AQUABION - Frequently Asked Questions

The AQUABION reduces and prevents corrosion and calcification in pipe systems. It has been used successfully in industry and residential buildings for decades.

The AQUABION uses the galvanic principle, without electricity, salt, chemicals or magnets. This principle works by means of a zinc sacrificial anode, which is introduced into the water cycle. The lower-grade zinc anode and the higher-quality casing connected to the water pipe create a galvanic element and Zn2+-ions are released into the water. In this case the zinc ions can serve as seed crystals and promote the formation of microscopic CaCO3 crystals, crystallized on the surface of dissolved carbonates. This effect is reinforced by upstream vortex bodies. In addition, this turbulence causes a self-cleaning of the anode.

With the installation of the AQUABION, a zinc sacrificial anode is introduced into the pipeline system. Since zinc is a less noble metal than iron or copper, instead of the pipe wall, the zinc anode is first oxidized (corroded). The zinc anode is sacrificed in favor of the pipeline. This is called a zinc sacrificial anode. In the area of the thin laminar boundary layer on the inside of the pipe, a passivating protective layer is left behind, which permanently prevents the corrosion of the pipes. The effect is known and scientifically proven. In industry, the effect is used for the protection of ship hulls and boilers.

The zinc anode in the AQUABION produces a galvanic element. The electrochemical and physical interactions of the hardness formers with the zinc anode and the turbulence bodies lead to the precipitation of microscopically detectable nuclei. The surface of these particles binds the remaining dissolved calcium carbonate and inactivates it. There is a natural hardness stabilization within the treated water. Due to interactions between the particles (agglomeration), the existing incrustations on the pipe inner wall and the flow field of the water, there is a continuous removal of existing calcifications. The formation of new limescale is prevented.

Reduced limescale deposits on heating rods, heat exchangers or pumps – help to save energy because 1 mm less lime in the pipelines means, for example, 10 percent less energy consumption for hot water production.

Descaling systems (salt systems) not only cost more than the AQUABION, they also causes constantly operating costs, such as the regular replenishment of salt tablets, increased water consumption for regeneration, electricity and the annual maintenance of the equipment by an external specialist. For a period of 15 years, in which the AQUABION 2x is renewed, the costs (initial purchase plus running costs) can be reduced by at least 40% compared to a salt facility. And the time required to procure and refill salt tablets is completely eliminated.

The lifetime depends primarily on the corrosiveness (pH) of the water, but also on other water quality parameters, such as. Hardness, proportion of iron, manganese, etc. and the flow rate. For drinking water quality and compliance with the drinking water standard limits, a decline in function is usually observed in private households and residential buildings after 6-7 years. Then the AQUABION will be exchanged for a new device which will receive a 50% discount on return of the old device. For industrial applications, the AQUABION can be additionally provided with a voltage measurement which indicates when the function no longer exists.

No, the lime content is not reduced. Calcium carbonate is only converted to a different chemical form. Instead of the dissolved form, the calcium is in the form of calcium carbonate crystals. A water softening with the associated disadvantages, such as loss of taste, reduction of important calcium and magnesium minerals or increased corrosivity, doesn’t exist.

New lime stains in the bathroom can be easily removed with a damp cloth without the use of cleaning agents. Showerheads and pearles are far less likely to be left with new limescale. Water heaters no longer have to be cleaned with acid, just wipe out with a damp cloth.

YES, the AQUABION can basically be used for all types of pipes and therefore also for copper and plastic pipes. The limescale and corrosion protection by the zink sacrificial anode takes place through the formation of non-adherent Aragoniten, which run off with the water. This process takes place within the AQUABION and is independent of the material of the pipe walls. In the case of plastic pipes there have to be taken care of that the pre- and after-run sections – each 1x body length – are made of metallic material (like stainless steel, copper, galvanized pipe, etc.) in order to neutralize the electrical voltages on the device due to the built-in equipotential bonding.

NO! Zinc is an essential trace element of human nutrition and according to WHO, an adult should take 15 mg of zinc daily. The zinc release in the AQUABION is so low that it can’t cause any health impairment. The small amount dispensed is sufficient only to achieve the desired effects in terms of lime and corrosion protection. Accordingly, the AQUABION also has the necessary drinking water approvals in accordance with ÖVGW PW100, DVGW, WRAS and other certificates in various European countries.

The altered lime particles have a lower tendency to adhere, which leads to a multiplicity of positive effects. Accordingly, with water heaters, cooking pots, etc., the surfaces can simply be cleaned of limescale (just wiping with a damp cloth). Dishwashers are protected in terms of lime damage and washing machines can also reduce the amount of laundry detergent with the same washing result.

The reasons for this are obvious: With regard to limescale protection, the AQUABION is maintenance-free with comparable effect and significantly less expensive than conventional descaling units (salt systems / ion exchangers). With regard to corrosion protection, the AQUABION has clear advantages in terms of environmental friendliness, costs and hygiene in comparison to chemical dosing systems, which work for example with phosphates.

The costs depend on the pipe dimension or size and installation conditions. For a single-family house (without existing hot water circulation pipe) the total costs (equipment costs plus installation by a specialist plumber) are about 1,250 euros. If you send us your inquiry, we check the essential parameters and send you a individual offer for the AQUABION.

Rabmer distributes the AQUABION in Austria via its specialist plumber partners, who professionally install the AQUABION. If your personal plumber doesn’t know the AQUABION yet, then please contact us directly and we will be happy to contact the plumber of your choice.

The AQUABION is installed in the cold water pipe after the water meter and – if present – after the water filter. If a hot water circulation pipe is additionally installed in the house, we recommend the installation of a second, small AQUABION in this pipe on the pressure side, after the pump, in front of the hot water boiler. A detailed installation instructions, we can gladly send you.

AQUABION protects against limescale and corrosion, additionally it builds up a very thin Zinc-enriched layer on the inner side of the pipe. These are the reasons why the danger of biofilm-, germs-, Legionella-growth in pipes, where AQUABION -water is flowing through, is drastically reduced. Tests made by IWW (Rheinisch Westfälisches Institut für Wasser) have shown, that “… the number of cultivatable Legionella spec. in the AQUABION-System was lower with a minimum factor 10, after 2 weeks and after 5 weeks even by the factor 1000 lower than in the reference system without AQUABION …”. We have seen this effect also in our projects with customers, where water analysis from independent experts have proven a clear reduction of the number of Legionella after a few months operation time with AQUABION.