Description complète
Legionella bacteria occur naturally in small concentrations in both watercourses and ground water, and it will not be possible to eradicate them. Legionella can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a serious form of pneumonia that can result in death, and Pontiac fever, which causes symptoms similar to influenza.
Low concentrations of legionella bacteria enter the water systems in our buildings via water from water works. Bacteria growth is affected by:
* Stationary water.
* Sediment, amoebas and biofilms in pipes that provide protection and nourishment.
* Time.
* Water temperatures between 20°C and 50°C.
The basic principle of the new method is to permanently keep all parts of the hot water system at about 60°C and the cold water at below 20°C by ensuring that the water is circulating continuously all the way out to the mixer at every tap point. Nowhere must the water remain stationary and be cooled or heated up. In this way bacteria in hot water are killed and legionella growth in cold water is prevented. Moreover, the circulation water is kept at a temperature of at least 57°C, thus ensuring that there can be no legionella growth.
The heart of the new circulation principle is the patented mixers and circulation units.
Aspects innovants
Comparative studies of alternative methods for clearance of legionella growth in water systems, confirms that this new method is a superior technique and has a great market potential.
It is the only method to prevent that legionella occurs in tap water systems.
The method is easy to understand, install and operate. The new method is free from chemicals and saving water.
Features
* Continuous thermal decontamination of the whole hot water system
* Stop to bacteria growth in the cold water system
* No increase in operating or maintenance costs
* Better economy in the operating phase, lower water consumption, lower heating costs
* No need for specially trained personnel
* Improved comfort because hot or cold water is delivered immediately when water is drawn
* No running off of lukewarm water, leading to savings of both water and energy
* When the water system is newly installed or has been unused for some time (due to repairs, in homes empty during holidays or hospital wards, etc.) the system can be decontaminated without extra work effort by letting water at 80°C circulate through both the cold water and hot water sides of the system. In such cases users must be notified in advance.
* Option of using energy-saving shower heads with small drop size
* The most environment-friendly way of preventing bacteria growth. Only water and heat are used and there is no use of chemical additives that involves risks of harm to people, pipe systems and the environment.
The circulation method can be used in all types of water supply systems. In new construction the method is easy to apply. Major renovation work, such as pipe replacement, etc., is a good opportunity to apply the method. However, systems that are particularly sensitive in terms of legionella such as water systems in hospitals, nursing homes, elderly and seniors housing and hotels should be renovated specially in order to install the new circulation method.
How can the WINPAC help to prevent Legionella? Continue to read
More about legionella: http://legionella.wordpress.com
