The high school was experiencing frequent and costly maintenance issues with their hydronic heating system due to rust particles clogging pipes and heat exchangers. They installed SweepCLEAR media in their existing air separator, which removes air and dirt through centrifugal and coalescing separation. After 17 days, water tests showed a 95% reduction in rust and dramatically improved clarity. A test rig also showed no corrosion or dirt accumulation. SweepCLEAR provided an inexpensive retrofit solution that stopped corrosion and clogging, saving an estimated 80% on water and chemical costs with a payback period of less than 3 months.

1. CASE STUDY 7.5.2016
HIGH SCHOOL REALIZES ENERGY & MAINTENANCE SAVINGS AFTER INSTALLING SweepCLEAR®
A local Atlanta metro area High School was experiencing maintenance
issues with their WSHP (water source heat pump) system. Every year
(and sometimes several times a year) they would have to flush and
chemically clean their hydronic system, costing thousands of dollars in
time and materials. The problem was rusting pipes. They had a chemical
pot feeder, to add corrosion inhibiting chemicals, but apparently it was
not piped correctly because the system (strainers and heat exchanges)
would clog with rust particles. The pipes were rusting because of
dissolved air in the water and the chemicals could not remove the air.
On all new construction the school system specifies “coalescing” air &
dirt separators which will remove ALL air (99%, including dissolved micro-bubbles) and dirt to 5 microns, thereby
preventing pipe corrosion and system fouling. The existing schools however, also needed a way to easily and
inexpensively add coalescing technology to their systems. SweepCLEAR®, Inc. showed them a demo of how
SweepCLEAR® media (patent pending) inserted into their existing air separator, would remove all the air and dirt at a
rapid rate by combining 2 technologies: centrifugal and coalescing air separation.
SweepCLEAR® is designed to work with all standard air separators, but works faster
with tangential air separators, making them ideal for condenser water systems.
SweepCLEAR® was installed in the High School’s 10 inch Armstrong tangential air
separator in a few hours over a holiday, for 1/4 the cost of a new coalescing air and dirt
filter. No special tools were required and the piping did not have to be modified. After
startup it was noted the air release valve was rapidly purging air and the pressure gauges
at the pumps did not change. There was NO increase in pressure drop. Within 17 days
after installation the water was tested and found to have a 95% reduction in rust
content. Samples taken showed a dramatic improvement in water clarity.
A Test Rig (iron coupon & 50 mesh (extra fine) strainer) was installed on
the line to the chemical dispersal pot, which sees the highest flow and
greatest pressure drop. The Test rig was checked after 17 days and
showed no signs of corrosion on the coupon nor any dirt in the 50 mesh
strainer. The system was clean and free of air.
Conclusions:
• SweepCLEAR® was easily retrofitted at 1/4 the cost of a new
coalescing air separator. The payback (ROI) should be less than 3
months.
• SweepCLEAR® removed 99% of the air and dirt effectively
stopping corrosion and system clogging.
• It is estimated, based on the air and dirt removed, energy savings should approach 10%
because of increased higher heat transfer rates, resulting in less pumping energy demand.
• There was no measured increase in pressure drop after installation.
• Based on the results, the estimated water and chemical savings will approach 80%. There is
no need to ever again flush the system.
• A tangential air separator with SweepCLEAR® may be added to the condenser water system
to rapidly remove air and dirt that fouls the heat exchanger and breeds Legionella bacteria.
www.sweepclear.com sales@sweepclear.com 678.458.6906
Water Samples , Before & After 17 days
Existing Air Separator
Clean 50 mesh Strainer No Corrosion on Coupon
SweepCLEAR InstalledExisting 10” TAS