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Closed systems, such as heating and cooling circuits, rarely fail due to corrosion and leakage; most failures are due to an accumulation of sediment causing blockages, poor heat distribution or dissipation, boiler and valve failures. These problems reduce the performance of the system, waste energy, increase maintenance costs and contribute to the early failure of plant and components. So, what kind of treatment options can be used?…

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Where iron and manganese deposits build up within a water system, tank or pipe, the pressure of the water system can decrease – leading to an increase in energy costs as a result of inefficiency.…

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The effects of climate change are hitting the headlines as we continue into our fourth month of high temperatures. Warm weather and hot summer holidays, quite naturally, see an increased use of many water applications. Air conditioning units and associated cooling towers, for example, are in greater demand in the summer, swimming pools are visited more frequently, and hose pipes are pulled out of hibernation for a summer of use.…

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With an increasing focus on the requirements for efficiency and sustainability in the water industry, it is also becoming increasingly important that the sector is equipped with skilled staff and experienced technicians to meet those requirements.…

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Waste is, quite essentially, any substance that is intended to be discarded. In this modern age, where landfill as a waste disposal option is considered a last resort, maximum material reuse and correct classification of waste is supporting the transition to more sustainable and cost effective material management - including at railways and rail depots.…

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With 496 UK cases reported in 2016, Legionnaires’ disease continues to be a major health concern in the UK. Caused by the inhalation of Legionella bacteria which can be present in a diverse range of water systems, Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia that was first discovered after an outbreak in 1976.…

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Navigating the health and safety legislation surrounding the use of biocides can sometimes be a daunting task, with legal jargon and heavy wording complicating an already testing subject matter. Jon Fielder, technical director for Water Treatment Equipment, Environment & Safety, SOCOTEC, breaks through the noise to decipher what you need to know about the EU Biocidal Products Legislation.…

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This article first appeared in the June issue of Building Services and Environmental Engineer (BSEE) Magazine. Mick Pratt, commercial director, Water, Built Environment Services, SOCOTEC, explores how duty holders of commercial and other public buildings can ensure water systems in their care not only meet safety requirements but also boost resource efficiency.…

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Legionella bacteria are common in nature and can easily colonise and proliferate in man-made environments such as hot and cold water systems, but how do you manage this risk? Paul Sear, water hygiene technical manager, Built Environment Services, SOCOTEC, explains the importance of training.…

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Summer is upon us, bringing with it sunshine and warmer weather. While the heat might be very welcome for those of us who like to spend more time outdoors, it does also create the right conditions for bacteria, like Legionella, to thrive…

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