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SECTION 15189 - HVAC WATER TREATMENT

PART 1 - GENERAL

0.1 RELATED DOCUMENTS

A. Drawings and general provisions of the Contract, including Conditions of Contract and
Division 1 Specification Sections, apply to this Section.

0.2 SUMMARY

A. This Section includes cleaning and water-treatment systems for the following:

1. Chilled-water piping (closed-loop system).

2. Condenser water piping (open system).

B. Related Sections include the following:

1. Division 15 Section "Water Softeners" for water treatment in hydronic piping.

0.3 CHEMICAL FEED SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

A. Closed-Loop System: One bypass feeder on each system with isolating and drain valves
downstream from circulating pumps, unless otherwise indicated.

1. Introduce chemical treatment through bypass feeder when required or indicated by

test.

B. Open-Loop Systems for Air Washers, Evaporative Condensers, and Cooling Towers: PVC
tubing with hole to feed chemical.

1. Conductivity controller samples sump water when activated by pump and operates
solenoid bleed-off valve in line to drain.

C. Open-Loop, Condenser Water Piping: Pump sequestering agent and corrosion inhibitor
from solution tank into condenser water supply to tower. Use agitator as required.

1. Intermittently feed biocide to condenser water to achieve a toxic level of the chemical
to kill the organism present.
2. Change biocides periodically to avoid chemical immunity.
3. Activate chemical solution pump from water meter in makeup water line to cooling
tower when condenser water pumps are running.
4. Automatically feed chemical with electronic solid-state controllers.
5. Deactivate solution pump and signal alarm by a liquid-level switch in each solution
tank on low chemicals.

0.4 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

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A. Maintain water quality for HVAC systems that controls corrosion and build-up of scale and
biological growth for maximum efficiency of installed equipment without posing a hazard
to operating personnel or the environment.

B. Base chemical treatment performance requirements on quality of water available at Project

site, HVAC system equipment material characteristics and functional performance
characteristics, operating personnel capabilities, and specified requirements and guidelines
of authorities having jurisdiction.

1. Closed System: Maintain system essentially free of scale, corrosion, and fouling to
sustain the following water characteristics:

a. pH: 8.5 to 10.5.

b. Corrosion rate of following metals shall not exceed specified mm per year
penetration:

1) Ferrous: 0.5.
2) Brass: 0.2.
3) Copper: 0.15.

c. Inhibitor shall be stable at equipment skin surface temperatures and bulk water
temperatures of, respectively, not less than 121 deg. C (250 degrees F) and 52
deg. C (125 deg. F.).
d. Heat exchanger fouling and capacity reduction shall not exceed that allowed by
fouling factor 0.0005.

2. Small, Open Systems for Air Washers, Evaporative Condensers, and Cooling Towers:
Maintain system essentially free of scale, total suspended solids, and fouling to
sustain the following water characteristics:

a. Iron: Less than (feedwater iron x concentration factor).

b. pH: 7.5 to 8.5.

3. Condenser Water, Medium-to-Large Cooling Tower System: Maintain system

essentially free of scale and total suspended solids to sustain the following water
characteristics:

a. Calcium Balance: 90 to 100 percent.

b. Water Concentration: Not more than 6.
c. Iron: Less than (feedwater iron x concentration factor).
d. pH: 7.5 to 8.5.

0.5 SUBMITTALS

A. Installer Qualifications: Submit names and qualifications of the installer agency. Submit
information on 3 recently completed projects. Submit list of proposed equipment.

B. Product Data: Include rated capacities; water-pressure drops; shipping, installed, and
operating weights; and furnished products listed below:

1. Pumps.
2. Chemical solution tanks.
3. Agitators.
4. Control equipment and devices.

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5. Test equipment.
6. Chemicals.
7. Filters.
8. Chemical feeders.

C. Shop Drawings: Detail equipment assemblies indicating dimensions, weights, loads,

required clearances, method of field assembly, components, and location and size of each
field connection.

1. Wiring Diagrams: Detail power and control wiring and differentiate between
manufacturer-installed and field-installed wiring.

D. Water Analysis Verification: Submit a copy of the water analysis certificate to illustrate
water quality available at Project site.

E. Field Test Reports: Indicate and interpret test results for compliance with performance
requirements.

F. Maintenance Data: For pumps, agitators, filters, system controls, and accessories to include
in maintenance manuals specified in Division 1.

0.6 QUALITY ASSURANCE

A. Installer Qualifications: Provide the services of an experienced water treatment chemical

engineer or authorized technical representative of the chemical treatment manufacturer for
both installation and maintenance of chemical treatment equipment required for this Project.
The installer should direct installation, flushing, cleaning, pre-treatment, training,
debugging, and acceptance testing operations; direct and perform chemical limit control
during construction period and monitor systems for a period of 12 months after acceptance,
including not less than 4 written status reports.

