The performance and service life of electric steam generators depend heavily on the quality of the water used. But why is that – and how do companies make sure that their water has the necessary quality? In the following we look at the importance of water quality for steam generators and explain how targeted water treatment secures the performance of your electric steam generator.
Why is water quality so important?
Limescale deposits: hard water contains high amounts of calcium and magnesium ions. These settle as limescale, reduce the efficiency of the steam generator and increase energy consumption. Deposits can also lead to blockages and mechanical damage.
Limescale deposits on the heating elements mean that the heat is no longer transferred sufficiently to the water. First the output drops; as a consequence, failure through bursting or burning out of the heating elements is a risk.
Corrosion: contaminated water accelerates corrosion processes. Chlorides, sulphates and other aggressive substances attack the metal parts of the steam generator and reduce its service life.
Water hardness in Germany
In accordance with the German Wasch- und Reinigungsmittelgesetz, water hardness is divided into three levels: soft, medium and hard water. The unit of measurement is °dH, “degrees of German hardness”.
- Soft water (0–8.4 °dH): few calcium and magnesium ions, low tendency to form limescale. Up to about 3.0 °dH the water can be used regularly in an electric steam generator.
- Medium-hard water (8.4–14 °dH): moderate amounts of ions, acceptable for many applications, but a distinct tendency to form limescale – not suitable for permanent use in a steam generator.
- Hard water (over 14 °dH): high amounts of ions, strong tendency to form limescale, increased maintenance effort and reduced efficiency.
Depending on the intensity of use, we recommend the use of a softening system from medium-hard water upwards.
Water treatment: the key to optimal water quality
In order to avoid these problems and to secure longevity and efficiency, targeted water treatment is necessary. This is where softening systems and reverse osmosis systems come into play.
Softening systems
Softening systems reduce water hardness, usually by the ion exchange process: calcium and magnesium ions are exchanged for sodium ions. This takes place in a vessel filled with resin that is regenerated at regular intervals. In this way the formation of limescale deposits is effectively prevented, efficiency rises and maintenance effort falls.
Reverse osmosis systems
A reverse osmosis system combined with a softening system offers even more comprehensive treatment: the water is forced through a semi-permeable membrane that retains up to 99 % of the dissolved substances – salts, minerals, impurities. The result is almost pure water, which prevents limescale deposits and minimises corrosion risks. Ideal for continuous industrial operation and processes with the highest purity requirements.
Softening or reverse osmosis – the difference
Softening systems primarily reduce water hardness by ion exchange. They are cost-efficient and easy to operate, but do not remove all impurities.
Reverse osmosis systems remove a broad spectrum of impurities and, in combination with softening, deliver almost pure water. They are more complex and more energy-intensive, but in return offer the best water quality.
Conclusion
Water quality determines the performance and longevity of electric steam generators. With the right water treatment – softening or reverse osmosis – systems work efficiently and trouble-free.
At DINO we offer high-quality solutions for water treatment , matched to the output of the respective steam generator . This lowers your operating costs and extends the service life of your system. We are happy to determine your water hardness in advance with a free water test.
