EEE Responds
"How ION GENERATORS Work"
Ionizers use the process of electrolysis (passing electric current through water) to
create metallic ions in water. An ion is an atom or group of atoms that possess an
electric charge. An ion gets its electrical charge by losing or gaining electrons. If it
gains an extra electron then it is a negative ion, also called an anion. If it loses an
electron it is a positive ion or a cation. Passing an electric current between two metal
electrodes in water will create positively charged ions of the metal of the cathode. If
the cathode is copper then copper ions (Cu2+) are created.
Copper ions in water significantly reduce or eliminate algae growth. Copper ions in
water kill bacteria. Ionizers work by passing a low DC current through a set of metallic
electrodes, placed in line with the water circulation system and set slightly apart from
each other. The voltage causes some of the outermost atoms of the electrodes to lose
electrons, which attempt to flow across the space between the electrodes but instead are
carried away by the flow of water.
The rate of ion creation is proportional to the ratio of Copper and Titanium in the
electrodes. The ion levels are monitored electronically by the system and are controlled
and adjusted by changing the current flow across the electrodes.
Oxidation of organics is also accomplished in the ion chamber where, in addition to
producing ions, the electrodes also electrolyze the water separating it into two elements,
hydrogen and oxygen. The ion generator oxidizes the biofihn that serves as a binding agent
adhering scale to heat exchanger surfaces.
Ion generators loosen and remove the scale when the biofilm is present. Polarized
minerals in the water stay in solution and as the existing scale softens when the
oxidation process is implemented, the attached minerals are released into the flow where
they are continuously filtered out of the water. When scale buildup on condenser tubes is
eliminated, higher heat transfer rates are achieved. Increasing the condenser heat
transfer rate will reduce the chiller head pressure, which then allows the chiller to
operate more efficiently and consume less energy.
Properly maintained and sensibly applied an ionizer system is capable of satisfying
basic purification, descaling and cleansing needs. These properties have made ionization
very effective for cooling tower water ent. For decades, ion generators have been used to
purify drinking water, and most recently have been applied to swimming pools, where algae
and bacteria find a fertile environment.
During the last 20 years, technological improvements have made commercial ion
generators both economically feasible and ion generators to treat cooling tower water is a
relatively new practice, however, its market as a result of water and energy savings and
environmental benefits relative to traditional processes.
