Side Stream Filtration For Building Services Engineers

SIDE STREAM FILTRATION FOR BUILDING SERVICES ENGINEERS MARCH 2014

www.amazonfilters.com

SIDE STREAM FILTRATION SYSTEMS FOR BUILDING SERVICES ENGINEERS _________________________________________________________________________________

Executive Summary Facilities Managers and Building Services Engineers have the responsibility to ensure that buildings and their services meet the needs of the occupants. They also manage building maintenance of critical systems such as heating and air conditioning. There’s no doubt that improvements in the engineering of water systems to improve energy efficiency has been due to broader efforts to improve organisations’ bottom lines as well as general and legislative requirements for greater energy efficiency within non-domestic building stock. In the case of heating and cooling systems, efforts to modernise systems and improve engineer efficiency have resulted in the use of key components that are more vulnerable to suspended solids contamination and if this is not managed by improved system design, more prone to partial or full failure.

1|P a g e

Closed loop water circuits employed as part of the environmental control systems, will be contaminated with suspended solids produced by the corrosion of pipework and other components of the system and contamination will often result in poor temperature control within the building. FM’s and Building Services Engineers are using Side Stream filtration systems for both the initial clean-up and also for the on-going maintenance of pipework systems to overcome these problems.

Closed loop water circuits used as part of building heating and cooling systems typically become contaminated during fabrication with materials such as mill scale, jointing compound and building debris and on an on-going basis with suspended solids from corroding pipe work and bio-films. If these materials are allowed to remain in the system they are likely to cause component blockage and damage to control valves and small bore heat exchangers.

Amazon Filters has an extensive understanding and knowledge of Water Circuits in the Building Services sector. This enables us to provide optimum Side Stream filtration solutions for 

Closed loop water circuits



Cooling tower loops

A Side Stream filtration system can be used to: 

Remove suspended solids, thus reducing wear and tear on critical water circuit components



Remove chemically-treated biofilm and thus minimise degradation of pipework



Eliminate trapped air from closed-loop systems



Minimise time and labour compared with conventional flushing regimes



Achieve cleaner systems



Reduce maintenance, equipment down-time and repair costs

Business Challenge Many multi-site organisations and Estates Departments at larger organisations are committed to developing and implementing energy plans, involving strategy and policy on energy & sustainability.

One of the main aims of these plans is to strive to balance the key principles of energy efficiency, sustainability, financial viability, environmental enhancement and social responsibility.

2|P a g e

Efforts to increase energy efficiency through new technology and operational strategies, makes it more important for Facilities Maintenance and engineering managers to understand the need for Side Stream filtration in water systems. The necessity of Side Stream filtration to ensure the effective functioning of heating and cooling systems is highlighted by references in two BSRIA publications - BG 29/2012: Pre-commission Cleaning of Pipework Systems and BG50/2013: Water Treatment for Closed heating and Cooling Systems.

The contamination issue has become a greater problem as the drive to install water systems that are more energy efficient has resulted in smaller orifices in control valves and lower flow rates in terminal units. This means that it is critical that the Building Services Team has a greater understanding of the systems and the impact on the occupants of the buildings when problems occur.

In order to ensure the optimised performance of modern, efficient components (especially in new build, retrofit and refurbishment projects) and to leverage energy savings from installing new heating and cooling systems, the hidden application of Side Stream Filtration should be a considered top priority. This will also offer the benefit of reduced system maintenance.

The Solution We work with Sustainability Directors, Energy Consultants, FM Service Providers, CIBSE Building Services Engineers, Building Occupants, Health & Safety Departments and Plant Maintenance Teams to deliver our programmes to their Estate. A Side Stream filtration system is designed to treat 5 – 15% of the main water circuit flow, to remove both suspended solids and the chemically treated biomass. A typical system would consist of an Amazon Stainless Steel 61 Series filter housing containing disposable Amazon SupaSpun II filter cartridges.

