5 Types of Water Treatment Additives You Should Know About

Water treatment additives play a critical role in maintaining the health of closed loop water systems. These systems are commonly used in industrial applications such as cooling towers, boilers, and HVAC systems. Closed loop water systems require careful management to prevent corrosion, scaling, and biological growth that can lead to system failures, reduced efficiency, and increased maintenance costs.

In this blog post, we will explore five types of water treatment additives for closed loop systems: corrosion inhibitors, de-scaling agents, de-sludger, anti-freeze glycol, and non-potable biocides.

Corrosion Inhibitor

Corrosion inhibitors are a common type of water treatment additive used to prevent corrosion in closed loop systems. These additives work by forming a protective film on the metal surfaces of the system, preventing corrosion, and extending the life of the system. Common types of corrosion inhibitors include zinc, molybdate, and nitrite.

Find out more about the X-PO10 Commercial Inhibitor

A 10-liter container of VEXO X-P010 Commercial Inhibitor, filled with a light blue liquid. The label highlights its use for superior system protection in heating, chilled, and condenser water systems, effective up to 90°C. It features a super-concentrated formula with a neutral pH, enhances system performance, provides protection in both hard and soft water, reduces CO2 emissions, and is environmentally friendly. The container includes a green cap, a built-in handle, and clear measurement markings.

De-scaling Agent

Scaling occurs when mineral deposits build up on the surface of the system, reducing flow and efficiency. De-scaling agents are water treatment additives used to prevent or remove these deposits. These additives work by breaking down the mineral deposits and preventing them from forming again. Common types of de-scaling agents include phosphoric acid, citric acid, and hydrochloric acid.

Find out more about the X-PO20 De-Scaling Agent

A 12.5 kg container of VEXO X-P020 Descaling Agent, filled with a purple liquid. The label highlights its purpose for removing and dissolving limescale deposits in heating, chilled, and condenser water systems. It features a super-concentrated formula, effective up to 90°C, with a neutral pH, and is environmentally friendly. The container has a green cap, a built-in handle, and clear measurement markings.

De-sludger

Sludge is a build-up of organic matter and other contaminants that can accumulate in the closed loop system, leading to reduced efficiency and equipment failure. De-sludgers are water treatment additives that work by breaking down and removing sludge from the system. These additives help to improve the efficiency of the system and extend the life of the equipment.

Find out more about the X-PO40 Heavy Duty De-sludger

A 10-liter container of VEXO X-P040 Heavy Duty Desludger, filled with a reddish-brown liquid. The label highlights its use as a superior desludging agent for aged, sludged, and fouled heating, chilled, and condenser water systems. It improves system performance and efficiency, lowers running costs, and removes cold spots to enhance system circulation. The container features a green cap, a built-in handle, and clear measurement markings.

Anti-Freeze Glycol

In colder climates, closed loop systems can be at risk of freezing, which can cause damage to the system. Anti-freeze glycol is an additive that is added to the water to lower its freezing point, making it less likely to freeze. It is important to use the correct concentration of anti-freeze glycol, as too much can reduce the efficiency of the system.

Find out more about the ready-mixed X-PO50 Anti-Freeze Glycol or the concentrated X-PO55 Anti-Freeze Glycol.

A 20-liter container of VEXO X-P050 Monopropylene Ready-Mix, filled with a green liquid. The label highlights its use as a superior anti-freeze for chilled and condenser water installations, with low toxicity, food and beverage-grade glycol. It includes VEXO X-P010 inhibitor protection, maintains system performance and efficiency, is nitrate and borate-free, and requires no dilution. The container features a green cap, a built-in handle, and clear measurement markings.

Biocide

Non-potable biocides are chemicals used to control the growth of microorganisms, such as bacteria and algae. In closed loop water systems, microorganisms can multiply and form biofilms that can lead to several issues such as corrosion, fouling, and reduced heat transfer efficiency. Non-potable biocides are used to control the growth of these microorganisms and prevent these issues from occurring. It’s important to note that non-potable biocides should be used in accordance with local regulations and industry standards, as they can have potential health and environmental impacts if not used properly.

Find out more about the X-PO80 Non-Potable Biocide.

 

A 12.5 kg container of VEXO X-P080 Non-Potable Biocide, filled with a red liquid. The label highlights its purpose for killing common system water bacteria, algae, and fungi in heating, chilled, and condenser water systems. It is effective against Legionella, Pseudomonas, NRB & SRB bacteria, and works up to 60°C. The container features a green cap, a built-in handle, and clear measurement markings.

X-PO Water Treatment Additives

The VEXO X-PO range is a collection of system inhibitors, treatment agents, and disinfectants designed specifically to meet the rigorous energy and water-saving protocols, system protection, and additive safety requirements of modern building industry standards. The range provides a comprehensive selection of additives to meet all the hygiene and system protection needs of any size heating, chilling, or condenser water system. The aim of the VEXO X-PO range is to reduce energy and water wastage, making it the most cost-effective option available.

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