How the Integro™ Prevents Legionella Outbreaks
Hard Water and Legionella
The connection between hard water and Legionella is well known, but often misunderstood. In this blog we focus on how we can better control bacteria levels in water, from the very beginning, in order to reduce the use of aggressive and polluting chemicals to remove bacteria from the water.
Chlorine Dioxide remains the most commonly used biocide to eliminate waterborne bacteria, including Legionella. Its ability to destroy biofilm is a very important part of this chemical. However, the only purpose of Chlorine Dioxide is to control and reduce, not to prevent.
The key to this is understanding the relationship between Limescale, Biofilm and Legionella. In doing this you will be able to reduce the levels of bacteria in your water system. By doing so you will therefore reduce the amount of time and chemicals needed to maintain it.
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What is the Relationship between Limescale, Biofilm and Legionella?
Where limescale has formed, as a result of the minerals in hard water precipitating out and bonding to surfaces, the perfect breeding ground for bacteria exists. The factors that most encourage the growth of Legionella are temperature and availability of nutrients. Legionella bacteria thrive in temperatures between 20-45°C, and if water is allowed to sit within this range the bacteria can multiply into large numbers. This, coupled with the mineral rich nature of the bacteria’s new home (limescale) acting as such a great source of food, allows the problem to perpetuate.
With the bacteria present and multiplying it will form biofilm. With Limescale and Biofilm now established, in an environment in which it is comfortable and well fed, Legionella and other bacteria will multiply and thrive.
Limescale is a hard chalky deposit, containing primarily calcium carbonate (CaCO3). It often builds up inside hot water systems, pipework and appliances.
It can seriously damage and impair the operation of various plumbing and heating components, leading to reduced efficiency and increased running costs of your water-related equipment.
A biofilm is composed of living, reproducing microorganisms, such as bacteria, that exist as a colony, or community.
A biofilm forms when certain microorganisms (for example, some types of bacteria) adhere to the surface of an object in a moist environment and begin to reproduce. The microorganisms form an attachment to the surface of the object by secreting a slimy, glue-like substance.
Legionella is a bacterium which can lead to Legionnaires’ disease, a severe and potentially fatal form of pneumonia. People contract Legionnaires’ disease by inhaling small droplets of water (aerosols), suspended in the air, that contain legionella bacteria. Infection results when these water droplets make their way to the lungs.
The Most Effective Solution on the Market
The Integro™, a unique water restructuring technology manufactured by Sidon Water, can certainly help.
Installed on your water supply, it will ensure the removal of all existing limescale throughout your water system. It will also offer complete ongoing prevention, as well as significant reduction of rust and corrosion.
This is achieved because the Integro™ injects electrons into the water. The electrons disrupt the bonding which would otherwise form between the scale forming minerals. Thanks to this effective system, you can finally mitigate the risks associated with Legionella.
Integro™ technology is maintenance and chemical free. This means that it is a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution.
By using this technology, bacteria will significantly be reduced. Also, its breeding ground and source of food (limescale), will be removed from your water. As a result, you will be saving time, money and reducing your chemical use!
Customers and partners we work with
Find out how this hotel reduced there energy consumption by more than 20% using the Sidon IntegroTM Technology
This hotel is in a hard water area and historically had not implemented any solution to resolve the resulting problems. As a consequence, the water systems were badly scaled up, which was impacting on the operation of…. Read Full Case Study
The Integro™ Technology
The Integro™ prevents and removes limescale by injecting electrons into the water with sufficient energy to disrupt the bonding which otherwise occurs between different minerals. The injected electrons and associated energy realign the different ions in the water so they remain in their neutral atomic form. The ions (typically calcium and magnesium) are therefore unable to bind with other ions to form a crystal and will not precipitate, regardless of temperature or pressure. Since the scale forming ions stay in solution, they pass freely through the water systems.
The Integro™ guarantees the prevention and removal of limescale throughout all water systems, equipment and appliances. It is suitable for all environments, from the largest of commercial facilities to smaller businesses and residential settings.
What makes the Integro™ Different
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The Integro™ is guaranteed to work in all environments and water conditions.
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As well as the elimination of limescale, the Integro™ will significantly reduce rust and corrosion in your water system and equipment.
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The system is maintenance and chemical free.
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You benefit from a lifetime warranty when choosing one of our monthly service plans.