Protect your pumps and Save Energy with
X-POT Side Stream Filtration

In the quest for energy efficiency, the role of water quality in heating and cooling systems is often overlooked. However, recent research presented at the CIBSE Technical Symposium in the UK in April 2023 and at the ASHRAE Summer Conference in the US in June 2023 has shed light on the significant energy savings that can be achieved by improving water quality and removing corrosion residuals.

The research focused on side stream filtration systems, specifically the VEXO X-POT Side Stream Filter System. The results were compelling, showing that poor water quality not only leads to plant failure but also significantly increases pump energy consumption. The X-POT® Side Stream Filtration system reduced pump energy consumption by an average of 19% in multiple system pressure scenarios.

The study also highlighted the importance of system pressure in reducing pump energy. A system correctly pressurized at 1 BAR was found to achieve the most energy savings.

One key finding was that side-stream mechanical filters have a saturation limit. When closed off, they can lead to significant energy repercussions in terms of pump energy use. Therefore, regular maintenance and cleaning of the mechanical filter are crucial to prevent energy loss, clogging in the system, and ultimately plant failure. One way to spot any blockages ahead of time is installing a VEXO PD-Monitor, which not only has a flashing beacon and audible alarm for blocked filters but also has further BMS capabilities so you can remotely receive notifications of differences in pressure.

The research also utilised thermal imaging to identify potential clogs and blockages in the system, an innovative method not previously employed in this context. This approach provides a deeper understanding of the impact of corrosion and dirt on hydronic heating system performance.