Limescale deposits are a widespread problem in households and industrial facilities that use water. These deposits can cause a variety of problems, including significant energy loss in the double-digit percentage range (see environmental report DEHOGA Association, 2016). In this blog post we will discuss why hexagonal water has a higher binding capacity, also known as dissolving power, than disordered water and how this has positive effects on limescale deposits and the associated energy loss.
What are limescale deposits?
Limescale is deposits of calcium carbonate that form on surfaces that come into contact with hard water. Hard water contains high concentrations of calcium and magnesium ions, which quickly combine to form calcium carbonate when in contact with air. These deposits can appear on a variety of surfaces such as pipes, heat exchangers, boilers, faucets and other equipment that carries water.
How does limescale deposits affect energy consumption?
Limescale deposits can lead to significant energy losses as they reduce the efficiency of devices that use water work, affect. A thin layer of limescale can reduce the heat transfer coefficient by up to 10%, while a thicker layer can increase energy loss by more than 20%. A rule of thumb is that around 10 percent of energy is lost per millimeter of limescale deposits. This is because limescale forms an insulating layer on the surface that prevents heat from being transferred efficiently. To understand why limescale deposits have such a big impact on energy consumption, we need to take a closer look at the molecular structure of calcium carbonate and its ability to bind water.
Molecular structure of calcium carbonate
Calcium carbonate is a compound of calcium, carbon and oxygen atoms. It is a crystalline material that occurs naturally in the form of limestone, marble and shells of marine organisms. Calcium carbonate dissolves very poorly in water, meaning it tends to precipitate and build up on surfaces.
Binding ability of hexagonal water
Water is one of the most important substances on our planet and plays a crucial role in many physical and chemical processes. An interesting property of water is its ability to form ordered hexagonal structures, also known as ordered water, restructured or "hexagonal water". This structure consists of six H2O molecules arranged in a hexagon around a micronutrient particle. Light frequencies can trigger this restructuring. At appropriate frequencies, all molecules are ordered, not just those of water. Lime molecules also change, becoming rounder and smaller.
Hexagonal water and its binding ability
Hexagonal water is a special form of water in which six water molecules are arranged in a hexagonal structure. Organized water has a high dissolving power, also called binding power, which means that it easily binds molecules and ions of other substances. This structure is created by the alignment of the hydrogen bonds between the water molecules. In contrast, the molecules in disordered water are arranged randomly and have no fixed structure. The hexagonal structure of water has a significantly higher binding capacity than disordered water. This is because the hydrogen bonds between water molecules are stronger in hexagonal water than in disordered water. This stronger binding ability results in higher stability and lower entropy in hexagonal water compared to disordered water.
The consequences of increased binding in water
Whatever is bound in water does not precipitate, but remains dissolved in the water. Lime leaching occurs in hexagonal water due to frequency irradiation to a much lesser extent than usual. Since the molecular structure of the lime has also been optimized, the limestone that still precipitates is not nearly as stubborn as in a disordered structure. This means that the lime substance is finer, pulverized and does not stick stubbornly to surfaces. It can be wiped away without the addition of acids or chemical cleaners. Sometimes it falls off on its own, for example from sieves and aerators on sanitary facilities or from shower heads.
The impact on energy consumption
The circle closes here. Limestone on heating coils and other heat-producing systems is increasingly insulating and therefore costs energy. The thicker the layer, the more energy is lost. That can be up to 20 percent. For example, in a single-family home with heating costs of 2.500 euros per year would be 500 euros more than was actually necessary. If the limestone layer becomes thinner, proportionately less energy is lost. Without limescale deposits, the energy loss is zero.
