Reduced surface tension improves system efficiency

20 December 2016

The efficiency of heat transfer from a heating fluid in radiators, air handling units and heat exchangers is influenced significantly by the condition of the heat exchange surfaces.

Anything that reduces the contact between the heating fluid and the inner surface of the heat exchanger will inevitably reduce the rate of heat transfer.

This is a well-recognised phenomenon and common procedures to mitigate it include power-flushing to remove sludge and scale and the addition of inhibitors to prevent further scale formation.

However, even in the cleanest, scale-free wet heating system there will be microscopic crevices and imperfections on the internal heat exchange surfaces.

These effectively create gaps between the heating fluid and the heat exchange surface – gaps that the heating fluid is normally unable to enter because of its natural water surface tension.

Now, a heating system additive called EndoTherm (recently the recipient of CIBSE’s 2016 Energy Efficiency Award) reduces the surface tension within the fluid, enabling it to fill these ‘micro-gaps’ and make closer contact with the heat exchange surface.

Qualifying organisations can take part in a free pilot programme to evaluate the effectiveness of Endotherm (see below).

EndoTherm, is an organic based inert system additive that is fully compatible with existing heating inhibitors and heating system water treatment. Typical dosage to the system would be 1% of the total system volume, and will not require further dosing for 5 years under normal system conditions.

Independent ‘in field’ verification on over 50 projects has demonstrated energy savings of between 10% and 25% and paybacks typically within two years.

These projects involved many different building types, ranging from schools and leisure centres to offices and care homes.

System efficiency

As a result of the improved heat transfer, set-point temperatures within the heated spaces can be achieved more quickly so that plant usage and fuel consumption are reduced.

In addition, the increased heat transfer can result in lower return water temperatures (delta T) to the plant room to support improved condensing by condensing boilers.

Low return water temperatures may also help to improve the efficiency of low carbon heat sources such as heat pumps and CHP.

Sabien Technology is the exclusive UK distributor of EndoTherm for commercial multi-site applications and is offering a free pilot programme of EndoTherm this heating season to assist organisations trial and identify potential energy savings from installing the fluid in their estate.

A dual pilot programme with both Endotherm and Sabien’s M2G boiler load optimisation controls is also available.