Water Treatment with Copper & Silver
How does it work?
Copper silver ionisation is a water treatment method that removes bacteria based on the purifying effect of copper and silver ions. These ions control growth and disarm harmful bacteria in drinking water installations, such as Pseudomonas, Legionella, and E. coli.
The 3 step water treatment process of copper silver ionisation is described below.
Ionisation
A small electric current passes through the copper and silver electrodes. The silver (Ag+) and copper (Cu2+) ions are released in the drinking water installation. These ions are transported throughout the entire system and stay active for up to 6 weeks.
Contact
The dissolved ions get into contact with the micro-organisms. These micro-organisms can be bacteria, but also viruses, parasites, and fungi. The contamination is controlled in the most inaccessible places, it needs the flow and diffusion in the water to deliver the ions.
Disruption
The copper and silver ions have a synergistic effect to disarm the bacteria, stop growth, and obstruct biofilm production. This is done in three ways, which are illustrated on the right: a) attack the cell membrane, b) distort the proteins, and c) disrupt the reproductive system.
Want to dive deeper into Copper Silver Ionisation?
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Compare Water Treatment Techniques
Chlorine Dioxide
- Smell, taste, or health issues
- Not active in entire installation
- Residual effect (>6 weeks)
- Affected by temperature
- Does not remove Biofilm
- Corrosive
Copper Silver Ionisation
- No smell, taste, or health issues
- Active in entire installation
- No residual effect (>6 weeks)
- Not affected by temperature
- Removes Biofilm
- Non-corrosive
Thermal Treatment
- Smell, taste, or health issues
- Not active in entire installation
- Residual effect (>6 weeks)
- Affected by temperature
- Does not remove Biofilm
- Corrosive
Dimensions: 55 x 20 x 12 cm
Weight: 4,5 kg
Further information can be found on the ICA ONE Productsheet.
Besides the Legionella bacteria, copper silver ionisation also combats E. coli, Hepatitis A and Pseudomonas.
Unlike most chemical water treatments such as chlorine dioxide, the copper and silver ions are not corrosive to metal pipes including copper, PVC, galvanized steel and aluminium piping. Therefore, with the ICA system, corrosion is a thing of the past.
Based on the water consumption level, the Legionella contamination and a location scan (management history and water analyses), ATECA can recommend a suitable system.
Every location qualifies for a copper silver ionisation system. However, the combination with other water treatment techniques need to be taken into consideration, because one might outrule the other. Additionally, different countries have different regulations about the use of copper silver ionisation. Feel free to contact us for more information about the regulations in your country.
ATECA will guide the entire process from design stage of the ICA system to installation support, including online monitoring and safeguarding the ionisation process of the ICA system.
Make sure to rinse your drinking water installation every 4 weeks to ensure safe functioning of the system. Additionally, the electrodes need to be cleaned and replaced in time. Moreover, we advise to connect the ICA system to the online ICA ServiceLink, this enables the continuous online monitoring of the system and the automatisation of service notifications.
Copper and silver electrodes can be purchased at ATECA. ATECA is the only Dutch supplier admitted to the ECHA article 95 list. Meaning, that we are permitted to supply copper and silver for both drinking and process water. Therefore, we can offer a guaranteed delivery of electrodes. The electrode costs depend on water consumption and contamination size. On average the electrode costs are €0.10 per m3 of water.
The Ag electrodes need to be replaced after every 10,000 m3 of water. The Cu electrodes need to be replaced after every 3,500 m3 of water. (This depends on the concentration settings)
We advise to test the water at least once half a year on the most vulnerable tappoints.
The ICA system meets all strict requirements for an electrochemical management (copper silver ionisation) system. This means that the ICA system is KIWA certified on the basis of BRL K14010-1/2. A condition for obtaining this certificate is that the system has a KIWA ATA approval and an admission to the Ctgb. According to the Ctgb permit and the KIWA certification, the ICA system meets all requirements and the system is safe for people and the environment and effective in Legionella control and prevention. Additionally, ATECA obtained governmental concession of several countries to allow the use of the ICA system as a Legionella prevention and control installation.
