BSRIA Water Treatment for Closed Heating and Cooling Systems BG 50/2021
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
In November 2021, BSRIA published the second edition of its Water Treatment for Closed Heating and Cooling Systems (BG 50/2021). This updated version supersedes BG 50/2013 and is available to purchase from the BSRIA Bookshop. It is also being offered to BSRIA members as a free download.
[edit] Background
Water treatment is essential in closed heating and cooling systems. Without it, there is far greater risk of biological fouling (also known as biofouling), corrosion and scale. These problems can lead to poor performance, system failures and costly remedial works.
BSRIA first published guidance on water treatment in 1993. A major overhaul of this older guide, including a change of scope, occurred in 2013, at which point it was renumbered and renamed: BG 50/2013 Water Treatment for Closed Heating and Cooling Systems.
This guide became widely used in the industry; however, it became clear that it needed an update to bring it in line with current technology and practices and updated standards and guidance. In particular, this revised edition is consistent with Pre-Commission Cleaning of Pipework Systems (BG 29/2021), which was published in February 2021.
The technical content of the publication was written by Dr Pamela Simpson with the help of a steering group, including representatives from the British Chemicals Association (BCA), the Closed Systems Control Association (CSCA), the Industrial and Commercial Heating Equipment Association (ICOM), the Institute of Corrosion (ICorr), the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM) and the Water Management Society (WMSoc).
[edit] What does BG 50/2021 cover?
At present, chemical water treatment is the dominant water treatment technique for closed heating and cooling systems in the UK. Therefore, this technique is covered in depth in the guide. Other techniques are also available, and a number of these are covered in the guide, including:
- Pre-treatment of fill water.
- Removal of dissolved gases.
- pH management.
- Solids removal and filtration.
- Galvanic anode cathodic protection/electrochemistry.
- Bacteria and biofouling inhibition by biocides.
Expanded guidance has been provided on the roles and responsibilities of those typically involved with water treatment in closed systems: planners of water treatment programmes, maintenance water treatment specialists, day-to-day system operators, building owner/operators and remedial cleaning specialists.
The suggested water quality analyses and guidelines have been updated, including the addition of corrosion rates. Additional guidance has been provided on corrosion monitoring and on-site testing, including the use of test kits.
This article originally appeared on the BSRIA website under the headline, 'BSRIA launches update to Water Treatment for Closed Heating and Cooling Systems'. It was published in November 2021.
--BSRIA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Biological fouling.
- BSRIA articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- Chilled water.
- Closed system water treatment: BG 50 & VDI 2035.
- Commissioning building systems.
- Heating ventilation and air conditioning.
- Pipework.
- Training for pre-commissioning cleaning of pipework systems.
- Water treatment.
[edit] External resources
Featured articles and news
The continued ISG fall out, where to go?
Support for ISG contractors, companies and employees.
New HES national centre for traditional building retrofit
Announced as HES publishes survey results which reveal strong support for retrofit.
Retrofit of Buildings, a CIOB Technical Publication
Expected to become one of the largest activities in the global construction industry.
The ECA industry focus video channel
Keeping update with the industry session by session.
Over 25 recorded informations sessions freely available.
AT Awards 2024 ceremony East London October 25th.
Revisiting the AT community at the 2023 awards evening.
The Community Housing Fund and built affordable homes
CLTN reviews the impact of the Fund and calls for extension.
The grading system of the Regulator for Social Housing
A background, an explanation and ten recent enforcements.
Construction, repair and maintenance. Book review.
Putting new life into a city with a 1900 year history.
BSRIA Briefing 2024: Sustainable Futures speakers
Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living 22 Nov.
Wall of support for post-Grenfell regulation of electricians
Call for a shake-up of the construction industry highlighted on radio.
Digital sustainability through future AEC tools
Bringing together industry and academia to meet challenges.
Skills gap for net zero highlighted to Minister for Industry
ECA convenes roundtable discussion at Portcullis House.
Evidencing Net Zero with the new UK buildings standard
Pilot version with detailed excel proforma out now!
Scottish Building Safety Levy, in consultation
From direct remediation and the RPDT, to the costs and alternatives.
Waves of warmer homes grants for the rental sector
Boosting energy efficiency standards for all rented homes.
A refocus of the National Planning Policy Framework
Key terms described in brief, as the consultation closes the evening of the 24th.
Fortified farmhouses of the unruly 16th-and 17th-century borders.