Q.  What does the ScaleSafe system do?

A.  The ScaleSafe system prevents mineral scale buildup in equipment such as water heaters, boilers, heat exchangers, cooling towers, pressure washers, ice machines and domestic water systems. It also removes existing scale over a period of time, while inhibiting corrosion.

Q.  Why do I need to remove and prevent scale buildup?

A.  Scale buildup on heat transfer surfaces causes metal fatigue which can result in premature equipment failure. It also acts as an insulator thereby reducing heat transfer efficiency with a resulting increase in energy consumption. The high cost of fuel alone makes it increasingly important to maintain scale free equipment systems. A 1/4″ coating of scale on a heat transfer surface can require 55% more energy than normal to attain the same temperature.

Q.  How does the ScaleSafe system prevent scale buildup and remove existing scale?

A.  The ScaleSafe system prevents scale by acting as a scale inhibitor. It distorts the almost perfect cube like shape of the calcium molecule. This distortion prevents the formation of crystalline calcium carbonate by not allowing the calcium molecules to buildup on each other. To remove scale, ScaleSafe simply combines with the calcium in the precipitated calcium carbonate. This combining action does two things:
1.) ScaleSafe slowly breaks down the crystalline matrix of the calcium carbonate allowing it to be released into suspension. These minerals remain in suspension until they are removed by normal periodic maintenance procedures such as blowdown.
2.) ScaleSafe combines with calcium carbonate to form calcium phosphate which is deposited as a microfilm coating on all wetted surfaces.This coating acts as a deterrent to both scale and corrosion.

Q. How does ScaleSafe inhibit corrosion?

A.  As previously stated, eventually all surfaces that have been wetted with ScaleSafe will be coated with a protective microfilm of calcium phosphate. Calcium phosphate is well known as an excellent scale and corrosion inhibitor. This microfilm coating does not increase in thickness as it is continually washed off and replaced by the flow of treated water.

Q.  How long does it take to see results after installing the ScaleSafe system?

A.  As a preventative for scale buildup, the result can be seen immediately since there will be no increase in calcium carbonate precipitate buildup. The rate of scale removal depends on water velocity, scale density and water chemistry. Generally, the process of scale removal will be evident within 30 days.

Q.  Will ScaleSafe work on all types of water?

A.  In field applications as well as laboratory tests have proven that the ScaleSafe system is effective on virtually all types of water, however it is always best to allow us to review a recent analysis of your water should a question arise.

Q.  What size ScaleSafe system do I need?

A.  ScaleSafe comes in 3/4″, 1″, and 1 1/2″ inch line sizes. Each model has a corresponding minimum and maximum flow rate based on GPM (gallons per minute). Select a model that is compatible with the GPM flow rate for your system. Situations requiring higher than specified flow rates can be managed by installing multiple units with a parallel manifold.

Q.  How do I calculate the restriction rate for the ScaleSafe system?

A.  No pressure drop, other than standard pipe friction, occurs within the ScaleSafe system.

Q.  Is any additional equipment necessary besides the ScaleSafe dispenser?

A.  Pre-filtration is recommended on all units. The ScaleSafe system is designed to work by venturi, and the venturi orifices are very small. The chance of a piece of debris clogging one or both holes is a very real possibility. A standard spin down sediment filter with a drain valve for purging sediment is sufficient. Filters can either be provided with the system or purchased separately.

Q.  What is the delivery time on a ScaleSafe system?

A.  All standard products can be shipped from inventory, therefore most orders are shipped within 2 days. If for some reason an item is not in stock or is a special order, you will be advised of a ship date when your order is placed and confirmed.

Q.  Who installs the ScaleSafe system?

A.  The purchaser is responsible for installation.

Q.  How long does it take to install a ScaleSafe system?

A.  The average installation time is less than two hours.

Q.  Is the ScaleSafe system a filter?

A.  No, the ScaleSafe system is a non-mechanical method of dispensing water treatment chemicals directly into a water system.

Q.  Does all of the water have to flow through the ScaleSafe system?

A.  The ScaleSafe system is designed to dispense 4-6 ppm. In order to consistently receive this dosage all of the water in a system should pass through the unit. However, in some instances, 1-2 ppm is an adequate dosage rate. In this instance, a bypass manifold may be used as a convenient way to blend untreated water with treated water thus allowing a lower dosage rate than standard. (NOTE: Use of a lower than standard dosage rate depends on your specific application and water parameters. Your ScaleSafe representative can advise you and explain this in detail.

Q.  What happens to the pipes and equipment once the scale is removed?

A.  After scale removal, the piping system will remain clean, however, the entire system should be thoroughly inspected for leaks, In some instances, e.g. old piping, scale could have been the only thing that was preventing existing pipes, valves and tanks from leaking.

Q.  What is the pressure rating on the ScaleSafe system?

A.  Models SHF 415 & SHF 410 are rated at 100 psi.  All other commerical models are rated at 125 psi.  ScaleSafe Home is rated at 80 psi.

Q.  Is ScaleSafe safe to use in potable water?

A.  Yes, the ScaleSafe system meets all ANSI, NSF60 and USDA standards for potable water.

Q.  What maintenance is required with the ScaleSafe system?

A.  Venturi orifices should be inspected regularly to insure that they are clear. Pre-filters should be purged on a regular basis to remove any debris buildup. Empty sump must be replaced when product is depleted.

Q.  Does the ScaleSafe system have to be mounted in any certain direction?

A.  The ScaleSafe dispenser head must be mounted horizontally, with the sump directly below the dispenser head. The system will be stamped with either an arrow or be marked “inlet and outlet” indicating the direction of flow of the water through the system. Incorrect mounting may cause the unit to overfeed resulting in excessive product use.

Q.  What are the temperature limitations for the ScaleSafe system?

A.  All models except EHT units are rated up to 85 degrees farenheit. Keep in mind that to prevent scale formation the water must be treated prior to heating.

Q.  What happens to the minerals once they are placed in suspension in a closed loop system?

A.  If the system remains closed, the minerals will remain in suspension until a saturation point is reached. At that time the solution must be diluted in order to prevent precipitation of minerals. This can be accomplished either manually or automatically depending on the system.

Q.  What happens to suspended minerals in an open circulating system like a cooling tower?

A.  Mineral concentrations will build up over a period of time and must be diluted manually, automatically or on a continuous bleed-off once the total dissolved solids (TDS) reach a predetermined level. This is the same procedure that must be followed when using any water treatment and is commonly referred to as cycles of concentration.

Q.  Does the ScaleSafe system pollute the water?

A.  No. One of the major benefits of the Scale Safe system is that it uses no hazardous ingredients.

Q.  Does the ScaleSafe produce soft water?

A.  Technically it does not since the calcium and magnesium salts remain in the water. However, the results will be very similar to soft water because hard water problems are eliminated by the ScaleSafe system.

Q.  When ScaleSafe is removing scale from the plumbing, will scale come off in large enough pieces to cause problems?

A.  Generally no, the scale is dissolved as previously described and is placed into suspension so that it passes through the system unnoticed. However, in older systems and systems that have heavy existing scale buildup there is the possibility that some larger pieces of scale could be worked loose. All systems should be monitored on regular basis to prevent this type of occurrence.