“All too often, clients come to us requesting a specific softener size or quoting a specification from another supplier,” says Allmech MD, Lionel Maasdorp. “They might be offended when we ask for a water analysis to substantiate their request, but the truth is, one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to water treatment. Proper system sizing depends on the unique composition of the incoming water. We often find that small changes in the plant can yield better results for the client than they initially requested. Sizing the plant based on proper data has better results than just guessing and saves the client from spending money unnecessarily.”
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Sizing a boiler water treatment and filtration plant based on accurate data yields better results than relying on guesswork, saving unnecessary expenses due to downtime and expensive repairs.
Maasdorp notes that some customers have insisted on purchasing an undersized plant, only to have to upgrade it later, which has proven extremely costly. Ignoring specifications can lead to more significant headaches down the line, resulting in downtime and production challenges.
“We’ve had customers who insisted on using less salt in their softeners or diluting boiler chemicals to cut costs,” he explains. “When their systems are serviced, the results are clearly visible – corrosion, scale and fouling that could have been avoided. In the worst cases, we’ve seen boilers requiring acid washes or even tube replacements, which are extremely expensive and can reduce the lifespan of the equipment.”
Why adhere to specifications?
Customers who follow a water treatment specialist’s recommendation and maintain their systems according to specifications are more likely to enjoy outstanding results. “We have customers who’ve been with us for more than 15 years who’ve only needed a handful of acid washes – and in some cases, only one was necessary,” says Maasdorp. “They make sure the brine tank always has salt, the chemical tanks are topped up, and the dosing pumps work properly. They’ve been rewarded with lower servicing costs, less downtime and improved efficiency.”
Maasdorp explains that poor-quality feedwater can have devastating effects on boiler performance. Calcium, magnesium and silica scale can build up inside boilers, forming insulating layers that prevent heat transfer and reduce efficiency. “In electrode boilers, for example, scale can act as an insulator, preventing the current from passing through the water,” he says. “That means more fuel must be burned to produce the same amount of steam – and that’s money wasted.”
While some clients view water treatment as an unnecessary expense, Maasdorp encourages them to consider the broader perspective. “Yes, chemicals and maintenance have a cost, but the savings in fuel and reduced downtime more than make up for it,” he says. “We often compare our annual service and chemical costs with the savings we generate, and the numbers speak for themselves.”
The importance of ongoing care and maintenance
Allmech’s commitment to training and after-sales support helps clients stay on spec. “We commission every system we install, train operators and continue to support them through monthly check-ins,” he explains. “When staff change, we train the new team. We even use WhatsApp groups with some clients to help them troubleshoot on the go.”
His advice to companies? “Stick with a reliable partner rather than jumping between suppliers,” he says. “Keep records and photos of your equipment so you can track the impact of your maintenance regime. And most importantly, implement the recommendations you’re given. Following the system operating procedures isn’t just about ticking boxes – it’s about protecting your investment.”