FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Drinking water exceeding a count of 100 CFU (colony forming units) per 100 ml is considered contaminated, although risk of infection at such a low count is relatively low. However, a contamination of 10,000 CFU/100 ml or more is considered an “extremely high contamination”; in cases like these it is imperative to act fast, for example by conducting a shock disinfection of the pipeline system. In situations like these, biocide is applied repeatedly at certain intervals. Further measures can include a restriction of shower usage or even a complete shutdown of the entire water circuit.

No, the pinch of free chlorine in aquaBENOVA-CLEAN has no effect other than disinfection.

Yes.

Yes, and it’s so efficient that when the smallest dosage is used the maximum permissible values set by the drinking water ordinance are never even reached. Big advantage: the pipeline system of a compound can be cleaned during normal operation without any need for shutdown! This means for you that no costly protective measures need to be taken.

Our agent for water decontamination consists of a very weak sodium hypochlorite solution. Comparable products contain around 70 to 150 grams of chlorine per liter while aquaBENOVA-CLEAN only contains 0.2 grams per liter. Despite this very low concentration, its effectiveness speaks for itself which can be largely attributed to the ECA production process of the agent. By way of an electrochemical procedure, aquaBENOVA-CLEAN receives a redox potential of around 1200mV. For comparison: a standard sodium hypochlorite solution typically only achieves around 800mV. It’s exactly this electrochemical increase of the redox value that lets aquaBENOVA-CLEAN be so amazingly effective in both hot and cold water environment. As if this wasn’t reason enough, aquaBENOVA-CLEAN also removes biofilm inside the pipeline system during the same stage which impedes future growth of bacteria for a while. So far (Spring 2013) there is no other procedure known that can have the same effect within the restrictive limits of the drinking water ordinance (TVO).

Indeed, it does. The elimination of high energy costs alone often means that in many cases the system can amortize itself within months.

Over time, a so called biofilm settles inside water pipelines which provides an excellent breeding ground for organic and inorganic structures such as germs and bacteria. These then reach the consumer via the water and can cause severe illness by entering the respiratory system for instance.

One of the main points to consider is the dependable safeness of your drinking and processing water against legionella and bacterial contamination. Furthermore you can save up to 40% of energy costs in warm water preparation. You can forgo thermal disinfection; the flow temperature can be lowered considerably. This in turn prolongs the life of your heating unit as damage caused by calcification is less likely to occur.

On the average, 1 liter of aquaBENOVA-CLEAN per 1,000 liters of water is needed. The amount of water passing through is determined by the aquaBENOVA contact water meter, the attached pump injects the agent directly into the water circuit((see sketch).)

Almost in an exemplary way: Our agent is in complete accordance with the drinking water ordinance (TrinkwV) which means that it cleans as much water as possible with as little chlorine as necessary. Furthermore, drinking water conformity according to the drinking water ordinance 2011 and the WHO-standards (World Health Organization) can be attested which demands a sterility of 100%. Not only does it remove biofilm within the water circuit, it also prevents a build-up of resistance in bacteria. aquaBENOVA systems have the sole purpose of purifying drinking and processing water and keeping it clean. They can be turned on or off at any time, depending on the needs of the operator or once a water analysis has been conducted. This means, our agents don’t have to be injected into the circuit constantly, but only in the event of a contamination.

With a fully intact pipeline system the installer completes the task within a 1-2 hours timeframe.

§ 13 of the drinking water ordinance requires the operator to register the system with the health authorities at least four weeks prior to the beginning of operation. Before installation, aquaBENOVA takes samples from the existing system and determines a micro bacterial status. Then installation can be carried out with the help of a local plumber. Three to four weeks after the beginning of operation another sample is taken to determine the current micro bacterial status. If this is negative, which means no contamination could be determined, the warm water temperature can be lowered after consultation with the operator and the health authorities. Adherence to the drinking water ordinance and the regulations of the DVGW (W551) is absolutely necessary.

No, aquaBENOVA can do its job no matter the temperature of warm water.

aquaBENOVA-CLEAN is neither corrosive nor toxic, which means that it isn’t classified as dangerous goods. This is why it can be filled into standard canisters and shipped via shipping companies.

The best way of storing aquaBENOVA-CLEAN is protected against light and frost. This way it can be safely stored until the time of its use.