What are the water quality requirements?

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Water quality is a critical factor influencing the performance, efficiency, reliability, and service life of Aurashu’s Integrated Low-Temperature Heating Modular Units. Because these systems rely on stable heat exchange between the refrigerant circuit and the water-side loop (for heating, cooling, or domestic hot water), maintaining proper water quality ensures consistent operation, reduced maintenance, and long-term durability. Poor water conditions—including scaling, corrosion, sediment buildup, and microbiological growth—can significantly impair the unit’s thermal performance and increase energy consumption.

1. Importance of Water Quality in Aurashu Modular Units

Aurashu’s modular units use high-performance plate heat exchangers or brazed plate exchangers with narrow channels. While these designs maximize heat transfer efficiency, they are sensitive to water contaminants. Even a small amount of scale or rust can reduce heat transfer, lower system efficiency, increase operating pressure, and cause compressor overload.

Maintaining correct water quality ensures:

Higher heat transfer efficiency

Stable outlet temperatures and reliable comfort performance

Reduced compressor and pump energy consumption

Extended equipment lifespan (10–15+ years)

Lower maintenance frequency and downtime

2. Key Water Quality Requirements

(1) Hardness & Scaling Control

Hard water causes mineral deposition (primarily calcium and magnesium) inside heat exchangers—one of the biggest causes of capacity loss.

Aurashu recommends:

Total hardness ≤ 100 mg/L

Use softened water or anti-scaling treatment

Periodic descaling for high-hardness regions

Scaling of even 1 mm can reduce heat transfer by 10–15%, significantly raising operating costs.

(2) Corrosion Prevention

Corrosion causes metal deterioration, leaks, and exchanger damage.

To minimize corrosion:

Maintain pH between 7.0 and 9.0 (depending on system materials)

Control chloride and sulfate ions within standards

Add corrosion inhibitors when needed

Use stainless-steel-friendly water treatment for plate heat exchangers

Stainless steel, copper, and brazed plates require balanced chemistry to avoid pitting corrosion.

(3) Suspended Solids & Sediment Control

Sediment, rust particles, and sand can block heat exchanger channels.

Aurashu recommends:

Suspended solids ≤ 20 mg/L

Install Y-strainers or mesh filters on the return line

Use automatic or magnetic filters for industrial loops

Regular flushing is recommended for older building pipelines.

(4) Microbiological Control

Bacteria, algae, and slime lead to biological fouling, which reduces heat transfer and may cause odor or corrosion.

Use biocides if microbiological contamination is detected

Ensure circulation loops are closed to minimize biological growth

(5) Anti-freezing Protection (Cold-Climate Operation)

In extremely low outdoor temperatures, some systems require antifreeze (glycol mixture) to avoid freezing inside the water loop.

Aurashu recommends:

Ethylene glycol or propylene glycol solutions (10–35%)

Avoid excessive glycol concentration to prevent viscosity-related performance loss

3. Recommended Water Treatment System

To ensure long-term system stability, Aurashu advises using:

Softening or anti-scaling devices (for hard water areas)

Closed-loop water treatment with corrosion/scale inhibitors

Multi-stage filtration (mesh filter + Y-filter + magnetic dirt separator)

Automatic dosing system (for inhibitors or biocides)

Periodic water-quality testing (every 6–12 months)

4. Consequences of Poor Water Quality

Ignoring water quality requirements may lead to:

Reduced heating/cooling capacity

Higher energy costs (5–25% increase)

Compressor overload alarms

Heat exchanger blockage

Corrosion and leakage

Shortened equipment life

In severe cases, exchanger replacement may be required—expensive and avoidable.

5. Aurashu’s Support

Aurashu provides:

Pre-installation water quality evaluation

Tailored water treatment recommendations

Long-term maintenance plans

Smart monitoring options for large systems

By ensuring proper water quality, users can maximize the efficiency and reliability of Aurashu’s integrated modular heating units.

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