Flow-Tech: How Signal Based Treatment Works Throughout the System
This article explains the background of the Flow Tech scale control technology, why it was originally created, and why it can treat water throughout an entire plumbing system instead of only at one point.
Overview
Flow Tech technology was originally developed to solve mineral scale problems in industrial settings. Over time, it was adapted for residential and commercial water systems through Plumber’s Choice Water for use by plumbing contractors.
The Original Problem in Oil and Gas Wells
In oil and gas wells, water comes up alongside oil and gas. As pressure drops inside the well casing, scale can form and build up on internal surfaces.
This buildup reduces flow and can require major remediation. The goal was to prevent scale formation without shutting down operations or physically drilling out scale.
How the Technology Solved the Problem
The key advancement was learning how to propagate a signal through the system so treatment is present everywhere.
This is the same concept used in a home installation where the system relies on a return path through grounding so the signal can travel continuously throughout the plumbing system.
Why Signal Propagation Matters
Some technologies only influence water at the point where they are installed. Their effect can be limited to a small area.
Flow Tech is designed so the treatment signal remains present throughout the system. That omnipresent treatment is why it can affect the whole plumbing network rather than a single section of pipe.
Timeline and Expansion Into Residential Use
After development and success in industrial applications, the technology was brought into the residential market and provided through Plumber’s Choice Water for distribution to plumbing contractors.
Additional Effects Discovered Over Time
While the original purpose was scale control, other benefits were observed in additional applications.
These findings came from field use in systems where scaling and biological buildup are common.
Cooling Towers and Biofilm Reduction
In large cooling tower systems, installations showed rapid reduction of biofilm and related bacterial issues. Once biofilm was removed, overall bacterial levels reduced as well, improving system conditions and reducing reliance on chemical programs.
This is one reason the technology has been used in applications where biological control is a major concern.
Agriculture and Irrigation Applications
In irrigation systems, minerals can deposit on produce as water evaporates. Field use showed a change in how minerals behaved on surfaces, making residue easier to remove.
Additional testing also suggested changes in water behavior related to surface tension, leading to improved spreading in soil and more uniform moisture distribution in the root zone in certain conditions.
Results can vary by soil type, and ongoing testing helps determine where the strongest impact occurs.
Large Scale Industrial Use
The same core concept can be applied to very large water systems. Industrial installations have been used on large diameter piping and high volume circulation systems where scale and biological buildup drive operating challenges.
Pools and Rapid Water Clarity
In pool applications, the technology can promote grouping of charged particles and microorganisms into larger clusters. These clusters are more easily captured by filtration media, which can improve clarity and reduce bacterial load in the water.
Beer Line Applications
Beer lines can build up biological films over time, affecting taste and requiring frequent cleaning. Use in long run draft systems has been associated with reduced buildup inside lines and extended intervals between cleanings in some installations.
Key Takeaway
Flow Tech technology was built to stop scale at the source and was refined to keep the treatment signal active throughout the entire system. That system wide signal presence is a core reason it performs differently than point only solutions.
Need Help
For training support, application questions, or installation guidance, contact Plumber’s Choice Water support or your Flow Tech representative.