ADEY Innovation LLC - Experts & Thought Leaders

As the heating season begins to wind down, use the upcoming calls to pre-book customers in for the summer maintenance checks – it’s a chance to test for any potential system issues and resolve them proactively before Fall 2019. Often, poor water quality is the leading cause behind systems issues or failure. Also known as black iron oxide sludge, magnetite is a result of oxidation inside untreated hydronic systems and if not dealt with, can foul pumps; deposit in low flow areas such as baseboards; use up inhibitor added to protect metallic components; block heat exchangers and cause boiler breakdowns. In fact, according to ADEY’s Chief Technical Officer, “nearly 70 percent of circulator pumps returned to pump manufacturers fail due to iron oxide and other water quality issues. Data also show that over 95 percent of debris in hydronic heating systems is made up of iron oxide.” The summer months are vital in ensuring homeowners’ or building owners’ systems are working at full efficiency ready for the winter months, so why not take this opportunity to upgrade the service and offer the highest level of quality service possible with ADEY’s best practice steps. Six Stages ADEY’s best practice steps come in six stages: Clean, MagnaCleanse®, MagnaClean®, Protect, Test, and Maintain. If you’re not sure what system water you’re dealing with, try testing it first using ADEY’s FREE MagnaClean RapidTest™. The MagnaClean RapidTest is a small magnetic stick that can be added onto a keyring and used at every job site you step foot on. Simply take a sample of system water in a bucket, dip the stick in for 10 – 20 seconds and check to see if it turns grey, black, or collects magnetite. This is a sure sign that water quality is poor, magnetite is present, and is an awesome way of showing the homeowner too. Practice Steps Step 1 - Clean: If magnetite is present, a complete system clean will be required using ADEY’s MC3+™ cleaner. This cleaner contains surfactants and dispersants that lift and bond magnetic particles, allowing them to be flushed out of the system. ADEY’s MC3+ is a highly concentrated product, meaning one bottle can treat more – 33 gallons, it is non-foaming, and it contains inhibitors that allow it to be left in the system for as long as a month (minimum time left in the system is 1 hour). Step 2 – MagnaCleanse: If you haven’t heard of MagnaCleanse before, it’s simply a quick and easy alternative to a power flush. The MagnaCleanse unit is made up of two canisters containing rare earth neodymium magnets and hoses that connect directly onto system pipework, allowing it to work as a by-pass, collecting magnetite whilst the system is running, rather than dumping water. System water also remains heated, meaning cleaner can remain concentrated for a more effective clean, and the unit comes in its own carry case that can also use as a drip tray to prevent mess. A flush with a MagnaCleanse can be completed in as little as 2 hours, rather than a whole day with a power flush, allowing you to complete other jobs on site whilst the unit is running, thus increasing the return on investment. Watch this MagnaCleanse results video here! Step 3 – MagnaClean: Becoming growingly popular, the installation of a MagnaClean magnetic dirt filter is the core of ADEY’s best practice and ensures long-term protection for the heating system. Installed on the return before the boiler in just minutes, the MagnaClean dirt filter contains a neodymium magnet with a sheath design that allows it to maximize magnetite capture. MagnaClean is ‘80% more effective in capturing iron oxide sludge than dirt separators or basket filters and 30% more energy-efficient than dirt separators or basket filters. It comes in a wide range of sizes to suit almost any sized pipework; has bi-directional flow meaning either port can be an inlet; comes with 360 degrees rotational valves, offering flexibility especially for those retrofit installs; has zero operating costs and moving parts; and includes a quick-release trigger and rapid-fit connectors for servicing and re-installation in minutes. Just look at this MagnaClean dirt filter capture after only 4 months here! Step 4 – Protect: No long-term protection is complete without the use of ADEY’s MC1+™ protector. This inhibitor offers multi-metal protection using 5 separate inhibition mechanisms, forming a layer on metal surfaces such as iron pipework, to prevent debris from building up again. Also, highly concentrated formula and non-foaming, the MC1+ treats 33 gallons of system water; is buffered to maintain a neutral pH of system water to prevent it from becoming too acidic or alkaline; is formulated to neutralize cleaner residues that may still be lurking in the system, and every batch is performance tested for quality assurance. Step 5 – Test & Step 6 - Maintain: ADEY’s Engineers’ Water Test Kit. The kit comes with all the required equipment and testing solutions to determine chloride, copper, iron, pH, total hardness, and level of ADEY® MC1+ protector present in the hydronic heating system, giving the customers valuable, actionable information on the health of the hydronic system. The MC1+™ Quick Test bottle contains 50 strips, meaning that adequate levels of an inhibitor can be maintained and topped up annually.

