BSRIA has published a new guide to Water Treatment for Closed Heating and Cooling Systems (BG 50/2013), which partially replaces Water Treatment for Building Services Systems (AG 2/93) with respect to closed system applications.
The treatment of water in modern closed heating and cooling systems is essential for the avoidance of microbiological fouling (biofouling), corrosion and scale. These problems can result in energy wastage, poor system performance and the need for early replacement of plant and components. Many facilities managers have minimal understanding of how water treatment works, what it is intended to achieve and the consequences of ineffective water treatment can sometimes be disastrous.

The guide is intended to be used by design engineers, installing contractors and maintenance staff responsible for looking after the completed systems. BSRIA says that, in particular, it will help facilities managers and others to select the most appropriate water treatment for their systems.

The objectives of a water treatment programme are to maintain the system efficiency and cleanliness and prolong system life. The guide explains how to achieve this through: system design; installation, testing and pre-commission cleaning; application of a correct and appropriate water treatment programme; and effective management of the programme.

A steering group comprising BSRIA, the British Association for Chemical Specialities, the Water Management Society, the Commissioning Specialists Association and the United Kingdom Water Treatment Association has complied the technical content of the publication.

The guidance is consistent with (BG 29/2012) Pre-Commission Cleaning of Pipework Systems, BS 8552:2012 Sampling and monitoring of water from building services closed systems. Code of practice and the European Biocidal products Regulation (528/2012, commonly known as BPR).

The guide is now available at a pre-launch price until 22 November. Hard copies are priced at £50 to non-members or £25 to members. PDFs are also £50 + VAT to non-members and free for members to download (once logged into the site).