B. Field Quality Control and Certified Laboratory Reports: During the 1 year guarantee period,
the water treatment installer shall provide not less than 12 reports based on on-site periodic
visits, sample taking and testing, and review with the Engineer, of water treatment control
for the previous period. These monitoring reports shall assess chemical treatment accuracy,
scale formation, fouling, and corrosion control, and shall contain instructions for the
correction of any out-of-control condition.

C. Log Forms: Provide 1 year’s supply of preprinted water treatment test log forms.

D. When water treatment is specified, the use of chemical-treatment products containing

hexavalent chromium (Cr) is prohibited.

E. Electrical Components, Devices, and Accessories: Listed and labeled as defined in

NFPA 70, Article 100, by a testing agency acceptable to the Engineer.

0.7 MAINTENANCE

A. Scope of Service: Provide chemicals and service program for maintaining optimum
conditions in the circulating water for inhibiting corrosion, scale, and organic growths in the
[cooling, chilled-water piping] [condenser water piping] and equipment. Services and
chemicals shall be provided for a period of 1 year from date of Substantial Completion,
including the following:

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1. Initial water analysis and recommendations.

2. Startup assistance.
3. Periodic field service and consultation.
4. Customer report charts and log sheets.
5. Laboratory technical assistance.
6. Analyses and reports of all chemical items concerning safety and compliance with
government regulations.

PART 2 - PRODUCTS

0.1 CHEMICAL FEEDING EQUIPMENT

A. Bypass Feeders: Cast iron or steel, for introducing chemicals into system; with funnel
shutoff valve on top, air-release valve on top, drain valve on bottom, and recirculating
shutoff valves on sides.

1. Capacity: 19 L.
2. Working Pressure: 1210 kPa.

B. Drip Feeders: Plastic reservoir with capillary tubing probe, weight, charging syringe, and
clip.

C. Positive-Displacement Diaphragm Pump: Simplex, self-priming, rated for intended

chemical with 25 percent safety factor for design pressure and temperature.

1. Adjustable flow rate.

2. Thermoplastic construction.
3. Fully enclosed, continuous-duty, 230-V, 50 Hz single-phase motor.
4. Built-in relief valve.

D. Positive-Displacement Piston Pump: Metal and thermoplastic construction.

1. Fully enclosed, continuous-duty, 230-V, 50 Hz single-phase motor.

2. Built-in relief valve.

E. Chemical Solution Tanks: Chemical-resistant reservoirs fabricated from high-density

opaque polyethylene with graduated markings.

1. Molded fiberglass cover with recess for mounting pump, agitator, and liquid-level
switch.
2. Capacity: 189 L .

F. Agitator: Direct drive, 1450 rpm, mounted on tank with angle adjustment.

1. Fully enclosed, continuous-duty, 230-V50 Hz single-phase motor.

2. Stainless-steel clamp and motor mount, with stainless-steel shaft and propeller.

G. Liquid-Level Switch: Polypropylene housing, integrally mounted PVC air trap, receptacles
for connection to metering pump, and low-level alarm.

H. Packaged Conductivity Controller: Solid-state circuitry, 5 percent accuracy, linear dial

adjustment, built-in calibration switch, on-off switch and light, control-function light, output
to control circuit, and recorder.

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I. Cold-Water Meter: Positive-displacement type with sealed, tamperproof magnetic drive;

impulse contact register; single-pole, double-throw, dry-contact switch.

1. [Rotating-disc] [Turbine] type with bronze or cast-iron body rated for 860 kPa.
2. Magnetic-drive or mechanical-impulse contactor matched to signal receiver.
3. At least six-digit totalizers.
4. 230-V ac.

J. Solenoid Valves: Forged-brass body, globe pattern, and general-purpose solenoid enclosure
with 230-V, continuous-duty coil.

K. Electronic Timers: 150-second and 5-minute ranges, with infinite adjustment over full
range, and mounted in cabinet with hand-off-auto switches and status lights.

L. Chemical Tubing: Schedule 40, PVC with solvent-cement joints; or polypropylene tubing

with heat fusion.

M. Plastic Ball Valves: Rigid PVC or CPVC body, integral union ends, and
polytetrafluoroethylene seats and seals.

N. Plastic-Body Strainer: Rigid PVC or CPVC with cleanable stainless-steel strainer element.

O. Water-Treatment Control Panel: Incorporate solid-state integrated circuits and digital LED
displays, in NEMA 250, Type 12 enclosure with gasketed and lockable door.

1. Control dissolved solids, based on conductivity, and include the following:

a. Digital readout display.

b. Temperature-compensated sensor probe adaptable to sample stream manifold.
c. High, low, and normal conductance indicator lights.
d. High or low conductance alarm light, trip points field adjustable; with silence
switch.
e. Hand-off-auto switch for solenoid bleed-off valve.
f. Bleed-off light to indicate valve operation.
g. Internal adjustable hysteresis or dead band.