SupaSpun II filters are available in a range of absolute micron ratings so the removal efficiency can be adjusted to achieve a progressive clean up of the recirculating water. Typically a 20 Âľm rate filter is used for the initial clean up. Once this is achieved a finer filter can be used e.g.10 Âľm absolute.

We recommend the use of absolute rated filters as unlike nominal filters they maintain their removal efficiency for contaminants throughout the lifetime of the filter, even under varying water quality conditions. It is typical for nominal filters to suffer reduced removal efficiency or to unload

3|P a g e

previously retained contaminants after a period of use and this will cause unexpected system fouling.

Side Stream filters are typically installed inside in the Building Plant Room. For ease of operation, a variety of operator friendly accessories are fitted to the vessels to make installation, operation and filter change-out as simple as possible. These include drain valves, pressure gauges, flow controllers and vent valves. On certain applications with high iron content, Rare Earth Ferrostik magnetic assemblies are used for removal of iron based contaminants. System efficiency can also be enhanced by installing automatic vent valves on the filter housing to help eliminate trapped air from the system.

Installation recommendations are available from Amazon Filters.

Benefits of installing Side Stream filtration systems 1. Protection of automated valving from fouling to ensure effective building temperature control is maintained 2. Removal of suspended solids to reduce abrasive wear and tear on process plant.

3. Removal of chemically treated biomass to further reduce pipework degradation.

4. Separation of entrapped air from closed loop systems.

5. Reduced time and lower labour costs when compared to a conventional flushing regime.

6. Reduced maintenance, equipment down time and repair costs.

Amazon also suppliers different filter cartridge designs for its filters to ensure the filter performance and price are optimised for the different applications. For Chilled Water Systems, typically operating 4|P a g e

at approximately 6°C, a more simple, low cost ‘double open ended’ design can be used. This has a basic polypropylene core and the cartridge is sealed into the housing using a knife edge sealing mechanism. This design is adequate for systems which do not see significant temperature changes that could compromise the cartridge to housing seal and allow by-pass of contaminants. A similar design is used for Condenser Systems.

Photo shows: Amazon Filters double open ended knife edge seal cartridge

For Low Temperature Hot Water Systems (LTHW), typically operating in the region of 80°C, two changes to cartridge design are incorporated. The simple polypropylene core is replaced with glass filled polypropylene core which offers greater mechanical strength at elevated temperatures. Also the general cartridge design is changed from double open ended to single open ended with a positive double o ring sealing mechanism that retains its integrity even if significant temperature changes are experienced. This ensures the filter provides protection against contamination even under more arduous process conditions.

Photo shows: The difference in appearance of Side Stream Filters for hot and cold water systems

The difference in design also prevents a ‘low temperature’ filter being used in a ‘high temperature‘ system ensuring the system is operated correctly and the building temperature control equipment is not compromised by filter installation errors.

5|P a g e

The Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA publication BG 29/2012: Precommission Cleaning of Pipework Systems) has recommended the use of Side Stream filters for both the initial clean-up and also for the on-going maintenance of pipework systems. Therefore it is not surprising that Amazon Filters’ Side Stream Filtration is being installed in an increasing number of Low Temperature Hot Water Systems (LTHW), Chilled Water Systems (CHW) and Condenser Systems.

Amazon Filters Case Studies include: Side Stream Filters for Air Conditioning System at Heathrow Terminal 5 http://www.amazonfilters.com/blog/amazon-filters-provide-side-stream-filters-for-air-conditioningsystem-at-heathrow-terminal-5/

Side Stream filters for St Pancras International Stationhttp://www.amazonfilters.com/blog/amazon-filters-provide-side-stream-filters-for-st-pancrasinternational-station/

Side Stream filters for Chelsea Football Club chilled water (CHW) and condenser circuits http://www.amazonfilters.com/blog/amazon-filters-provide-chelsea-football-club-with-side-streamfilters-for-their-chilled-water-chw-and-condenser-circuits/

Side Stream Filtration Systems used within Walbrook Building http://www.amazonfilters.com/blog/side-stream-filtration-systems-from-amazon-filters-usedwithin-walbrook-building/

Side Stream Filtration Systems for State Street Bank Critical Data Centrehttp://www.amazonfilters.com/blog/side-stream-filtration-systems-for-state-street-bank-criticaldata-centre-case-study/

Side Stream Filtration for JP Morgan - http://www.amazonfilters.com/blog/amazon-filters-casestudy-side-stream-filtration-for-jp-morgan/

6|P a g e

Contact information: If you wish to contact us the Sales Form will make direct contact with our experienced Technical Sales Team and should be used for all technical queries, application questions, requests for further product information and commercial contact.

