A UNIQUE TECHNOLOGY
The Hydro-dis system is a unique water disinfection technique that uses the electro catalytic break down of water to instantly destroy waterborne micro-organisms including micro-flora, while simultaneously converting chloride ions into chlorine leaving a measured residual disinfection in the treated water.
This gives a secondary disinfection ensuring sustained microbiological and micro-floral control. Hydro-dis® replaces traditional disinfection techniques such as chemical dosing (typically using sodium hypochlorite or chlorine gas), ultraviolet irradiation and ozonisation with a cost effective, environmentally friendly, modular and portable system.
This refined and improved technology can now be applied to a wide variety of water use applications ranging from disinfection of treated wastewater (sewage) to re-use water to potable drinking water to safely provide access to clean water for the communities that need it most.
The Hydro-dis® technology has significant advantages over traditional methods particularly in rural and remote applications, as it eliminates the need to transport and store hazardous chemicals around the country. Specialist applications include the control of biofilms and algal blinding of evaporative water systems, bore columns and the disinfection of water storages and ornamental water bodies.
The Hydro-dis system is specifically designed to be energy efficient and can be powered in isolated and remote applications by solar panels or wind generators with battery storage if required. The system control can be either local using a circuit board controller through to a Programable Logic Controller (PLC) which can be remotely monitored and controlled using telemetry therefore significantly reducing the need for onsite operator input. Unlike many other disinfection techniques, the Hydro-dis system is comprised of long life, recyclable and reusable componentry, reducing landfill and minimising the frequent replacement of costly components.
DUAL DISINFECTION
The Hydro-dis® process generates hydroxyl radicals (short life powerful oxidising sanitisers) by electrolysis of the water itself, destroying microorganisms and instantly providing a primary disinfection. A measured low concentration of chlorine as the hypochlorite ion or hypochlorous acid is produced simultaneously by the electro-catalytic conversion of existing chloride ions in the water. These forms of chlorine are also powerful sanitisers and provide a residual disinfection in the water. As the primary disinfection stage is by electrolysis, the production of unwanted chlorinated by-products, which is unavoidable when the primary disinfection is by chlorine, is minimised.
This residual disinfection protects water circuits by destroying bacteria, algae, viruses, cysts and fungi that may be initially present or that may enter the water stream after primary disinfection, protecting the water circuit from the formation of biofilms and algal deposits commonly present in water systems. This residual protection can persist within the treated water for several days.
The Hydro-dis® technology is an approved dual disinfection system under AS/NZ Standard 3666 and the Public and Environmental Health (Legionella) Regulations and holds the Australian Standard 4020:2005 Testing of Products for use in Contact with Drinking Water Certification.
OUR HISTORY
The development of the Hydro-dis® technology was started in 2002 by our Chief Technical Officer Rob Richardson. In early 2003, the University of South Australia’s Ian Wark Research Institute was engaged to assist in the continued development of its unique water disinfection technology. In 2006 our current Chief Executive Officer Mark Carey became involved in the sales and distribution of the technology, taking over the management that included product development in 2008. A whole of life pilot plant was installed in 2008 by one of Australia’s leading Water Authorities. In 2015 this this whole of life trial concluded with the water authority confirming the performance of the Hydro-dis® system and subsequently ordered a replacement for the pilot unit and purchasing its first commercial system. Between 2010 and 2015 the product was removed from the market whilst Hydro-dis® focused on additional research, development, cell design and control and product testing. Following the confirmation of the Hydro-dis® systems' performance and the additional product development, the Hydro-dis® technology was brought back to market.
Today, the Hydro-dis® focus on finding “a better way” has led to its recognition as a leader in providing water treatment solutions which are cost effective, environmentally friendly, eliminate the WHS risks of existing chemical treatment options and significantly reducing our clients’ overall environmental risk and footprint. The application range of the technology has been expanded to include the oxidation and removal by filtration of unwanted metals, primarily iron and manganese present in feed water and current research includes reduction of nitrate in ground water.