HOW MUCH ENERGY IS YOUR COOLING SYSTEM WASTING BECAUSE OF SCALE?

July 18th, 2024

Scale and other deposits in cooling systems can coat heat transfer surfaces resulting in decreased energy efficiency and increased cost.

Remove scale and other deposits, inhibit future buildup, conserve energy, and reduce chemical treatments using the Armstrong Nanobubble Generator.

Discover the game-changing potential of Nanobubble Technology for your institutional and industrial plumbing and piping systems. Armstrong International presents the Nanobubble Generator, a revolutionary device designed for professionals in search of peak performance. This maintenance-free solution operates without electrical inputs or the addition of harmful chemicals, optimizing equipment such as cooling towers, chillers, and condensers. Elevate your system’s efficiency naturally with state-of-the-art nanobubble generators from Associated Steam, Air & Hot Water and Armstrong International.

INCREASED HEAT TRANSFER

REDUCED CLEANING FREQUENCY

OPTIMIZED CHEMICAL USAGE

REDUCED SCALE & OTHER DEPOSITS

EXTENDED EQUIPMENT LIFE

REDUCED ODORS

How does scale impact cooling systems? Scale significantly disrupts efficiency and functionality by acting as a scaffolding for biofilm formation. This biofilm, often containing algae, accumulates in piping systems and thrives in cooling towers with sunlight exposure. The result is reduced energy efficiency, increased power consumption, water waste, and potential system failures.

Even a small accumulation of biofilm acts as an insulator, hindering a cooling towers ability to cool and this drives up energy costs. According to a California Society for Healthcare Engineering research study, just 0.15 mm of biofilm increases energy use by 5.3% in cooling towers. When it reaches 0.9 mm (less than 1/32” inch), energy consumption skyrockets by 32.2%.

NANOBUBBLE GENERATOR – HOW DOES IT WORK?

The Armstrong Nanobubble Generator revolutionizes your cooling tower and chilled water systems by converting the naturally occurring non-condensable gases into billions of nanoscopic bubbles via a static, side-stream process. These nanobubbles circulate throughout your system, effectively removing scale and existing deposits while inhibiting new scale formation—all without introducing any additional chemicals.

WHAT ARE NANOBUBBLES?

Nanobubbles, each less than 200 nanometers in diameter (about 2,500 times smaller than a grain of salt), revolutionize liquid systems. Unlike ordinary bubbles that quickly float out of suspension, nanobubbles remain buoyantly suspended in liquid almost indefinitely. This unique characteristic prevents off-gassing and ensures optimal performance in various applications.

HOW DO WE PRODUCE NANOBUBBLES?

Nanobubbles are created when the Armstrong nanobubble generator is installed in the condenser water pipe, where condenser water continuously circulates. As water flows rapidly over sharp edges and mixes intensely within the generator, the pressure drops below the fluid’s vapor pressure. This causes microscopic (nano)bubbles to form from the naturally occurring gases in the water, producing millions and eventually billions of nanobubbles without needing supplemental air or chemicals.

Associated Steam, Air and Hot Water is the Mid-Atlantic’s premier Manufacturer’s Representative for all your Heat Exchange and Fluid Specialties requirements including Airside, Filtration, Flow Measurement, Hot Water, Valve and Steam products. Associated provides total solutions in steam and condensate, heat transfer, hot water and humidification in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, northern Virginia and northern West Virginia. Associated Steam is a proud to offer products under the Pennsylvania COSTARS-8 contract.

At Associated Steam, Air & Hot Water we understand that the success of any project depends upon an understanding of the facility needs, optimum selection and design of the system, and reliable performance of the system equipment. Established in 1954, our team offers over 200 years’ industry experience, with staff ranging from Engineers to Contractors. We interrelate with consulting engineers, contractors, end users and maintenance staff to ensure your satisfaction. Associated’s body and depth of experience makes us the ideal partner for all of your Steam, Air and Hot Water needs.

In addition to providing product solutions we offer the following value-added services to our customers and clients:


APPLICATION ENGINEERING

We assist with the selection of products to meet facility applications, reviewing needs versus design


THERMAL ASSESSMENTS

All of our Thermal Assessments include a collection of baseline data to allow a comprehensive understanding of facility systems and performance

STEAM

Review the steam system from the boiler through the condensate return side and provide ECM (Energy Conservation Measures) as well as piping and efficiency improvement recommendations

PROCESS HOT WATER

Analyze hot water requirements and opportunities for efficiencies in hot water generation, reduction of water usage and improvement of process water temperature control

DOMESTIC HOT WATER

Evaluation of hot water generation and temperature control of same

STEAM TRAP AUDITS

Test and provide a complete log of a facility’s steam trap population to allow for proper steam management, sustainability, and energy conservation. Provide comprehensive reports on trap conditions, applications, and economic impact.


TROUBLESHOOTING

Use our knowledge, combined experience and industry resources to perform a logical, systematic search for the source of the issues in your Steam, Air or Hot Water system

TRAINING

We offer steam system training with our mobile “Steam Van.” Programs can be held at your facility or our location. Our training programs are detailed for your specific facility needs.