Amazon Filters Ltd. Albany Park Estate, Frimley Road Camberley, Surrey GU16 7PG Tel: +44 (0) 1276 670600

More information on our capabilities in Building Services and Side Stream Filtration can be found at www.amazonfilters.com/applications/building-services/

For more information about us and what we do, connect with us: Visit our Blog I Follow our LinkedIn Page I Follow us on Twitter I Like our Facebook Page I Join us on Google+ I Subscribe to our blog by email

www.amazonfilters.com

7|P a g e

SIDE STREAM FILTRATION CASE STUDY

LOW TEMPERATURE HOT WATER (LTHW) SIDE STREAM FILTERS FOR AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM AT HEATHROW TERMINAL 5

“

Due to successful operation at the Energy Centre, Amazon’s Side Stream filters were selected for the Terminal 5 air conditioning system. The filters were manufactured and delivered on time and met all criteria. More importantly, from an operational perspective, they have continued to support BAA on a practical level.

“

BAA Supervisor

CLIENT

BUILDING LOCATION

SECTOR

BAA

Heathrow Airport – Terminal 5

Aviation/Public Transport

ABOUT THE PROJECT Due to the success of the Amazon Side Stream filters installed previously at the Heathrow Energy Centre, the same system was selected for a major project initiated to ensure the high performance and accurate control of the heating system operating in Terminal 5. The system volume was significant - in excess of 500,000 litres of water, therefore requiring the installation of 8 filter housings in each of the two main plant rooms.

AMAZON FILTERS SIDE STREAM FILTRATION

63 SERIES HOUSINGS 84 SERIES HOUSINGS HIGH TEMPERATURE SUPAPLEAT II CARTRIDGES DUOLINE BAG FILTERS

3 3 3 3

PROJECT CHALLENGES Due to location and building construction the main plant rooms are located below ground and prone to ingress of contamination. This issue was managed by using 50µm DuoLine bag pre-filters for initial high solids removal followed by 20µm SupaPleat II cartridge filters for final polishing. The large system volume required the use of four 84 Series prefilter housings followed by four 63 Series polishing filter housings, all operating at 8-10bar. To ensure minimal fluid loss from the circuit there was also a need to install additional booster pumps.

Amazon Filters Ltd. Albany Park Estate, Frimley Road, Camberley, Surrey GU16 7PG UK Tel: +44 (0) 1276 670600 www.amazonfilters.com

SIDE STREAM FILTRATION CASE STUDY

CHILLED WATER (CHW) AND LOW TEMPERATURE HOT WATER (LTHW) SIDE STREAM FILTERS FOR ST PANCRAS INTERNATIONAL STATION

“

Once the system was up and running we discovered that the initial Side Stream system selected was inadequate for the solids loading generated during normal operation.

Fortunately, by involving Amazon at an early stage, a number of issues were identified and a solution put forward. This has resulted in a much more effective heating and cooling system and trouble free operation.

“

Project Manager

CLIENT

BUILDING LOCATION

SECTOR

St Pancras International Station

London

Transportation Facilities

ABOUT THE PROJECT St Pancras International Station underwent substantial construction work due to it becoming an integral part of the High Speed 1 (HS1) project. Its direct link to Stratford International and Ebbsfleet International Stations and the Eurotunnel was expected to generate a significant increase in passenger usage. Therefore new heating and cooling systems were installed and these were fitted with preliminary Side Stream filters.

