In The News Di-Polar Water Conditioning: Today's Technology (by Bill Herrera and Stephane Hersen) For years, there has been relatively little change with the water conditioning technologies and products which professional dealers have to offer. Today we are witnessing environmental changes leading to laws governing discharges associated with all types water treatment equipment. As recently as this year, there has even been civic movements leading to the banning of traditional methods of brine softening due to their chloride waste discharge and their "poor" efficiencies for recover. Every American on a municipal water supply has witnessed escalating water costs, both entering and existing our homes and offices. A savvy water treatment professional recognizes changes, and reacts for reasons of market potential and sometimes just for basic survival. Di-Polar Water Conditioning is one such innovative response to the changes demanded both environmentally and economically, and not to be confused with magnets. DC Voltage impulses are applied to the electrodes within the cartridge module. The electrical voltages applied into the cartridge module create a Di-Polar electrical field. Calcium ions migrate to the negative field. Carbon dioxide and carbonates migrate towards the positive field. Polarity is then reversed. How Does It Work? Briefly, the patents include a controlled low voltage DC impulse sent directly into the feed stream via a specialized conductive cartridge module. By monitoring flow rates and electrical impedance, the system is able to change the solubility of the hardness which includes calcium/magnesium carbonates and calcium/magnesium sulfates. A change in solubility allows for the formation of calcite crystals referred to as nanocrystals. These nanocrystals are a conglomeration of the hardness molecules disassociated by means of the method described above. While still remaining in solution, the nanocrystals associate with one another, combine and grow in size. The final size of the nanocrystals vary, but still remain within the ionic range in molecular weight. The controlling and balancing of the voltages forced into the cartridge module is very important. While the objective is the controlled formation of calcite nanocrystals, the voltages must also be controlled to prevent the nanocrystals from becoming too large and thus precipitating out of solution. This is achieved by reversing the DC voltage polarity between anodes and cathodes within the cartridge module(s). The end result is water hardness that remains in solution and will not attach to the water heating elements, pipes or fixtures. The process is achieved on a 110 VAC power supply without the use of salt, chemicals or a discharge to drain. The cartridge module is the only component which is maintained. The life of the module varies. Installations indicate an average life expectancy well over 200,000 gallons per cartridge module. Larger commercial models may have as many as five (5) cartridge modules, allowing for over a million gallons of service prior to maintenance. The end cost of maintaining the system including electricity and cartridge modules is likely to be five (5) times less than that of a water softener of a comparable size in an average installation. Proven Technology The need for an environmental answer plus the higher cost of water forced a demand for the technology quicker in Europe than in North America. Part of European commercial distribution for three years, 45,000 units have now been sold. Quickly becoming the norm instead of the alternative, AQA TOTAL technology has passed stringent European water quality standards which include the DVGW W512 guidelines. Testing within the United States includes a report by Spectrum Labs, Inc. Product Testing Department. Published test results conclude; "There was 99% less hardness scale in the treated chamber than what was detected in the untreated chamber". To date, this is the only non-chemical water treatment conditioner with reproducible, and scientifically verified results.       One pole reversal calcium ions and carbonate ions previously concentrated, reassociate with one another. Calcite Nanocrystals still within ionic range are formed. Applications: Di-Polar Water Conditioners offer complete capital investment protection. They do not use salt or chemicals and they have no regeneration waste. Installations have a small foot print and are inexpensive to maintain. The only maintenance required are quick cartridge changeouts when indicated by the system's microprocessor controller. For these reasons, any many others, the equipment is most perfectly suited for commercial applications. Installations may include apartment complexes, hotels, and institutions. Residential installations have similar benefits and in addition, the systems do not add sodium or potassium to the drinking water. Some water softener dealers initially see this technology as a threat to their own business, This is not the case. Although, Di-Polar Water Conditioners have many benefits, limitations include a high limit pH, not to exceed 8.50 They also have a maximum hardness recommendation of 40 gpg. Although the equipment is perfect for hot water heater protection up to 190° F, it is not intended for high pressure steam boilers. It is also recommended that the feedwater to the system be within EPA guidelines. Like all sound water treatment technologies, it is not a "black box" for all occasions. However, it makes for an excellent complement to a dealer's water purification line. In Conclusion: The need for this Di-Polar Water Conditioning Technology has arrived. The technology offers the only nonchemical water treatment system available with repeatable, scientifically-verified results, The need for alternative methods of conditioning will continue to grow due to environmental awareness and forever escalating water costs. Installations are simple and run on a 110 VAC power supply. Cartridge modules are the only required maintenance and the cost to run is far less than that of a compatible sized water softener. Di-Polar Water Conditioners offer an added and proven tool to a water treatment professional's arsenal.