Copper-Silver ionisation

The copper silver units are developed and manufactured by Turbin B.V.

We have high numbers installed in the field and a very positive experience in results and maintenance cost.

Copper-silver ionisation is caused by electrolysis. An electric current is created through copper-silver, causing positively charged copper and silver ions to form.

Copper-silver ionisation brings us back to basic chemistry: an ion; an electrically charged atom, has a positive charge when it gives up an electron and a negative charge when it takes up an electron. A positively charged ion is called a kation and a negatively charged ion is called an anion. During ionisation, atoms turn into kations or anions. When copper-silver ionisation is applied, positively charged copper (Cu+ and Cu2+) and silver (Ag+) ions are formed.

The electrodes are placed close together. The water flow pass the electrodes. An electric current is created, causing the outer atoms of the electrodes to lose an electron and become positively charged. The larger part of the ions flows away through the water, before reaching the opposite electrode. Generally the amount of silver ions at a copper ion rate of 0,15 to 0,40 ppm lies between 5 and 50 ppb.

The ion concentration is determined by the water flow. The number of ions that is released increases, when electric charges are higher. The electric charge is controlled in combination with the amount of water passing the electrodes.

In England, copper-silver ionisation is applied in about 120 hospitals successfully for the deactivation of legionella bacteria.

In the United States, copper-silver ionisation is mainly used for swimming pool water disinfecting. Copper-silver is often used to limit the amount of chemical disinfecting with chlorine.

Copper-silver ionisation is not dependent on temperatures. It is active in the entire water system.

Copper-silver ionisation is used by water bottling companies and companies that recycle water throughout the United States.

What does it do with the bacteria and viruses?

Electrically charged copper ions (Cu2+) in the water search for particles of opposite polarity, such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. Positively charged copper ions form electrostatic compounds with negatively charged cell walls of micro-organisms. These compounds disturb cell wall permeability and cause nutrient uptake to fail. Copper ions penetrate the cell wall and as a result they will create an entrance for silver ions (Ag+). These penetrate the core of the micro-organism. Silver ions bond to various parts of the cell, such as the DNA and RNA, cellular proteins and respiratory enzymes, causing all life support systems in the cell to be immobilised. As a result, there is no more cellular growth or cell division, causing bacteria to no longer multiply and eventually die out. The ions remain active until they are absorbed by a micro organism.

The combination with Ultra filtration and copper silver ionisation.

The ultra filtration unit is not only filtering legionella bacteria’s but also all other particles above a .... level. The water quality after the filters is very good and therefore a good combination with the copper silver unit. The bacteria’s and viruses in the down stream installation will be killed with the copper silver ionisation. Also the electrodes have a longer life time because of the high water quality.

We ensure you a legionella free installation with the combination of both units combined in one skid controller and is keeping the copper and silver levels in the water far below the limits controlled by law.