AMAZON FILTERS SIDE STREAM FILTRATION

61 SERIES MULTI ROUND HOUSING HIGH AND LOW TEMPERATURE 20 MICRON SUPAGARD FILTER CARTRIDGES AUTOMATIC VENT VALVES DRAIN VALVES

3 3 3 3

PROJECT CHALLENGES Following an initial period of operation, it was identified that upgraded filter systems were required to ensure maximum performance of this critical system. A full system performance evaluation and water analysis were carried out and it was identified that additional filters should be installed at the end of each loop on the primary circuit and at mid-point feeding secondary circuits.

This was particularly challenging due to the large system volume, its complex design and layout and the high solids loading in the water.

Amazon Filters Ltd. Albany Park Estate, Frimley Road, Camberley, Surrey GU16 7PG UK Tel: +44 (0) 1276 670600 www.amazonfilters.com

SIDE STREAM FILTRATION CASE STUDY

CHILLED WATER (CHW) AND CONDENSER SIDE STREAM FILTERS FOR CHILLER UPGRADE

“

“

The Project was delivered on time, to budget and corporate hospitality has been significantly improved to the benefit of all.

CLIENT

DATE

BUILDING LOCATION

SECTOR

Chelsea Football Club

March 2012

West Stand London

Sports and Entertainment Facilities

ABOUT THE PROJECT The aim of the project was to improve the quality of the air supply to the West Stand and the comfort of Chelsea FC’s corporate hospitality clients.

PROJECT CHALLENGES As part of stadium re-development new heating and cooling systems were installed to improve the quality of air supply to the West Stand and the comfort of the corporate hospitality clients.

AMAZON FILTERS SIDE STREAM FILTRATION

61 SERIES MULTI ROUND HOUSING 20 MICRON SUPAGARD FILTER CARTRIDGE AUTOMATIC VENT VALVES DRAIN VALVES READY TO INSTALL PUMP/FILTER SYSTEM COMPRISING 61 SERIES HOUSING AND HIGH TEMPERATURE CARTRIDGES

3 3 3 3 3

This involved replacing old pipework which had deteriorated due to contamination and wear. The value of Side Stream filtration for controlling debris and biofilm in the closed loop systems was fully evaluated and it was decided that the benefits in supporter comfort justified implementation.

To ensure maximum performance a fully boosted pump system was installed on the condenser circuit to minimise fluid loss from the circuit.

Amazon Filters Ltd. Albany Park Estate, Frimley Road, Camberley, Surrey GU16 7PG UK Tel: +44 (0) 1276 670600 www.amazonfilters.com

SIDE STREAM FILTRATION CASE STUDY

CHILLED WATER (CHW) AND LOW TEMPERATURE HOT WATER (LTHW) SIDE STREAM FILTERS FOR THE WALBROOK BUILDING, CENTRAL LONDON

“

“

The equipment was manufactured to a high quality standard and delivered on time to meet our project schedule.

Project Manager

CLIENT

BUILDING LOCATION

SECTOR

The Walbrook Building

City of London

Business Centre

ABOUT THE PROJECT Due to the prestigious nature of this building the main consultants needed to ensure the environmental systems worked perfectly. Therefore as part of the design process Amazon Filters Side Stream systems were specified to protect the Chilled Water (CHW) and Low Temperature Hot Water (LTHW) circuits.

For this project a faster than usual system clean-up was required and this high level of performance needed to be maintained for the on-going normal operation. This requirement resulted in a system that needed to be designed for 10 bar operating pressure.

AMAZON FILTERS SIDE STREAM FILTRATION

62 SERIES HOUSINGS 61 SERIES HOUSINGS DRAIN VALVES, PRESSURE GAUGES AUTOVENTS HIGH TEMPERATURE AND LOW TEMPERATURE SUPAGARD FILTER CARTRIDGES

3 3 3 3 3

PROJECT CHALLENGES To achieve the rapid clean up the system needed to be designed for a higher than usual flow rate and the system required operation at this elevated flow rate on an on-going basis. The specially designed system then needed to be delivered in a short period of time.

