Posted on April 27, 2022April 27, 2022 by Enrich Products, Inc

How was Silver Used for Water Purification?

Ancient Romans were known for building complex aqueducts that provided water for their people. With water coming from various water sources, it is vital to maintain water safety.

The Ancient Romans exploited the germicide and preservative properties of silver. In addition to building filtration for water purification using settling basins to remove impurities in the water, Romans would also use silver to extend the freshness of food and drink.

Archaeological research shows that silver has been used to treat water
for over 5,000 years.

By using silver vessels for drinking and dropping silver coins into barrels of water and milk, the Ancient Romans preserved drinks and increased water safety on long journeys.

Silver’s Antiseptic and Antibacterial Properties

Today, we refer to cutlery as “silverware,” which stems from the use of utensils made from actual silver. The use of silver was more than a display of wealth.

You may have heard how ancient cultures believed in silver’s ability to detox poison.

There are records of people using silverware in the hopes of staving off the disease during the Bubonic Plague in the middle ages.
In the 1800s, doctors used silver sutures and nitrate topically for burns and infected wounds due to its ability to reduce inflammation.
During World War I, soldiers carried leaves of silver dressings to treat injuries.

Even though the advent of antibiotics has replaced silver as a more effective treatment, silver nitrate continues to be used today in a more sophisticated manner to help cauterize and heal wounds faster.

In addition to using silver for medical treatments, scientists have also come up with agion silver, a compound primarily made of silver ions, which can be activated by the moisture from a person’s hand to kill bacteria on the touched surface. This makes agion silver the ideal material for door knobs, railing, and other high-touch elements in facilities with a high-risk germ transmission.

From battlefield medical treatments to new materials for door knobs, from eating utensils to water purification, silver has helped to improve people’s lives and health.

Copper-Silver Ionization Takes Disinfecting Water and Water Purification to a New Level

The use of silver to kill bacteria is not new, but we continue to find new ways to maximize its antibacterial powers. As a Legionella control expert In the water treatment field with over 20 years of experience, Enrich Products, Inc. (EPI) is proud of our Copper-SIlver Ionization water treatment system.

Copper-Silver Ionization systems generate a safe amount of copper and silver ions to kill Legionella bacteria in potable water and maintain safe water for all purposes.

Check out our website to learn more about how Copper-Silver Ionization controls Legionella or how our EPI systems are simpler, safer, and more effective than others.

Contact our experts to discuss your water treatment needs and get a free site assessment.

Posted on February 16, 2022February 16, 2022 by Enrich Products, Inc

Out with the Old, In with EPI’s Water Treatment System

Enrich Products Ionization Water Treatment System Electrode Cells

Enrich Products Inc. (EPI) is known amongst the Legionella water treatment companies as a technology innovator. We pride ourselves on the quality of our water treatment system. One of the most exciting things for us is to help improve Legionella control by upgrading our clients’ older models to our modern water treatment equipment.

Our experienced technicians recently completed a full system replacement at one of our client’s facilities. This project reminded us to talk about the importance of upgrading your system.

Why is it Important to Upgrade your Water Treatment System?

Technology for all purposes has advanced rapidly in recent years; water treatment technology is no exception. Newer water treatment systems are developed to better control water quality with practical features simplifying the water management process and maintenance.

Just like an old computer becomes slow and inefficient, your old water treatment system and equipment will need to be replaced with a safer, simpler, and more effective model as time passes. We are confident in providing useful advice and the best experience before, during, and after installing our newest water treatment model. We have also helped clients seamlessly transition into EPI’s water treatment system from other brands.

EPI’s Approach to Replacing Water Treatment Systems

Starting EPI water treatment system installation — Starting customized EPI system installation

Replacing older equipment can be a long process. Working with our client’s schedule and staff capacity, we often replace one water treatment system at a time as our clients get the next area ready.

Going on-site gives us a complete picture of where to connect digital flowmeters and an opportunity to optimize the EPI water treatment system by checking valves, pumps, and temperatures. We provided a free site survey to size and chose the right water treatment equipment for our client’s facility. During the on-site survey, we also decide where to place the Copper-Silver Ionization system, which enables simple, safe, and effective Legionella control throughout the water system.

