A lime protection system, often also known as lime converter or lime converter, is a system that serves to protect the drinking water installation from calcium deposits (stone formation). We explain what different lime protection devices are there, what is the difference to a water softener exists and what you should pay attention to when operating a lime protection system.
A lime protection system is a system that is installed at the domestic water connection of a building. Lime protection systems have the purpose of protecting the drinking water installation and its components, such as boilers, valves, pipes and other surfaces that are in contact with water, from calcification. Lime protection systems reduce calcium deposits and thus contribute to maintaining the value of a building, as premature aging of components in contact with water is counteracted by calcium deposits. Lime protection systems are used primarily when there is a particularly large amount of lime in tap water. Wherever the water hardness is 14 °dH or more, i.e. in the “hard” range, devices are used for Lime protection and recommended for water softening.
The water treatment of a lime protection plant is based on the principle of seed crystal formation. Lime protection systems form microscopically small crystals of lime (invisible to the human eye). These lime crystals are also often referred to as nano crystals. The lime in the water preferentially accumulates on these lime crystals. As a result, the lime in the water only floats with it until it is washed out of the pipeline network every time water is removed. This efficiently reduces stone formation (calcium deposits) on surfaces in contact with water. In addition to AQON PURE lime protection system Are there other lime protection processes that work on the principle of seed crystal formation. We explain the operating principles of other common lime protection systems below:
There are several hypotheses as to how magnetic and electric field systems generate seed crystal growth in order to produce a lime protection effect. One of these hypotheses assumes that magnetic or electric fields (voltage pulses) influence the surface charge of colloid particles in water. This is intended to trigger electrolysis processes which lead to an excess of OH ions. This in turn should lead to local oversaturation, which is said to be responsible for the precipitation of calcium carbonate as a seed crystal.
Electrochemical lime protection systems cause so-called low-voltage separation in water. In this case, a voltage is applied between an anode and a cathode. The aim here is to form OH ions at the cathode, which should lead to an increase in the pH value. The resulting oversaturation is said to cause CaCO3 (calcium carbonate) to precipitate. The unusual CaCO3 crystals represent the so-called seed crystals.
Electrogalvanic lime protection systems can be described as a system which consists of a more elegant housing wall and a sacrificial anode, e.g. zinc. This creates a current of corrosion, which leads to the dissolution of the sacrificial anode. The lime protection effect is said to be that, on the one hand, the zinc released into the water should reduce crystal growth and, on the other hand, seed crystals should form on the housing wall.
In lime protection systems that work according to the principle of heterogeneous catalysis, granules made from special polymers are said to be responsible for the formation of the seed crystals. The seed crystals should form in supersaturated water on the surface of the polymer granulate and are released by the water flow after reaching a certain size.
A lime protection system does not remove the hardeners calcium and magnesium from tap water. These valuable minerals are therefore retained in the water. Lime protection systems transform what is present in water lime converted into seed crystals. For this reason, lime protection systems are also often referred to as lime converters or lime converters.
One water softener or descaling system, on the other hand, removes the hardeners calcium and magnesium from tap water and exchanges them for sodium. In this context, one speaks of the so-called ion exchanger. It should be noted that Softening systems As a rule, do not supply completely lime-free water. In residential properties, residual water hardness is often left in the water.
Neither of the two processes therefore completely prevents deposits on fittings and surfaces from ever being visible again. However, both variants make it much easier to handle lime in your own home.
The prices of lime protection systems vary. There are price differences depending on the lime protection process and manufacturer. It also makes a difference whether a lime protection system is used in a single-family house or a larger building. For example, physical magnetic and electric field systems for lime protection are available for less than 100€ for a single-family home. Lime protection systems in the area of electrochemical systems or heterogeneous catalysis, on the other hand, can also cost up to around 3,000€. In comparison: The price of a AQON PURE lime protection system Depending on the model, a single-family house costs approx. 1,490€ or approx. 2,390€. A price comparison of lime protection systems is therefore recommended.
Lime protection systems are usually installed at the house water connection behind the water flow meter (water meter). The lime protection system is either installed around the line (physical magnetic and electric field systems) or inserted directly into the pipes. Depending on the manufacturer and model, this requires a certain length of pipe section to install the respective lime protection system. For many lime protection devices, a free pipe section is the only requirement for installation. For certain lime protection processes, however, it may be necessary that further requirements are met. Electrochemical lime protection systems, for example, require a power connection. Lime protection systems in the area of heterogeneous catalysis may also require a power connection. In some cases, it is also necessary to check whether a waste water connection is available or must be installed. For example, some electrochemical lime protection systems as well as devices in the field of heterogeneous catalysis also require a sewage connection. AQON PURE lime protection systems require neither a storm nor a sewage connection.
Compared to a water softening system, a lime protection system has a particular advantage: There is no need to regularly refill regenerating salt. There are also many lime protection systems that are maintenance-free. As a result, lime protection systems are particularly user-friendly. Depending on the lime protection process, however, lime protection systems have different product features. It is therefore advisable to clarify maintenance requirements and the replacement of certain components or operating units as early as the offer phase. This protects against unexpected costs for the user during subsequent operation:
Picture: Installation example of the AQON PURE lime protection system
Compared to a water softening system, a lime protection system has a particular advantage: There is no need to regularly refill regenerating salt. There are also many lime protection systems that are maintenance-free. As a result, lime protection systems are particularly user-friendly. Depending on the lime protection process, however, lime protection systems have different product features. It is therefore advisable to clarify maintenance requirements and the replacement of certain components or operating units as early as the offer phase. This protects against unexpected costs for the user during subsequent operation:
Compared to a water softening system, a lime protection system has a particular advantage: There is no need to regularly refill regenerating salt. There are also many lime protection systems that are maintenance-free. As a result, lime protection systems are particularly user-friendly. Depending on the lime protection process, however, lime protection systems have different product features. It is therefore advisable to clarify maintenance requirements and the replacement of certain components or operating units as early as the offer phase. This protects against unexpected costs for the user during subsequent operation:
The AQON PURE lime protection system combines many advantages of the processes mentioned above. For example, the installation Extremely simple, as no sewage or electricity connection is required. AQON PURE is simply installed in the existing drinking water pipe. We even offer an installation service for this purpose at a fixed price. AQON PURE lime protection systems are also particularly customer-friendly, as no maintenance is required. With a lifespan of up to 10 or 20 years (depending on device model), AQON PURE is particularly durable. In addition, no consumables are required during this time. AQON PURE does not incur any running costs.
In England, the so-called “Domestic Heating Compliance Guide” requires that measures must be installed for lime protection or water softening for new buildings built in a region with hard water. This is primarily for sustainability, as calcium deposits on heat transfer surfaces (e.g. in the hot water system) lead to increased energy requirements.
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