Take control of limescale prevention with the new improved KalGUARD®

Sentinel Commercial’s scientifically proven solution to protecting commercial hot water systems from limescale, KalGUARD®, has recently undergone a programme of development, making it easier to install and operate than ever before. This innovative, cost-effective device uses electrolytic technology recommended by the Compliance Guide to Part L to permanently prevent limescale build up, and boasts significant cost, energy and water savings over other limescale solutions. As a result, KalGUARD® is already installed in thousands of commercial facilities across the UK, including those belonging to leading supermarkets, major hotel chains, international fast food outlets, universities, offices and hospitals, to list but a few. The updates, which include a simplified, intuitive user interface on the controller and a four line, organic LED display, ensures KalGUARD® is set to be more desirable than ever.

EASY INSTALLATION AND OPERATION

Fitted on a rising main before tank and booster sets to offer whole system protection, the WRAS-approved KalGUARD® system was already straightforward to install, but its new features have been designed to fine-tune and speed the process further. From an installer’s perspective, a number of small changes to the design have made a big difference. For example, the inclusion of a wall mounting template simplifies the correct positioning of drilled holes, while easier access to screw points reduces the chance of dropping and losing screws. Furthermore, a new dedicated terminal access bay is not only clearly labelled, but delicate PCB components have been protected from accidental damage caused by a slipped screwdriver, for instance.

Initial set-up is faster and more straightforward too, thanks to an easy-access, single-screw controller cover, a simplified and improved user guide, and a new intuitive user interface that’s without fiddly dials or current value tables – but which conveniently includes Sentinel’s up-to-date contact details. Ultimately, the new design features relating to initial set-up ensure that the risk of errors is minimised, and time spent on the job can be reduced.

Once KalGUARD® has been set-up, the chance of alteration by non-qualified staff is reduced by the addition of tamper proof screws, and health and safety considerations have been improved too, since the wiring can only be accessed using a special tool.

A four line, organic LED display ensures that values are easy to read in low light conditions or from a distance, which is handy since the units are often installed in awkward locations. In addition, the controller technology enables future firmware updates from Sentinel to be effected speedily, with minimal disruption and down time on site. Finally, the addition of an optional BMS pulse splitter enables water usage to be monitored by the building management system.

The rise in the product’s popularity as a solution to limescale prevention in smaller sized commercial facilities (for example, one of the world’s largest and most influential fast food chains is currently installing KalGUARD® at a number of outlets) has also led to significant updates to the 22mm KalGUARD® unit. The system will now include an anode unit, filter and controller – the latter is set up as a ‘plug and play’ solution for an incredibly fast installation process.

A PROVEN AND RECOMMENDED TECHNOLOGY

Usually specified in areas where the water hardness is 200ppm or more (these levels are found in water supplied to around 65% of the population of England), KalGUARD® can help protect both new and existing systems from limescale build-up. KalGUARD® permanently ‘conditions’ water by dosing it with a very low level of stable zinc via an electrolytic process that uses a zinc anode and a copper cathode. This forces naturally-occurring calcium carbonate crystals to form as soft, non-deposit-forming aragonite rather than into hard, deposit-forming calcite (limescale).

Independent tests carried out at Cranfield University have proven KalGUARD®’s ability to reduce limescale. Furthermore, electrolytic technology is recommended by the Compliance Guide to Part L of the UK Building Regulations for the control of limescale, unlike devices using magnetic, impulse field and electronic technologies, all of which are supported by claims that are difficult to validate.

COST AND WATER SAVINGS

In comparison with traditional, salt-based water softeners, KalGUARD® boasts significant savings on consumables, maintenance and water. With KalGUARD®, neither salt nor water for regeneration is required, while maintenance requirements are minimal. The filter simply needs to be flushed periodically – twice a year is recommended, though this can be covered by a technical field service contract if required*. The zinc anode has a lifespan of approximately 12 years, after which time the anode may require replacement to maintain optimum performance. As a result, a 42mm KalGUARD® system could represent savings of over £4,200 per year in comparison with a similarly sized, salt-based water softener. ROI is typically less than 12 months.

“KalGUARD® was already easy to install in a day – with two men usually taking between four and eight hours to complete the job – but the recent adjustments we have made to the product’s design will ensure the reduction of both installation time and the margin for error,” commented Ian Barnes, Head of Sentinel Commercial. “Given the compelling financial argument, and the fact that this electrolytic solution to limescale protection has been scientifically proven, it’s no surprise that increasing numbers of large corporations are investing in KalGUARD®.”

KalGUARD® is available in eight sizes ranging from 22mm to 108mm.

*Whenever a service agreement is concluded, Sentinel will offer an additional 12 month warranty on the KalGUARD® product, on top of the standard 24 month warranty when KalGUARD® is commissioned by Sentinel.