EEE Responds
How ION GENERATORS Works?
Ionizers use a process of electrolysis (passing electric current through
water) to create metallic ions in water. An ion is an atom or group of
atoms that possess an electric charge, An ion gets its electrical charge
by losing or gaining electrons. If it gains an extra electron then it is
a negative ion also called an anion. If it loses an electron it is a positive
ion or a cation. Passing an electric current between two metal electrodes
in water will create positively charged ions of the metal of the cathode.
If the cathode is copper then copper ions (Cu2+) are created.
Copper ions in water significantly reduce or eliminate algae growth.
Copper ions in water kill bacteria. Ionizers work by passing a low DC current
through a set of metallic electrodes, placed in Imie with the water circulation
system and set slightly apart from each other. The voltage causes some
of the outermost atoms of the electrodes to lose electrons, which attempt
to flow across the space between the electrodes but instead are carried
away by the flow of water.
The rate of ion creation is proportional to the ratio of Copper and
Titanium in the electrodes. The ion levels are monitored electronically
by the system and are controlled and adjusted by changing the current flow
across the electrodes.
Oxidation of organics is also accomplished in the ion chamber where
in addition to producing ions the electrodes also electrolyze the water
separating it into two elements, hydrogen and oxygen. The ion generator
oxidizes the biofihn that serves as a binding agent adhering scale to heat
exchanger surfaces.
Ion generators loosen and remove the scale when the biofilm. is present
Polarized minerals in the water stay in solution and as the existing scale
softens when the oxidation process is implemented, the attached minerals
are released into the flow where they are continuously filtered out of
the water. When scale buildup on condenser tubes is eliminated, higher
heat transfer rates are achieved. Increasing the condenser heat transfer
rate will reduce the chiller head pressure, which then allows the chiller
to operate more efficiently and consume less energy.
Properly maintained and sensibly applied an ionizer system is capable
of satisfying basic purification, descaling and cleansing needs. These
properties have made ionization very effective for cooling tower water
ent. For decades, ion generators have been used to purify drinking water,
and most recently have been applied to swimming pools, where algae and
bacteria find a fertile environment.
During the last 20 years, technological improvements have made commercial
ion generators both economically feasible and ion generators to treat cooling
tower water is a relatively new practice, however, its market as a result
of water and energy savings and environmental benefits relative to traditional
processes.