2. Control inhibitor feeding, based on makeup volume, and include the following:

a. Solid-state reset counter (accumulator), with selections from 1 to 15.

b. Solid-state timer, adjustable from 15 to 300 seconds.
c. Test switch.
d. Hand-off-auto switch for chemical pump.
e. Illuminated legend to indicate feed when pump is activated.
f. Solid-state lockout timer, adjustable from 15 to 180 minutes, with indicator
light. Lockout timer to deactivate the pump and activate alarm circuits.
g. Electromechanical-type, panel-mounted makeup totalizer to measure amount
of makeup water.

3. Control biocide with an adjustable time programmer and include the following:

a. 24-hour timer with 14-day skip feature to permit activation any hour of day.
b. Precision, solid-state, bleed-off lockout timer (0 to 9 hours) and clock-
controlled biocide pump timer (0 to 2 ½ hours). Prebleed and bleed lockout.
c. Solid-state alternator to enable the use of 2 different formulations.
d. 24-hour digital display of time of day.

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e. 14-day LED display of day of week.

f. Fast and slow internal clock set controls.
g. Battery backup so clock is not disturbed by power outages.
h. Quartz timekeeping accuracy.
i. Hand-off-auto switches for biocide pumps.
j. Biocide A and Biocide B illuminated legends to indicate pump is running.

0.2 CHEMICAL TREATMENT TEST EQUIPMENT

A. Test Kit: Manufacturer recommended equipment and chemicals, in a carrying case, for
testing pH, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, biocount, chloride, and total alkalinity
and for calcium hardness field tests.

B. Corrosion Test Coupon Assembly: Constructed of corrosion material, complete with

piping, valves, and mild steel and copper coupons. Locate copper coupon downstream from
mild steel coupon in the test coupon assembly.

1. 2 station rack for closed-loop systems.

2. 4 4-station rack for open condenser water systems.

0.3 CHEMICALS

A. Furnish chemicals recommended by water-treatment system manufacturer that are

compatible with piping system components and connected equipment.

B. System Cleaner: Liquid alkaline compound with emulsifying agents and detergents to
remove grease and petroleum products.

C. Biocide: Chlorine release agents or microbiocides.

D. Closed-Loop, Water Piping Chemicals: Sequestering agent to reduce deposits and adjust
pH, corrosion inhibitors, and conductivity enhancers.

E. Open-Loop, Condenser Water Piping Chemicals: Sequestering agent to inhibit scaling, acid
to reduce alkalinity and pH, corrosion inhibitor, and biocide.

F. Open-Loop Piping Chemicals Serving Evaporative Condensers, Small Cooling Towers, and
Liquid Coolers: Sequestering agent to inhibit scaling, corrosion inhibitor, and biocide
nonoxidizing.

0.4 CONDENSER WATER FILTRATION UNIT

A. Description: Filtration unit, including sand filter, filter pump, strainer, and controls; factory
assembled, piped, and wired; mounted to steel skid.

B. Sand Filter: Glass-fiber-reinforced polyester tank, internal distribution piping, differential

gage panel, manual and automatic pressure relief valves, backwash valve, and backwash
sight tube with mechanical seal; graded silica sand installed according to manufacturer's
written instructions.

C. Filter shall be designed for a filter rate of up to 20 GPM per square foot of filter area or
0.045 ft/s, and a backwash rate of 15 GPM per square foot of filter area (0.033 ft/s).

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D. Pump: All-bronze, centrifugal filter pump with totally enclosed, fan-cooled motor; strainer
mounted on pump suction; and manually reset, motor-overload switch with pilot light.

E. Backwash Control: Automatic, with time clocks and differential pressure switches;
mounted in NEMA 250, Type 4 control panel; factory wired for single, external electrical
connection.

0.5 CHEMICAL TREATMENT FOR CLOSED LOOP SYSTEMS

A. The water treatment system shall be capable of automatically feeding chemicals and
bleeding the system to prevent corrosion, scale, and biological formations. Automatic
chemical feed systems shall automatically feed chemicals into the chilled water based on
varying system conditions. Chilled water quality at selected locations as directed by The
Engineer shall be automatically monitored by the system.

B. Performance: Protect various wetted, coupled materials of construction including ferrous,

and red and yellow metals. Maintain system essentially free of scale, corrosion, and fouling.
Corrosion rate of following metals shall not exceed specified mm per year penetration;
ferrous, 0.5; brass, 0.2; copper, 0.15. Inhibitor shall be stable at equipment skin surface
temperatures and bulk water temperatures of, respectively, not less than 121 deg. C (250
deg. F) and 52 deg. C (126 deg. F). Heat exchanger fouling and capacity reduction shall not
exceed that allowed by fouling factor 0.0005.

