Bug-killing system helps eliminate Legionella risk
March 1st 2007 The AquaProtect T is a new, self-contained system from Alfa Laval that is designed to provide thermal disinfection of hot water systems to eradicate Legionella bacteria. The technology is suitable for both existing and new hot water systems. The company says that in large installations, the greatest risk of bacterial development comes from dead spots in pipework bends and connections and water temperatures from 20 to 45°C. Based around Alfa Laval's range of Plate Heat Exchangers, the AquaProtect T system exploits the temperature-sensitive nature of the legionella bacterium. It heats the water and maintains it at a temperature of 70°C for 6min – sufficient to kill the bacteria that cause Legionnaire's disease. There is no energy penalty involved in operating the system since it includes an efficient heat recovery feature. Once the water has been heated, it is cooled back to the correct temperature using incoming water flowing through the heat exchanger. In this way, a hot water system can be disinfected on a regular, scheduled basis with no additional energy loading. The AquaProtect T is selfcontained with all major components, including heat exchangers, pumps, valves and controls, mounted on a skid. It occupies minimal space and can be connected to the hot water system in a matter of hours. More articles from Alfa Laval Limited: | 
