Chemical-Free Water Treatment for Closed Loop Networks

This free online CPD course from BESA Academy is presented by IWTM and introduces chemical-free water treatment for closed loop hydronic systems. Water is the lifeblood of a hydronic system. The quality of that water is critical to the operating efficiency and life of the components and network. Chemical-free water treatment offers a host of advantages over traditional regimes but is still relatively new to the UK. This course aims to introduce chemical-free water treatment, its component parts, its operation, and maintenance.

This course is free of charge and CIBSE accredited for CPD. Download your certificate on completion.

What You Will Learn

This 50-minute course covers:

• Why water quality is critical to the operating efficiency and life of hydronic systems
• What chemical-free water treatment is and how it works
• The component parts of chemical-free water treatment systems
• How chemical-free water treatment operates
• Maintenance requirements for chemical-free systems
• The advantages of chemical-free water treatment over traditional chemical regimes
• How to specify and implement chemical-free water treatment in closed loop networks

Who Should Take This Course?

This course is suitable for heating and plumbing engineers responsible for designing or maintaining hydronic systems, building services designers and consultants specifying water treatment solutions, facilities and property managers managing existing heating systems, service providers and maintenance contractors responsible for water quality, and anyone involved in the design, installation, or maintenance of closed loop heating and cooling systems.

Why Chemical-Free Water Treatment Matters

Water quality is critical to the operating efficiency and lifespan of hydronic systems. Poor water quality can lead to corrosion, scale formation, microbiological growth, reduced efficiency, increased energy costs, and premature component failure. Traditional chemical water treatment regimes require ongoing chemical dosing, monitoring, and disposal, which can be costly and environmentally challenging.

Chemical-free water treatment offers a host of advantages including reduced ongoing costs, environmental benefits, simplified maintenance, and effective protection of system components. As this technology is still relatively new to the UK, understanding how chemical-free systems work and how to specify, install, and maintain them is essential for anyone involved in hydronic system management.

The Benefits of This Course

Completing this course will help you:

• Understand the importance of water quality in hydronic systems
• Learn what chemical-free water treatment is and how it works
• Recognise the component parts of chemical-free systems
• Understand operation and maintenance requirements
• Appreciate the advantages over traditional chemical regimes
• Specify and implement chemical-free water treatment with confidence
• Earn CIBSE-accredited CPD to support your professional development

Course Format

Duration: Approximately 50 minutes
Format: 100% online, self-paced
Assessment: Knowledge check questions at the end of the course
Certification: CPD certificate available to download on completion
Accreditation: CIBSE accredited
Cost: Free of charge

Frequently Asked Questions

What is chemical-free water treatment in closed loop systems?
Chemical-free water treatment is a method of maintaining water quality in hydronic heating and cooling systems without the continuous use of chemical dosing. Instead, specialised equipment is used to remove contaminants, control corrosion, and maintain water quality to protect system performance.

Why is water quality important in hydronic systems?
Poor water quality can cause corrosion, sludge formation, scale buildup, and microbiological growth within the system. These issues reduce efficiency, increase energy consumption, and can lead to premature failure of pumps, heat exchangers, and other components.

How does chemical-free water treatment differ from traditional chemical treatment?
Traditional water treatment relies on chemical additives to control corrosion and contamination. Chemical-free systems use physical separation and treatment technologies to maintain water quality, reducing the need for chemical handling, monitoring, and disposal.

Who should take this course?
This course is suitable for heating engineers, plumbing professionals, building services designers, consultants, facilities managers, and maintenance contractors responsible for the design, installation, or maintenance of closed loop heating and cooling systems.

What are the benefits of chemical-free water treatment?
Chemical-free treatment can reduce maintenance requirements, minimise environmental impact, lower long-term operating costs, and improve the reliability and efficiency of hydronic systems.

How long does the course take to complete?
The course takes approximately 50 minutes to complete. It is delivered online and can be taken at your own pace, allowing learners to complete the training at a convenient time.

Is the course accredited for CPD?
Yes. This course is accredited by CIBSE for continuing professional development (CPD), helping professionals maintain and demonstrate their technical knowledge.

Will I receive a certificate after completing the course?
Yes. After successfully completing the course and the knowledge check, you will be able to download a CPD certificate confirming your participation.