- Get Parts
- Industry Insights
- Contact Us
Scale can accumulate on heat exchangers, piping, valves, and other water-contact surfaces, restricting flow and insulating heat transfer surfaces. Even a thin layer of mineral buildup can force chillers, boilers, cooling towers, and process equipment to operate longer to meet system demand.
Biological growth and corrosion create additional concerns throughout open and closed water systems. These conditions can contribute to fouled equipment, restricted piping, unstable water quality, increased cleaning requirements, and greater dependence on chemical storage, dosing, testing, and disposal.
Flow-Tech uses a proprietary induction method to introduce a pulsing electromagnetic signal into the connected fluid column. Unlike inline chamber systems, the treatment signal propagates throughout the plumbing network regardless of flow, allowing the entire connected water system to be treated.
The system conditions water rather than softening it. Calcium forms suspended seed crystals instead of hard deposits on equipment surfaces, helping control scale while supporting biological fouling and corrosion management.
The system conditions water rather than removing hardness minerals through ion exchange. Calcium forms suspended seed crystals instead of depositing as hard scale on equipment surfaces, while the treatment signal supports a broader water management program for protecting piping, heat exchangers, cooling equipment, and other system components.
Reduce or replace portions of conventional chemical treatment programs where application conditions permit.
Help prevent calcium carbonate from attaching to heat transfer surfaces, piping, and equipment.
Gradually loosen and remove certain existing mineral deposits as treated water circulates through the system.
Help reduce biofilm development and biological contamination within connected water systems.
Support conditions that reduce corrosion activity and protect vulnerable system components.
Propagate a measurable treatment signal throughout the connected fluid column.
Install the system without adding an inline treatment chamber or replacing major piping sections.
Reduce water use associated with softener regeneration and selected conventional treatment practices.
Limit employee exposure to chemical delivery, storage, mixing, and disposal activities.
Flow-Tech helps protect heat transfer surfaces by encouraging calcium to form suspended seed crystals rather than hard deposits. Cleaner surfaces allow boilers, chillers, heat exchangers, and process equipment to transfer energy without the insulating effect caused by heavy mineral accumulation.
The treatment signal travels through the connected water column instead of treating only the water passing through a small inline chamber. This approach extends treatment into branches, equipment, and low-flow portions of the system where scale and biological deposits may otherwise develop.
Installation does not require a large chemical feed station, salt storage area, or extensive piping modifications. The system can be incorporated into existing facilities with less disruption than many treatment methods that require pipe cutting, pressure-vessel installation, or additional mechanical-room space.
Reducing dependence on salt and treatment chemicals can lower recurring material use, chemical handling, and water discharge. Facilities may also reduce labor associated with replenishing treatment products, maintaining feed equipment, and managing chemical inventory.
Flow-Tech Systems was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in Mequon, Wisconsin. Its technology developed from research and field applications associated with protecting oil and gas production and process equipment. The company later expanded the technology into commercial HVAC, industrial, power, wastewater, agriculture, recreational, and domestic water applications.
Flow-Tech focuses on chemical-free water treatment for scale, biological contamination, and corrosion management. Its services include system review, product selection, implementation, commissioning, training, and continued technical guidance. The company supports installations ranging from commercial building systems to power plant cooling systems with headers measuring up to 42 inches.
Installation Without Major Piping Modifications
Flow-Tech equipment is installed at a selected location where its signal can be introduced into the connected water system. Because treatment does not depend on an inline reaction chamber, many applications can be completed without cutting into the main header or installing a large pressure vessel. Correct unit selection, installation location, electrical grounding, and connection methods should be determined during project specification.
Commissioning and Continued System Management
After installation, the treatment signal can be measured at points throughout the connected fluid column to confirm propagation. Flow-Tech’s implementation process includes commissioning and verification of proper operation. Water testing, equipment inspection, cleaning, filtration, blowdown management, and other application-specific practices may remain necessary as part of the facility’s complete water management plan.
Salt Lake City, Utah
The Challenge
In 2017, Landmark Hospital of Salt Lake City identified a serious water quality concern after documenting Legionella counts exceeding 6,000 CFU/mL within its domestic (potable) water system. To manage the issue, the hospital followed its Legionella management plan, which required heating the water above 140°F for more than 30 minutes and performing lengthy system flushes. While these treatments temporarily reduced Legionella counts to between 60 and 200 CFU/mL, the bacteria quickly returned between treatment cycles because the underlying biofilm remained inside the piping. These procedures also required downtime, significant labor, and introduced potential scalding risks for staff and patients.
The Solution
On August 25, 2018, Landmark Hospital installed a Flow-Tech chemical-free water treatment system on its domestic water system without requiring system downtime or disrupting patient care. Rather than continuing periodic high-temperature disinfection, the hospital transitioned to Flow-Tech’s non-intrusive water treatment technology, which targets biofilm and helps control Legionella throughout the connected water system. Following installation, the hospital discontinued its hot-water treatment process and allowed the Flow-Tech system to continuously condition the domestic water system.
The Outcome
Less than two months after installation, testing performed by the Utah Department of Health documented Legionella counts between 2.00 and 3.28 CFU/mL, reducing bacterial levels below the 10 CFU/mL detectable threshold. Flow-Tech successfully removed the existing biofilm while reducing Legionella counts by more than 99.95% compared to no treatment and 98.5% compared to high-heat treatment. As a one-time equipment purchase requiring no consumables or frequent service, the system also simplified the hospital’s treatment protocol while reducing labor requirements, eliminating repeated high-temperature disinfection, minimizing downtime, and reducing scalding risks.
Key Takeaways
Legionella counts reduced from over 6,000 CFU/mL to 2.00–3.28 CFU/mL in less than two months.
Greater than 99.95% reduction compared to no treatment and 98.5% reduction compared to high-heat treatment.
Existing biofilm removed while maintaining domestic water service without system downtime.
Eliminated repeated hot-water disinfection, reducing labor, downtime, consumables, and potential scalding risks.
Learn the essentials of custom HVAC system design from the experts. Enhance your knowledge and skills in air management with Alliance Air Products.
Flow-Tech conditions water but does not remove calcium and magnesium through ion exchange. Hardness minerals remain in the water but are encouraged to form suspended crystals that are less likely to attach to piping and equipment surfaces.
The amount of chemical reduction depends on water chemistry, system design, operating conditions, biological risk, regulatory requirements, and treatment objectives. Product selection should be based on a site-specific evaluation rather than assuming that every chemical can be eliminated.
Flow-Tech states that its signal propagates throughout the connected fluid column regardless of flow. Signal strength can be measured at different points in the system during commissioning and system verification.
The technology can gradually loosen certain existing mineral deposits as treated water moves through the system. Screens, strainers, heat exchangers, aerators, and other collection points may require additional inspection or cleaning during the initial descaling period.
Applications include cooling towers, boilers, heat exchangers, closed loops, domestic water systems, process water, power generation, wastewater, irrigation, recreational water, and other connected piping systems. Final suitability depends on the system configuration and water management objectives.
info@midwestmachinery.net
(636) 537-1919
Parts (913) 274-9437
info@midwestmachinery.net
(636) 578-3158
Parts (913) 274-9437
Fill out the form below, and enjoy your download!