On the entire ICA system and all its parts, a guarantee applies after installation. The warranty period depends on the type of ICA system and on the agreement made before purchase. In the event of damage caused by third parties, ATECA is entitled to charge the restoration and repair costs to the client.
The ICA system is built in the ATECA workshop, completely customized for your location. Normally, we send the ICA system within four weeks after the order. In exceptional circumstances, we can prioritize projects.
The ICA ServiceLink continuously monitors the operations of the ICA system. With this platform, you can always access online logbooks, water analyses, and service reports. Additionally, you can watch live how the system is operating and settings can be adjusted if necessary.
Based on a location scan we design and build a customized ICA system, specifically adjusted to your location. This will determine the price of the system and installation. Although copper silver ionisation systems sound like a big investment, our customers always seem to be positively surprised after receiving a quotation. As one of our slogans state: “we believe in clean and safe water for everyone”. Hence, feel free to contact us for a price offer, we hope we can surprise you too.
No, the ICA system is not susceptible for warm water temperature and is effective at all temperatures. Also, copper silver ionisation is non-corrosive for your pipework.
The ICA system is Legionella safe within 0-6 months.This depends upon the location and the situation (water quality, biofilm, management, material piping, Legionella problem etc.).
This is certainly not compulsory and we know that it is sometimes unachievable (organisational wise). However, depending on the location and the size of the Legionella contamination, it could be desirable. The advantage of a chemical shock is that the ICA system can be installed in a “clean” situation. This Legionella safe situation will also be achieved without a prior chemical shock, it just takes slightly longer.
As soon as the ICA system is operationalized, ion concentrations can be found in the water. You can accelerate the process by extensive flushing.
Yes, the ICA system and its technology have been extensively researched by the Ctgb and KIWA and comply with all strict protocols. Conclusion: it is not bad for your health nor for the environment. The active substances in these concentrations can not be absorbed by the human body. Additionally, all materials used in manufacturing are completely safe and environmentally conscious.
It is true that copper silver ionisation can leave a greyish residue behind in sanitary facilities. However, this occurs only at 10% of the locations, primarily in old and damaged plumbing. Besides, it is not dirty or unhygienic, it is a natural reaction of quicklime, silver ions and oxygen. Once the location is Legionella safe, the silver concentrations can be reduced which ultimately decreases the greyish residue. Furthermore, the greyish residue is easy to clean and not permanent.
The copper and silver ions have a synergistic effect to disarm the bacteria, stop growth, and obstruct biofilm production. This is done in three ways, which are illustrated on the right: a) attack the cell membrane, b) distort the proteins, and c) disrupt the reproductive system.
The copper and silver ions are synthesised from very high purity Ag, and separate very high purity Cu electrodes. An electric potential creates a small concentration of ions in the drinking water. These ions are carried through the water and will do their work further down the entire drinking water installation.
Biofilm is a slimy layer of microorganisms that is attached to the pipework. It is a breeding ground for Legionella. Due to the constant presence of copper and silver, the ions penetrate the biofilm. As a result, the biofilm will dissolve and the Legionella bacteria will die.
The Legionella bacteria becomes a problem when it start multiplying. We can speak of a Legionella contamination when more than 100 cfu/L Legionella is detected in the drinking water installation.
The Legionella bacteria naturally occurs in soil and in freshwater, usually in low numbers. However, the Legionella bacteria can grow very fast in water, especially if it is stagnant water between 25°C and 45°C.
The Legionella bacteria poses a serious threat to many businesses and institutions. Legionella (pneumophila) is a bacterium that causes Legionnaires’ disease or the Legionella flu, a dangerous and sometimes even deadly form of pneumonia. Infection with the disease may occur when people inhale small water droplets or aerosols containing the bacteria. Shower, sprinklers, hot tubs and similar water installations form a particular risk. Choking in contaminated water can also lead to infection; by which the contaminated drinking water can end up in your lungs.
Our experts can help you further. Contact us!