Summary
– What is limescale?
– Principle of operation of the anti-limescale filter
– Efficiency of the anti-scale filter
– Other anti-limescale systems
– Advantages and disadvantages of the anti-limescale filter
– Principle and advantages of magnetic anti-scale
What is limescale?
Limescale is a crystallization made of calcium and magnesium carbonate contained in water. The limescale filter prevents limescale from settling in the pipes.
Limescale, or tartar, is formed through the action of various factors:
– the high or brutally low temperature, and vice versa;
– carbon dioxide;
– the residence time of the crystals in your pipes.
Principle of operation of the anti-limescale filter
The most common limescale filter system consists of a cartridge that contains polyphosphates: the water passes through it and the limescale remains suspended in the water instead of settling.
Depending on the hardness of your water, the filter should be replaced more or less often.
Note: the filter must be approved by health organizations.
The efficiency of the anti-scale filter
The limescale filter is relatively effective, especially for heating systems, but it proves to be ineffective over time for showerheads and foamers.
Indeed, limescale deposits as soon as it comes into contact with the air and you should regularly use an anti-limescale or white vinegar to clean your sanitary elements.
Other anti-limescale systems
There are two systems other than the limescale filter: magnetic systems and electronic systems.
Magnetic anti-limescale filter
Magnetic limescale remover is based on magnets that are placed on the pipes.
The water, which is conductive, produces an electric current by passing through the magnetic field of the magnets that surround the pipe. This current acts on the scale, preventing it from settling.
It is often necessary to place several magnetic limescale removers on the pipe at different locations.
However, the effect stops when the water does not flow, so it is a random process.
Electronic anti-limescale
The water receives electrical impulses from a transmitter through the pipe to prevent scale build-up.
Depending on the power of the electronic limescale remover, the effect is continuous throughout the entire supply line.
This type of device is connected to the power grid and is most effective if the power is chosen carefully.
Installation of a magnetic anti-limestone
Operation of the magnetic anti-limestone system
Magnetic or “permanent magnet” processes generate a constant magnetic field:
– They are to be distinguished from electromagnetic processes that are at the origin of a variable magnetic field, catalytic processes, or systems at the origin of turbulent regimes.
– These processes act on calcium carbonate and facilitate its crystallization in a non-scaling form, i.e. they prevent the formation of scale.
Magnetic scale removers are installed in series on the pipe, with the water passing through the magnetic field generated by the removers. It is advisable:
– to install mechanical particle filters upstream of these devices;
– to complete the installation with a device eliminating iron and oxides (magnetic trap) to avoid clogging.
Good to know: manufacturers offer a range of devices that meet the characteristics of the installation to be treated. Once installed, these devices require almost no maintenance.
Advantages and disadvantages of the anti-limescale filter
Here is a table summarizing the advantages and disadvantages of the scale filter.
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Advantages |
Disadvantages |
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Magnetic anti-limescale: advantages and disadvantages
Magnetic processes have many advantages:
– they do not operate by the addition of chemicals;
– they require little maintenance;
– they do not increase water consumption.
The disadvantage of a magnetic anti-limescale, like other devices in this family, is that the efficiency of the process is difficult to predict. Indeed, its action against limescale depends on the characteristics of the water and the installation (in particular, the flow rate and periods of stagnation).
Good to know: a case-by-case study can be useful. Observed prices range from $20 per unit (including taxes) to over $600 for large homes. These prices must be added to the price of the magnetic trap and the mechanical filter.
Hope the above helps you out. Should you wish to read on a more specific topic on plumbing, do not hesitate to write your comments below and share this post.
