Closed System Analysis
What is a Closed System?
A closed system (or ‘closed loop’ system) is a sealed pipework circuit containing a fixed volume of water that is continuously recirculated for heating or cooling purposes.
Because they are sealed, these systems are often considered low maintenance, but without regular analysis, they can suffer from serious internal problems that go unnoticed until a failure occurs.
Why is Closed System Analysis Essential?
Regular analysis of the water in your closed system is a vital preventative maintenance task that protects your assets and saves money. The key benefits include:
Preventing Costly Corrosion:
Our analysis detects the early signs of oxygen-induced corrosion and microbial-induced corrosion (MIC), helping you prevent leaks and expensive component failures.
Improving System Efficiency:
We identify issues like scale, general fouling, and biofilm that reduce heat transfer, helping you cut energy costs and lower your carbon footprint.
Extending Equipment Life:
By maintaining optimal water chemistry, you can significantly extend the life expectancy of your boilers, chillers, and pipework, maximising your investment.
Reducing Breakdowns:
Proactive monitoring helps prevent unexpected system failures and costly downtime, ensuring consistent heating and cooling for building occupants.
Meeting BSRIA Best Practice Guidance
Our closed system analysis services are conducted in line with the best practice guidelines set out by BSRIA (Building Services Research and Information Association), particularly the BG29 (Pre-Commission Cleaning) and BG50 (Water Treatment for Closed Systems) documents.
Adhering to these industry standards ensures that your water quality is compared against established parameters for optimal system health and performance
What We Test For: A Comprehensive Analysis
Our laboratory analysis provides a complete picture of your system’s health by examining key chemical and microbiological indicators.
Key Chemical Analysis:
- pH, Conductivity & Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
- Corrosion inhibitor levels (e.g., Nitrite, Molybdate)
- Glycol concentration (for frost protection)
- Corrosion metals (Iron, Copper, Aluminium)
Key Microbiological Analysis:
- Total Viable Count (TVC)
- Pseudomonas species
- Sulphate Reducing Bacteria (SRBs)
- Nitrite Reducing Bacteria (NRBs)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should my closed system be tested?
A: BSRIA guidance generally recommends quarterly monitoring for a system that is part of an ongoing water treatment management programme. The exact frequency will depend on your specific system and its risk assessment.
Q: What are the signs that my closed system has a problem?
A: Common signs include poor heating or cooling performance, discoloured water (e.g., black from iron corrosion), recurring leaks, or blocked pipes and valves. Analysis can detect these issues before they become severe.
Q: Why is microbiological testing important in a sealed system?
A: Even in a sealed system, bacteria like Pseudomonas and SRBs can thrive. They form biofilms that destroy corrosion inhibitors, cause microbial-induced corrosion (MIC), and lead to blockages and system failures.