One of our recent replacement projects was a client wanting to replace a competitor’s equipment with EPI’s newest water treatment system. They wanted to replace an outdated controller and electrode cell with plastic bodies.

We didn’t have to identify the system’s location for this client as the placement of the existing equipment already determined it. EPI’s technician first removed the old electrode cells then made space for our new equipment and water treatment system while utilizing as much of the old unistrut framing as possible.

We added two additional electrode cells to the new system, which required building new supports on the unistrut, new piping, and new isolation valves. The addition of isolation valves makes working on the electrode cells and checking their status easier. It also allows our client to turn off the water and drain the cell before pulling it out of the plumbing system whenever they do maintenance, repair, or replacement.

System Replacement Results

Finished customized EPI water treatment system installation — Finished customized EPI system installation

We uninstalled their old systems and replaced them with EPI systems. Our client now has improved water treatment efficiency, better oversight of their plumbing system, and improved internet monitoring and control.

Outfitted with EPI’s sleek modern equipment, we are sure this client can pass a water risk assessment with flying colors, improve the water management process, and is all set to control Legionella in their water system for years to come.

Want to improve your facilities’ water quality and replace your current water treatment system? Contact the experts at EPI for a free site assessment. We’ll share the importance of choosing an affordable, safe, and simple water treatment for Legionella prevention.

Posted on December 10, 2021February 16, 2022 by Enrich Products, Inc

What Are My Options for Legionella Remediation?

woman drinking clean water free of legionella

When you send out your water samples to get tested, the last thing you want is to receive a positive Legionella test result. When Legionella is detected in your potable water system, you need to act quickly to protect your facility and the people using your water for drinking, cleaning, and bathing.

Why should you trust copper-silver ionization over other modalities of remediation? In this article, we’re discussing traditional remediation methods and their disadvantages.

Heat Your Water

High water temperatures can kill Legionella bacteria, but only if the water can reach at least 160℉ for a sustained period. This solution doesn’t have a wide range of applications because it is hard to achieve in regular facilities and could cause potential burn hazards for your water users, including staff, residents, customers, or patients.

This method may seem inexpensive but comes with hidden costs from the extreme temperatures, pipe damage, and heater recovery time. It is also difficult to maintain proper temperatures over time in complex plumbing systems with sensor faucets, cross-connects, and mixing valves.

Install Filters for Quick Legionella Remediation

Micron filters can trap Legionella bacteria if they are .2 microns. Point-of-use filters can be installed directly on a sink or in-line to catch bacteria before it reaches the faucet fixture.

Filters are an effective Legionella control method, but they are expensive and can clog easily, requiring frequent replacements and attention.

Halogen-based Chemical Water Treatment

One of the most popular Legionella remediation methods is halogen-based chemical water treatment. Chlorine dioxide and chloramine are the major disinfectants used to control Legionella. However, you shouldn’t ignore the risk of using these powerful chemicals.

Halogen-based chemicals are volatile, often requiring daily testing and monitoring to control the dosage in water systems. When circulating hot water loops, high temperatures will also impact the chemical levels and create inconsistency. Even with regular testing and strict monitoring, some people are more sensitive to chemicals and changes in their environment. Certain chemicals make rubber fittings commonly found in flush valves, faucets, and some pipe connections brittle.

Use Copper-Silver Ionization to Control Legionella

Copper-Silver Ionization is one of the safest and most effective methods to treat and control Legionella in drinking water. It is recognized by the World Health Organization and the United States Environmental Protection Agency for controlling Legionella within potable water distribution networks in large-scale facilities for both long and short-term remediation.

Copper-Silver Ionization water treatment has a low human toxicity rating, which means the treated water is safe to handle and consume. The Copper-Silver Ionization water system and equipment are durable, long-lasting, and require minimal maintenance. This method also provides quick and long-term Legionella remediation when an issue occurs. The EPI team can even be on-site and resolve Legionella issues within 24-48 hours anywhere within the United States.

While the traditional methods of remediation may seem effective, they each have their downfalls. Superheating is inefficient and costly, filters clog frequently, and halogen-based chemicals are dangerous.

Want to improve your facilities’ water quality? Contact the experts at EPI for a free site assessment and learn more about the importance of choosing an affordable, safe, and simple water treatment for Legionella prevention!

Category: Legionella