FAQ’s

The answer to this question depends on your specific application, the condition of your system at the time of installation, the chemistry of the water in your area and the amount of water savings desired. While filtration is advantageous in the overall operation of your system, it is not essential to scale and bacteria control. To provide maximum bacteria control, we recommend side stream filtration be used to eliminate the extra solids produced by higher than normal concentration of minerals in the cooling tower. Using the SBC, in place of chemicals, allows operation at higher cycles of concentration which results in water savings due to less blow down. A thorough water analysis is conducted by GWS prior to installation in order to understand the specific water chemistry in your location. GWS partners with firms that specialize in filtration for those cases where filtration is essential or preferred.
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What size unit(s) will we need?

There are many factors that will determine the proper size for thorough treatment including, but not limited to, total system water volume, flow rate, the number of towers / effects / tools / basins involved in the system, water quality, etc. While we prefer to treat full flows in closed and open loops, side stream treatment can sometimes be used at a lower cost. Please contact us for more details.

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What kinds of connections are required when plumbing the SBC into my system?

We offer both flanged and slip ends with Straub couplings to facilitate installation. Any mechanical or plumbing contractor can install the system. We can arrange for the installation if you wish.
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Is the system truly maintenance free?

The SBC creates an efficient and proprietary series of electronic signals, powered by integral circuitry. SBC circuitry includes a revolutionary AutoSeek^TM function which, upon startup, will sense its immediate surroundings and optimize signal output and frequency for your environment. Because the unit utilizes no moving parts, it is mechanically sound. No routine maintenance is required for the SBC. A conductivity based automatic bleed system is required to properly maximize your water and energy savings. As any experienced facilities manager will tell you, however, it will be important to regularly check your water pH and Conductivity to assure proper operation of the total treatment system. To this end, a handheld pH and conductivity meter are important to the overall health of water cooling systems in general. Don’t worry: we’ll help you analyze your system’s operating conditions and clarify the opportunities to improve your existing system’s performance.
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What is the payback period on an SBC?

Generally 12 to 24 months. For starters, the cost of chemicals is eliminated. Energy savings generated from increased heat transfer efficiency due to elimination of biofilm and scale can conservatively range from 5% to 10% or more in some cases. Less operator time is required to keep your cooling loops online because you eliminate all the chemical handling and operator attention to keep these systems functional. How do you measure the cost of premature pump failures or regular acid cleanings? Do you quantify lost productivity due to system shutdowns? Normally you can operate at higher cycles of concentration with the SBC resulting in water savings. We may even be able to help you reduce sewer discharge fees.
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Can I really use the SBC chemical free?

Yes . Chemical injection is not required when operating with SBC. Long term lay up of equipment may require a biocide or corrosion inhibitor if the system is not drained.
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I’m an engineer and want to specify your system into my new industrial / commercial facility. Can I do that?

Absolutely. New systems usually mean clean start up conditions. We would still like to understand your application and analyze a water sample to ensure you receive the best results. Please contact us for more information.
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What are the power requirements for the system?

All of our units use very low amounts of power. The SBC operates on less than 100 watts of power (about the same as a standard light bulb). Because our system uses resonance to maximize signal strength, we can achieve better results than competing products while using less energy.
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What are the optimum conditions for treatment?

A water analysis will help to clarify optimum treatment conditions. Recirculation systems provide optimum results because the more times the water passes through the SBC, the better. We will work with you to understand your operating conditions in order to properly design the best system.
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Will the SBC get rid of scale?

We guarantee the system will eliminate the formation of new scale. In many cases, however, treated water will actually loosen existing scale deposits thereby slowly cleaning the system.
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Does the SBC prevent corrosion?

Unlike chemical control, calcium carbonate precipitation is desired when using SBC. This precipitation results in bulk solution crystal growth and not scale deposition on the metal surfaces. By allowing the water to concentrate to higher levels, the pH of the water increases resulting in a less corrosive environment.
In addition, the SBC will control corrosion indirectly by providing a cleaner operating environment. Biofilm is eliminated along with biologically induced corrosion. As a result, there is no need to add corrosive biocides to the system. Similarly, calcium carbonate scale is controlled to prevent under-deposit corrosion. The SBC will maintain good corrosion rates as measured by current industry standards.
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Will biofilm be controlled with the SBC?

Biofilm is controlled by use of the SBC. In most cases the degree of control exceeds that of using standard chemical biocides. We guarantee that the total microbiological heterotrophic plate count will not exceed the Cooling Technology Institute’s recommendation of 10,000 cfu/ml for good protection against Legionella.
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Why is a small amount of scale or biofilm a problem in my system?

Scale and biofilm drastically affect the amount of heat transfer in your system. Even a thin layer of biofilm invisible to the human eye can act as an insulator in the system forcing your cooling system to work overtime or less efficiently to do its job. The net result is often higher energy bills.
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How does electronic water treatment work?

Please click here for more information.
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What happens if the system shuts down?

The SBC is designed to run continually from startup. A dry relay contact is provided to allow a remote indication of a problem if the SBC were to lose power or have an internal fault. The cooling system should never be allowed to continue to run without the SBC providing water treatment. For this reason we highly recommend that you take advantage of the dry contact provided in the unit and connect it to your alarm system or interlock it with the cooling tower control system to prevent system operation without water treatment. The SBC will go through the AutoSeek™ program automatically when power is restored. Operation of the SBC without water flow through the reaction chamber will not damage the SBC.
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Does GWS offer a warranty with their system?

Yes. If the system does not perform to our written performance specification, GWS will refund 100% of the purchase price. A 5 year material and workmanship warranty is provided (100% for the first two years and prorated for years three through 5).
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