C. Inhibitor: Provide sodium silicate, sodium nitrite/borate, or other approved proprietary

compound suitable for make-up quality and make-up rate and which will cause or enhance
bacteria/corrosion problems or mechanical seal failure due to excessive total dissolved
solids. Shot feed manually. Maintain inhibitor residual as determined by water treatment
laboratory, taking into consideration residual and temperature effect on pump mechanical
seals.

D. pH Control: Inhibitor formulation shall include adequate buffer to maintain pH range of 8.0
to 10.0.

E. Pot Feeder: Bypass type for chemical treatment schedule 3.5 mm (10 gauge) heads, 20 mm
system connections and large neck opening for chemical addition. Feeders shall be 7.6 L (2
gallon) minimum size for hot water heating systems and 18.9 L (5 gallon) for chilled water
systems.

F. Filtration Unit For Closed Loop Systems: Stainless-steel housing and polypropylene filter
with polypropylene core, filter media shall be compatible with glycol and water-treatment
chemicals used in the system. Filter media for sediment removal service shall be rated at 98
percent efficiency for 20-micrometer particulate. Maximum pressure drop of 13.8 kPa at
design flow rate when clean, and maximum pressure drop of 172 kPa when dirty. A constant
flow rate valve shall be provided in the piping to the filter. Inlet and outlet pressure gages
shall be provided to monitor filter condition.

PART 3 - EXECUTION

0.1 WATER ANALYSIS

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A. Perform an analysis of supply water to determine the type and quantities of chemical
treatment needed to maintain the water quality as specified in "Performance Requirements"
Article.

B. The chilled and condenser water shall be analyzed a minimum of once a month from the
date of substantial completion till the final handover by the installer water treatment
company.

0.2 INSTALLATION

A. Install treatment equipment level and plumb.

B. Add cleaning chemicals as recommended by manufacturer.

C. Delivery and Storage: Deliver all chemicals in manufacturer's sealed shipping containers.
Store in designated space and protect from deleterious exposure and hazardous spills.

D. Install equipment furnished by the chemical treatment supplier and charge systems
according to the manufacturer's instructions and as directed by the Engineer.

0.3 CONNECTIONS

A. Piping installation requirements are specified in other Division 15 Sections. Drawings

indicate general arrangement of piping, fittings, and specialties.

B. Install piping adjacent to equipment to allow service and maintenance.

C. Confirm applicable electrical requirements in Division 16 Sections for connecting electrical

equipment.

D. Ground equipment.

1. Tighten electrical connectors and terminals according to manufacturer's published

torque-tightening values. If manufacturer's torque values are not indicated, use those
specified in UL 486A and UL 486B.

0.4 FIELD QUALITY CONTROL

A. Engage a factory-authorized service representative to perform startup service.

1. Inspect field-assembled components and equipment installation, including piping and

electrical connections. Report results in writing.
2. Inspect piping and equipment to determine that systems and equipment have been
cleaned, flushed, and filled with water, and are fully operational before introducing
chemicals for water-treatment system.
3. Place HVAC water-treatment system into operation and calibrate controls during the
preliminary phase of HVAC systems' startup procedures.

B. Test chemical feed piping as follows:

1. Do not enclose, cover, or put piping into operation until it is tested and satisfactory
test results are achieved.

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2. Test for leaks and defects. If testing is performed in segments, submit a separate
report for each test, complete with diagram of portion of piping tested.
3. Leave uncovered and unconcealed new, altered, extended, and replaced water piping
until it has been tested and approved. Expose work that has been covered or
concealed before it has been tested and approved.
4. Cap and subject piping to static water pressure of 345 kPa above operating pressure,
without exceeding pressure rating of piping system materials. Isolate test source and
allow test pressure to stand for 4 hours. Leaks and loss in test pressure constitute
defects.
5. Repair leaks and defects with new materials and retest piping until satisfactory results
are obtained.
6. Prepare test reports, including required corrective action.

0.5 ADJUSTING

A. Occupancy Adjustments: Within 12 months of Substantial Completion, perform 2 separate

water analyses to prove that automatic chemical feed systems are maintaining water quality
within performance requirements specified in this Section. Perform analyses at least 60
days apart. Submit written reports of water analysis.

0.6 DEMONSTRATION

A. Engage a factory-authorized service representative to train the Employer's maintenance

personnel to adjust, operate, and maintain HVAC water-treatment systems and equipment.
Refer to Division 1 Section "[Demonstration and Training] [Closeout Procedures]."

1. Schedule at least eight (8) hours of training.

2. Review manufacturer's safety data sheets for handling of chemicals.
3. Review data in maintenance manuals, especially data on recommended parts
inventory and supply sources and on availability of parts and service.

END OF SECTION 15189

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