adjustments we have made to the product’s design will ensure the reduction of installation time and therefore the system downtime that might affect the building’s occupants
Usually specified in areas where the water hardness is 200ppm or more - these levels are found in water supplied to around 65% of the population in England - KalGUARD can help protect both new and existing systems from limescale build-up. KalGUARD permanently conditions water by dosing it with a very-low level of stable zinc via an electrolytic process that uses a zinc anode and a copper cathode. This forces naturally-occurring calcium carbonate crystals to form as soft, non-deposit-forming aragonite rather than into hard, deposit-forming calcite - limescale.
Independent tests carried out at Cranfield University have proven KalGUARD’s ability to reduce limescale drastically. Furthermore, electrolytic technology is recommended by the Part L Building Services Compliance Guide for the control of limescale, unlike devices using magnetic, impulse field and electronic technologies, all of which are supported by claims that are difficult to validate.
By preventing limescale formation, KalGUARD can help to maximise energy efficiency, reducing energy bills. Other benefits of limescale prevention include a more-dependable supply of hot water, better water pressure, and easier, faster cleaning of sanitary fittings. In addition, systems that are free of limescale are better able to be treated for legionella prevention.
In comparison with traditional, salt-based water softeners, KalGUARD boasts significant savings on consumables, maintenance and water. With KalGUARD, neither salt nor water for regeneration are required, which means health and safety concerns related to heavy lifting are removed, while maintenance requirements are minimal. The filter simply needs to be flushed periodically – twice a year is recommended - though this can be covered by a technical field service contract if required. The zinc anode has a lifespan of approximately 12 years, after which time the anode may require replacement to maintain optimum performance. As a result, a 42mm KalGUARD system could represent savings of over £4,200 a year in comparison with a similarly-sized, salt-based water softener. ROI is typically less than 12 months.
Fitted on a rising main to offer whole system protection, the WRAS-approved KalGUARD technology was already straightforward to install and commission, but its new features have been designed to fine-tune and speed the process further. This means that system downtime can be kept to an absolute minimum.
In addition, the chance of post-installation alteration by non-qualified staff has been reduced thanks to a revised design, while health and safety considerations have been improved too, since the wiring can only be accessed using a special tool.
The new controller technology also enables future firmware updates from Sentinel to be effected speedily, again with minimal disruption and downtime on site. Finally, the addition of an optional BMS pulse splitter enables water usage to be monitored by the building management system.
Given the compelling financial argument, and the fact that this electrolytic solution to limescale protection has been scientifically proven, it’s no surprise that increasing numbers of large corporations are investing in KalGUARD
“KalGUARD was already easy to install in a day – with two men usually taking between four and eight hours to complete the job – but the recent adjustments we have made to the product’s design will ensure the reduction of installation time and therefore the system downtime that might affect the building’s occupants,” said Ian Barnes, head of Sentinel Commercial.
“Given the compelling financial argument, and the fact that this electrolytic solution to limescale protection has been scientifically proven, it’s no surprise that increasing numbers of large corporations are investing in KalGUARD.”