Iron oxide is also called magnetite. This damaging black sludge is the unavoidable result of oxidation inside untreated hydronic systems. As little as a few teaspoons can cause tremendous damage. In fact, according to Dr. Neil Watson, ADEY® Chief Technical Officer, “nearly 70 percent of circulator pumps returned to pump manufacturers fail due to iron oxide and other water quality issues. Data also show that over 95 percent of debris in hydronic heating systems is made up of iron oxide.”* These startling figures are backed up by contractor experiences in the field. “When a system is serviced, black iron oxide is often present and needs to be removed,” says Andrew Lapinsky, Senior Sales Manager for ADEY. Problems due to sludge buildup In fact, any black iron pipe system is vulnerable to sludge buildup. Any home built before 1960 is likely to have a black iron pipe, and the material is still used today. But why is sludge, and the problems it causes, becoming so increasingly prevalent? New Equipment, New Problems Narrower waterways mean higher efficiency, but with that comes a much greater tendency to clog The answer lies in the equipment itself, according to Lapinsky, “ The introduction into the North American market of high-efficiency boilers and ECM pumps, both of which have narrow waterways, has really changed the game. Narrower waterways mean higher efficiency, but with that comes a much greater tendency to clog.” MagnaClean filtration solutions The answer, which was developed in the U.K. over a decade ago, is the MagnaClean® magnetic dirt filter, because it uses high-grade neodymium magnets to target and remove magnetite via magnetic filtration technology, and is available in a range of models that can be installed in every type of application from small residential to heavy industrial. MagnaClean filters, regardless of their size or application, all utilize the same technology. In residential units, a canister houses a magnetic rod assembly, around which system water flows – without the need for a reduction in system pressure. “It’s a beautifully simple device,” says Lapinsky. “There are no moving parts. The inlet and outlet are shaped to force a cyclonic flow around the magnet, which captures the sludge.” This first-pass capture makes MagnaClean filters top-of-class in filtration solutions. Increasing boiler efficiency For homeowners, perhaps the greatest benefits of MagnaClean residential filters are the reduction in maintenance bills as well as the increase in energy savings – both a direct result of the removal of system-clogging sludge. Additional benefits include a reduction of carbon emissions, zero operating costs, and no parts to replace. MagnaClean also helps extend the life of the boiler by maintaining peak operating efficiency. Easy installation and servicing Servicing is even easier, with access through the screw-off canister lid allowing for rinse-down cleaning Installers of MagnaClean residential filters, on the other hand, will benefit from reduced callbacks on newly installed boilers and appreciate the ease of in-line installation offered by MagnaClean’s rapid-fit connectors, and bi-directional inlet and outlet valves. Servicing is even easier, with access through the screw-off canister lid allowing for quick removal of the magnetic rod for rinse-down cleaning, as well as easy dosing of ADEY System Treatment Formulas. ASME certified Commercial customers enjoy similar benefits, but on a larger scale. System efficiency, reduced maintenance, increased energy savings and increased system life all top the list on the commercial side as well. Built to ASME standards, the construction of a stainless steel cast body, individually removable magnetic rods, EPDM full-face flange gaskets for maximum strength seal at high temperatures, and flexible installation options – you’ve got a commercial solution that’s hard to top. Best Practice™ System Protects Hydronic Systems Beyond MagnaClean filters, ADEY has in fact made other significant strides toward the goal of extended equipment life through proper maintenance. The company’s pioneering ADEY Best Practice™ System Process is a six-step routine designed to clean and protect hydronic heating systems for maximum efficiency. ADEY’s MC3+™ Cleaner “The process starts with cleaning the system using ADEY’s MC3+™ Cleaner to lift sludge from the system,” says Andrew Lapinsky.  “The next step is to remove suspended sludge from the system by carrying out a MagnaCleanse™. Next, to treat the system against the formation of new sludge, a MagnaClean dirt filter should be installed, and the system should be protected with ADEY's MC1+ protector. Finally, ADEY's Engineers' water test kit should be used to test system water quality and ongoing maintenance should be carried out.” “The whole six-step process is geared toward maximizing system efficiency and extending equipment life.”

ADEY has been awarded a third Queen’s Award for its pioneering work in maintaining and protecting central heating systems in the UK and around the world. Announced by Her Majesty The Queen, the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade celebrates ADEY’s outstanding growth in overseas markets. Since pioneering magnetic filtration technology in the UK more than a decade ago, ADEY has built upon its homegrown success over the past four years and now trades in 19 European countries as well as China, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Corrosion The issues caused by the presence of black iron oxide sludge and corrosion are not confined to the UK only. Corrosion is evident in all heating systems where heated water passes through cast iron, copper pipework, radiators, and boilers. Corrosion is evident in all heating systems where heated water passes through cast iron and boilers ADEY is regarded internationally as the driving force in the manufacture of water treatment products serving the global heating, ventilation, and air conditioning industry, protecting hundreds of millions of heating systems and saving money, energy, and time across the globe. Magnetic filtration technology “We’re delighted and incredibly proud to receive this great honor, which is the UK’s highest accolade for business success and the third of its kind for ADEY,” said Edward Davies, ADEY’s Chief Operating Officer. “Since Chris Adey invented magnetic filtration technology, ADEY has revolutionized heating system protection and maintenance, investing in the development of the very best magnetic filters and water treatment chemicals. In fact, no other business in our sector has been awarded a Queen’s Award for Innovation in two separate product areas and this is because we believe quality and performance are critical. Not all products on the market are created equally and ADEY stands apart because we give heating installers confidence that they’re buying products that are proven to work.” “Damage caused by corrosion in heating systems isn’t unique to the UK. This latest Queen’s Award is testament to ADEY’s efforts in spreading the message and providing a solution for an issue that’s causing a headache for heating installers all around the world.”