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System Protection Non Dispersive
BP/ND Unit
The Problem Identified
Water systems can provide suitable micro-habitats for a wide range of potentially life-threatening bacteria. Suitable treatment is a vital part of every building operator's duty of care.
Legionella
water-borne bacteria
When bacteria are allowed to breed in water systems their numbers can reach proportions that are either hazardous to health or hazardous to the integrity of the water system itself. In many cases, they are able to thrive in microhabitats in the system that protect them from exposure to chemical treatment of the water.
Risk To Health
Legionella bacteria, for example, can cause Legionnaires' Disease if they enter the lungs by being inhaled in a water spray, such as found in taps, showers, spas and cooling towers to name but a few. Other water-borne bacteria, such as E. coli and Salmonella, can cause illness when ingested with the water.
Risk To System Integrity
When bacteria such as Pseudomonas are allowed to thrive in a water system they form a film of 'slime' known as biofilm which shields Pseudomonas and other bacteria from bactericidal chemicals. Within the biofilm, anaerobic bacteria break down sulphates in the water to form hydrogen sulphide, creating an acidic environment that attacks pipework to cause pitting corrosion.
Environmental Impact
Traditional methods of disinfecting water systems include regular treatment with highly toxic chemicals or heating the water to high temperatures and cooling again before use. Both of these methods have environmental implications and many organisations are faced with the dilemma of addressing their Duty of Care to control bacteria while also attempting to reduce their environmental impact.
BP/ND Unit provides an environmentally friendly alternative to these methods.
How It Works
BP/ND Unit uses a multi-media solution consisting of a specialist carbon material used in conjunction with a noble metal matrix containing silver.
As the water passes through the media both anaerobic and facultative (aerobic) bacteria are killed as a result of damage to key proteins and lipids in their cell membranes, caused by direct contact with the media. During the process, no silver or carbon from the media are added to the water, so the water remains unchanged in relation to drinking water standards.
How The Matrix Works
The silver-copper matrix presents a large additional area of biocidal activity.
As no silver or copper is released, the matrix has a long active service period.
Both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria are controlled by the media combination.
The media has the necessary WRAS approval for EU standards.
How The Carbon Fibre Felt Works
The carbon fibre has a micro-pore structure that attract bacteria into it, the carbon being seen as a nutrient source.
As this is acrylic based, no nutrients exist and the bacteria die.
Features & Benefits
BP/ND Unit provides effective control of water-borne bacteria without recourse to dangerous disinfection techniques. As such, it offers building operators significant cost savings without no compromise on the quality of water treatment. These savings include:
- Provides an alternative to treatment with harsh chemicals
- No COSHH implications
- Avoids the need to waste energy by heating water for pasturisation
- Simple installation
- Minimal maintenance requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the BP/ND unit effective against all water-borne bacteria?
Extensive testing has shown that the BP/ND unit is effective against the following water-borne bacteria: Pseudomonas, Legionella pneumophila, E. coli, Colon bacillus, Clostridium tetani, Proteas mirabillus, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aerea and Vibrio cholerae.
Is the BP/ND unit easy to incorporate into existing systems?
BP/ND units are available in a range of formats so that it can be easily retro-fitted to meet a range of system requirements.
Can the BP/ND unit be used with potable water?
Yes. During the disinfection process, the BP/ND unit does not release any chemicals into the water, the bacteria are killed by direct contact with the media inside the sanitasion cartridges. As a result, the water remains unchanged in relation to drinking water standards.
How is the BP/ND unit configured to work with different water volumes and flow rates?
The key is to match the surface area of the media to the design flow rate. Where necessary, a number of BP/ND units can be connected in parallel to ensure the right level of contact with the bactericidal media.
For supply, installation, maintenance and monitoring contact me.
