Chemical free swimming pool water disinfection
The Copper/Silver Approach
Due to intensive cooperation with renowned scientists and laboratories, NECON have successfully redefined the centuries-old principle of electrophysical water treatment. Enormous efforts have been made to meet the specification of 100% chemical-free operation. Use of innovative electrode materials and configurations is the key to master the disinfection of water and the removal of lime flocculation. Furthermore, NECON obviates adjustments of pH value. Fluctuations of pH value do not affect the efficacy of the ionisation.
NECON systems consist of a state-of-the-art micro-processor -controlled electronic unit and the patented disinfection electrodes. The water to be treated passes through a specially-designed treatment cell that contains the electrodes. A low, precisely-controlled direct current activates the electrodes, prompting them to discharge copper ions (Cu++) and silver ions (Ag+). A large portion of these ions saturates the silica sand contained in the filter, which due to its enormous surface constitutes an additional degermination facility and prevents formation of bacterial colonies. Together with the water passing through the filter, a number of ions arrive to the basin, where they propagate their anti-bacterial and algaecidal effects.
Several studies conducted at major universities have proven the high effectiveness of copper and silver ions. Once released into water, these cations with their active surfaces act as powerful and natural disinfecting agents. Within just fractions of a second, the positively charged copper and silver ions form electrostatic bonds with the negatively charged areas of the microorganisms' cell membranes. This process alters the permeability of their cell walls to that effect that the nutrient intake (photosynthesis) of the microorganisms is impaired. Once copper and silver penetrate a cell, they attack the sulphur-based amino acids in the cell proteins required by the cell for photosynthesis. As a result, photosynthesis becomes impossible, and the cell becomes inactive. For this reason, electrophysical water disinfection is one of the most common alternatives to the conventional "chemical warfare". Other advantages are that it provides natural, odourless, soft and skin-friendly water which is ideal for children and in health care. It has already been known for centuries that silver destroys bacteria and viruses, even those which are resistant to chlorine. Silver sulphate is frequently used in the antibacterial treatment of burns and open wounds and is even used to protect newborns. As is known by a variety of publications, silver ions sustainably strengthen the immune system of the human organism. NECON recommend a maximum quantity of 10 ppb silver ions in the treated water.
As a trace element, copper plays a vital role in human metabolism. Copper is essential to the activity of many proteins and enzymes. It promotes the formation of skin pigments and has important functions in bone metabolism and in the central nervous system. As the body is not itself capable of producing copper, it must obtain copper from nutrients (such as vegetables, wholemeal bread, nuts, oats). The level of copper recommended for swimming pool disinfection respectively to prevent formation of algae is between 0,5 and 0,7 mg/l.The most important advantage of copper and silver ions is however that they achieve a highly efficient steady effect in water and hence provide sustained protection by disinfecting the water without the use of any toxins over a lengthy period of time. Even after the filter system has been switched off, this depot effect lasts for several months. Thus, there is no need for repetitive monitoring and readjustments requiring attendance. The NECON water treatment system is straightforward to operate and requires only minimal maintenance. It has been demonstrated that copper and silver ions eliminate Cryptosporidium, E. coli, coliforms, Pseudomonas and legionnellae as well as many other species of bacteria and germs, including chlorine-resistant varieties. This water disinfection technique can be used in practically all situations where lasting disinfection of bacteria, viruses and algae is required.
Technology
1) Microprocessor-controlled electronics sealed up in accordance with protection class IP 54 control filter pump, water treatment, water heating, automatic filter backwash, and communicate with water leveling systems.
2) Patented copper and silver electrodes ensure that the water stays completely clean of bacteria and algae.
3) Due to the electro-phsysical process, the pH value stays stable.
4) To achieve optimum results with ionisation, usage of tall-sized filters is important.
5) The filter pump conforms with the water circulation stipulations DIN 19643 and is driven by the NECON control
6) Heat exchangers can be driven via the integrated temperature control and power supply of the NECON control.
| ADVANTAGES OF USING COPPER / SILVER |
| 1. No eye irritation |
| 2. Silky-soft skin |
| 3. Odourless water |
| 4. Water contains no irritants |
| 5. Copper is healthy (essential element) |
| 6. Natural flocculation |
| 7. No additional agents required during winter breaks |
| 8. No additional algaecidal agents required |
| 9. No storage required |
| 10. Copper-level check every 3 months |
| 11. Fully automatic and safe discharge of ions |
| 12. No additional agents required to regulate pH level |
| 13. No corrosive effects |
| 14. Constant discharge of ions |
| 15. Replacement of water not required |
| 16. Change of filter sand after 10 years |
| 17. Efficacy not affected by environmental conditions |
| 18. Backwash water suited for irrigation of plants |
Applications
Gain comfort, independence, and safety using physical water treatment
— for an improved quality of life!
- Colourless, odourless, and neutral-tasting water, without application or formation of chemical irritants
- Silky soft, sparkling, skin-friendly water
- Chemicals are all banned
This way the natural water as it presents itself after NECON water treatment represents a quality optimum, achieved with a minimum of external intervention.
The System
Once installed, the system operates automatically in conjunction with your existing filter equipment, and requires only minimal maintenance. System runtimes are programmable. All procedures are administrated by pressing pushbuttons on the microprocessor-controlled electronics. Besides the recommended weekly filter backwash, it is not necessary to change the water, and chemicals are all banished.
Bathe in safety: Due to stable, effective, and reliable watrer treatment, regardless of climatic conditions.
Technology — Microprocessor control of:
- Filter pump
- Water disinfection
- Heating
- Automatic backwash, overflow detector, and solar modul
- Cu/AG treatment cells
* paper prepared with use of NECON GmbH materials