The treatment influences the initial nucleation, resulting in crystals that do not “stick” together. Untreated water builds up matted structures that continuously grow. This treatment creates idiomorphic, scattered crystals, which do not form matted structures. They have a rotundas shape, which means that they have a larger volume in relation to a smaller surface. This feature makes them sensitive to water (beer) currents and they are easily flushed out of the pipeline. As no new scale layers are formed, the sheer force of the water flow will gradually remove existing layers of scale. The ability to adjust power, frequency, and coil configurations of products on site enables performance to be optimized with no downtime and no pipe replacement.
Recent laboratory research has shown that EWT fields are effective in suppressing biofilm development and the removal if they are already present. The research also found a clear relationship between developing bacterial colonies and pipe material, plastic material being the worst. As combined biofilms/scale-structures are often found together and support each other, removal has to deal with both elements. The laboratory testing showed that EWT does not only have an impact on biofilms, but also softens the scale. So it is gradually broken up thus removing the support structure for the biofilms. The technology gradually breaks down the combined scale/biofilms-structure and its components, which are progressively flushed away by the water (beer) flow.
De Baat Doelman is president of Scalewatcher North America Inc. Reach him at 610-932 6888.
do you recommend an EWT product that can be used in pubs?