Closed Loop Water Systems

For closed loop water systems, we offer full Microbiological and Chemistry analysis in compliance with BSRIA Closed Heating and Cooling System BG 50/2015.

  • TVC

  • Nitrite Reducing Bacteria (NRB)

  • Sulphite Reducing Bacteria (SRB)

  • Pseudomonas

  • Visual appearance

  • pH

  • Conductivity

  • Total Dissolved Solids

  • Suspended Solids

  • Solids, Settleable

  • Silicate as SiO2

  • Nitrite as N

  • Phosphate as PO4

  • Nitrate as NO3

  • Chloride

  • Sulphate as SO4

  • Alkalinity as CaCO3

  • Ammoniacal Nitrogen as N

  • Iron, Total

  • Iron, Soluble

  • Molybdenum, Dissolved

  • Calcium, Dissolved

  • Copper, Dissolved

  • Magnesium, Dissolved

  • Zinc, Dissolved

  • Aluminium, Dissolved

  • Potassium, Dissolved

  • Sodium, Dissolved

Pre Commission Cleaning

Pre-commission cleaning, as it is applied to heating, cooling and other closed pipework systems, is the process of bringing the system to a satisfactory state for commissioning and ongoing maintenance of water quality. This means that:

  1. The system water should be free of construction debris, dirt and excessive particulate matter.
  2. Internal surfaces should be free of excessive corrosion products and appropriately treated to minimise ongoing corrosion.
  3. Pipework, fittings and terminal units should be free from excessive amounts of settled solids that could increase the risk of corrosion.
  4. Residual levels of suspended solids in circulating water should be low enough to not cause difficulties with commissioning.
  5. Biofilm formation should be minimised by appropriate use of biocides or other control measures and those bacteria associated with microbiologically influence corrosion (MIC) should be controlled.

Pre-commission cleaning is usually achieved through a process of flushing and chemical cleaning (where required) followed by the addition of biocides and inhibitors.  Since it is impossible to directly examine all post-clean internal surfaces, the success of pre-commission cleaning is usually inferred from water samples that are analysed for a range of parameters typically including suspended solids, iron and bacteria levels.

 

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Thorough pre-commission cleaning of pipework has become even more important with the adoption of energy efficient controls strategies that may result in low flow rates, particularly in terminal units with very small orifices in control valves.

Using non-acidic cleaners, which will not attack materials of construction but will remove cutting oil, jointing paste, mill scale and other material residue in a system, pipework can be cleaned giving optimum flow-rates for commissioning.

The system is thus protected, giving the client value for money as their system will have extremely low rates of corrosion & scaling, resulting in higher energy efficiency, translating to lower running costs and a longer operational lifespan of the system.

It is therefore essential that all new and refurbished closed circuit heating and chilled water systems undergo a thorough pre-commission clean in accordance with the latest BSRIA BG 29/2020 before they are finally commissioned and brought into service.

Our teams of highly trained water treatment and flushing engineers are expert at performing pre-commission cleaning of pipework systems including all new and refurbished closed circuit heating and chilled water systems to the latest BSRIA Building Applications Guide BG 29/2020.

Closed Loop Systems

The guide is intended for use by design engineers, installing contractors and the maintenance staff responsible for looking after the completed systems. In particular it will help facilities managers and others choose the most appropriate water treatment for their systems.

The objectives of a water treatment programme are to maintain the system efficiency and cleanliness and prolong system life. The guide explains how to achieve this through:

  • System design
  • Installation, testing and pre-commission cleaning
  • Application of a correct and appropriate water treatment programme
  • Effective management of the programme

The guidance is consistent with (BG 29/2012) Pre-Commission Cleaning of Pipework Systems, BS 8552:2012 Sampling and monitoring of water from building services closed systems. Code of practice and the European Biocidal products Regulation (528/2012, commonly known as BPR).

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Thorough pre-commission cleaning of pipework has become even more important with the adoption of energy efficient controls strategies that may result in low flow rates, particularly in terminal units with very small orifices in control valves.

Using non-acidic cleaners, which will not attack materials of construction but will remove cutting oil, jointing paste, mill scale and other material residue in a system, pipework can be cleaned giving optimum flow-rates for commissioning.

The system is thus protected, giving the client value for money as their system will have extremely low rates of corrosion & scaling, resulting in higher energy efficiency, translating to lower running costs and a longer operational lifespan of the system.

It is therefore essential that all new and refurbished closed circuit heating and chilled water systems undergo a thorough pre-commission clean in accordance with the latest BSRIA BG 29/2020 before they are finally commissioned and brought into service.

Our teams of highly trained water treatment and flushing engineers are expert at performing pre-commission cleaning of pipework systems including all new and refurbished closed circuit heating and chilled water systems to the latest BSRIA Building Applications Guide BG 29/2020.

RPZ Valve Testing, Installation & Maintenance

Reduced pressure zone valves are fitted into water systems as a backflow preventer of the mains water supplies. Without RPZ valves, in the occurrence of a sudden lowering of pressure in the water system, the water could flow in the opposite direction, causing contaminated water to enter the supply. If a sudden drop in water pressure occurs; RPZ valves will dump the contaminated water and prevent it from entering into the water supply. RPZ valves provide backflow protection against backpressure or back siphonage to minimise the risk of backflow from category 4 fluids.

 

Testing and commissioning has to be carried out by an approved RPZ Tester. It is a legal requirement to have these devices checked on a regular basis, at least yearly installations, commissioning & testing carried out as per WRAS AIM-08-01.

Under the Water Regulations, if you own premises with a water supply you are legally required to ensure that there is an appropriate device installed that acts as a backflow preventer of water. The installation, regular testing and servicing of RPZ valves will help to ensure Legionella contamination risks are managed effectively.

RPZ valves are commonly used in public facilities including schools, car washes, hospitals, food processing areas, launderettes, and even commercial dishwashers.  NI Water or specialist water hygiene contractor can advise you as to whether an RPZ valve is necessary on your system. Any installed RPZ valves must be tested on an annual basis.

RPZ valves are an important backflow preventer. This means they prevent water flowing backwards within your water system and act as an important component in keeping your water system hygiene and Legionella compliant. RPZ valve testing and maintenance should be carried out at least every 12 months, within 30 days of the date your current certificate ends. Our WRAS approved valve engineers can carry out yearly testing and also install new RPZ valves.

RPZ valve installation and maintenance must be completed by a qualified and WRAS approved tester. Coral are approved WRAS RPZ testers and installers.

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