Amazon Filters Ltd. Albany Park Estate, Frimley Road, Camberley, Surrey GU16 7PG UK Tel: +44 (0) 1276 670600 www.amazonfilters.com

SIDE STREAM FILTRATION CASE STUDY

CHILLED WATER (CHW) AND LOW TEMPERATURE HOT WATER (LTHW) SIDE STREAM FILTERS FOR STATE STREET BANK CRITICAL DATA CENTRE

“

Amazon manufactured and delivered filters on time to ensure project deadlines were met.

This was particularly vital with limited site access to the data centre. Amazon Filters has also continued to provide a high level of onsite support to help ensure efficient operation of the installed equipment and therefore the critical environment management systems.

“

Project Manager

CLIENT

BUILDING LOCATION

SECTOR

State Street Bank

Canary Wharf, London

Financial Services

ABOUT THE PROJECT Chilled Water (CHW) and Low Temperature Hot Water (LTHW) Side Stream filters were specified by State Street Bank to ensure accurate temperature control at their high profile data centre.

The CHW system volume was unusually large and contained in excess of 200,000 litres of fluid. One part of the circuit was classified ‘Critical’, therefore required the installation of a booster pump to ensure zero fluid loss and to maintain maximum operating efficiency. Duplicate filter housings were fitted in parallel for the primary circuit to ensure optimum cleanliness of the bulk fluid.

AMAZON FILTERS SIDE STREAM FILTRATION

61 SERIES HOUSINGS HIGH TEMPERATURE AND LOW TEMPERATURE SUPAGARD FILTER CARTRIDGES DRAIN VALVES PRESSURE GAUGES AUTOMATIC VENT VALVE

3 3 3 3 3

PROJECT CHALLENGES Due to the critical nature of this building the use of special flushing filters were required to ensure a high level of cleanliness within the system before fitting operational filter cartridges. Access to the plant room was only possible for a limited period of time and therefore meeting project deadlines was vital to its successful completion.

Amazon Filters Ltd. Albany Park Estate, Frimley Road, Camberley, Surrey GU16 7PG UK Tel: +44 (0) 1276 670600 www.amazonfilters.com

SIDE STREAM FILTRATION CASE STUDY

SIDE STREAM FILTRATION FOR CLIMATE CONTROL WATER SYSTEM AT JP MORGAN’S EUROPEAN HEADQUARTERS

“

Despite needing special high pressure filter housings Amazon manufactured and delivered what we needed on time to ensure project deadlines were maintained.

They also offered substantial on-site support during installation, flushing and commissioning ensuring a successful conclusion.

“

Site Project Manager

CLIENT

DATE

BUILDING LOCATION

SECTOR

J.P Morgan

Feb/March 2012

Canary Wharf - London

Financial Services

ABOUT THE PROJECT Side Stream filters for the Chilled water (CHW) and Condensate systems were specified by the Consulting Engineering Company to ensure reliable and accurate temperature control at J.P. Morgan’s high profile European Headquarters. This is a critical requirement as the building is the home of significant amounts of electronic data.

AMAZON FILTERS SIDE STREAM FILTRATION

SPECIAL HIGH PRESSURE 60 SERIES HOUSINGS 20 MICRON SUPAGARD DEPTH FILTERS VENT AND DRAIN VALVES PRESSURE GAUGES

3 3 3 3

The system volume was in excess of 250,000 litres of glycol therefore 10 filter housings were located at various points and levels throughout the building, operating at significant working pressures of 10 – 24 bar. Due to the high flow rate involved a 5% sidestream flow was specified.

PROJECT CHALLENGES Due to location and building construction the main plant room was located below ground therefore a number of the filter housings were required to operate at 24 bar working pressure, much higher than typically found in these systems.

Amazon Filters Ltd. Albany Park Estate, Frimley Road, Camberley, Surrey GU16 7PG UK Tel: +44 (0) 1276 670600 www.amazonfilters.com