Transition Assistance

Physical water treatment or "non-chemical" technologies (NCD) "work" under different principles than traditional chemical based methods but "yes", they can be applied effectively and safely with water of all different types of characteristics. Azure has engineered and maintains programs with very-soft and very-hard makeup water. NCD equipment can operate autonomously in most installations while filtration or corrosion support may be suggested in others. 

We would be pleased to take the mystery out of "black box" technologies, explain, or demonstrate the technology in a practical way. Azure can help interested customers engineer an installation that reduces capital investment & maximizes R.O.I. and steady-state operating potential. 

NCD equipment should never be installed with a "set-it and forget it" mentality. Service is strongly recommended and is included for one-year with device purchase by most equipment manufacturers. As a factory-authorized service provider, Azure commissions the NCD equipment and programs automatic blowdown controls. Our typical monthly service program verifies NCD equipment operation; verifies water-use efficiency targets are met and savings potential maximized; makes seasonal, source-water, and calibration programming adjustments; and completes biological testing, - among other inspection items.  See: "Can I use my own service provider?" below and our informational bulletins on our Resource page. 

Azure and our network of Sustainable Service Partners (SSP's) operate programs throughout the continental U.S. and Hawaii. Our SSP's are trained and operate our proprietary field service app to maximize the potential benefits for the end-user customer. Most traditional "chemical" water treatment service vendors don't have the skill-set or knowledge-base to ensure a successful program. - In fact, we've found that "chemical treatment" vendors applying improper and counterproductive principles are the biggest source of NCD installation failures, compromising the success of the program and jeopardizing the owner's installed equipment. Azure is always looking to expand our network with new SSP's but, would suggest strict supervision of any independent companies as they learn to apply a new technology. International customers can utilize remote monitoring, mailer, and consultation programs - each customized to the needs of our clients. Send an email to info@myplanetsolutions.com for service program availability and suggested consultation protocols to get started.

Azure works with and services for major device manufacturers that have known capabilities and predictable performance. We are experienced with many others so, "yes" we are looking to help all end-user's make the right choice and increase the number of device and successful installations in the market. We will review a number of factors including but not limited to: makeup water chemistry; operating temperatures, schedules, and installed equipment characteristics; potential for water and energy savings; safety and environmental impact reductions. We'll also provide a site-survey for most potential installations to assist in selecting the most physical and economic choice for the application, and to learn the unique operating aspects of the system operation.

The primary way NCD technologies reduce operating expense is through a reduction in blowdown. Devices operate effectively to mitigate corrosion, bacteria, and mineral scaling when cooling system water is operated at makeup mineral concentrations that exceed calcium-carbonate saturation and a harmless calcium-based powder flocculent is produced; whereas, traditional programs operate below saturation and chemicals are necessary to achieve positive results. The upper limitation for water waste via blowdown reduction is usually an operating system's ability to tolerate the powder generation and remain clean rather than by the necessity of keeping all minerals in solution. Advanced water savings potential and a rapid R.O.I. may require the implementation of filtration equipment.

Other methods:

• Sewer credits/ Storm-water blowdown with chemical-free discharge
• Maintaining mineral-scale and biofilm-free heat exchange surfaces
• Reduced or eliminated hazards due to chemical transit or storage in a facility
• Installation of centrifugal separation in lieu of sand media filtration that reduces pump horsepower (energy reduction) and water waste 

NCD's are one-time permanent capital expense and the vast majority operate without the recurring expense of chemical supplementation and delivery. Even when chemicals are used to support NCD applications, they are generally readily available commodities such as sodium-silicate which is a drinking water approved compound that supports advanced corrosion resistance. Facilities and water treatment companies have all been impacted by supply-chain disruptions in the early 2020's, and the expense of chemical supplementation and service has escalated dramatically - many major water treatment companies increased fees by 10 - 30% annually - each year between 2021 - 2023! Azure's programs in comparison are labor-based, and very few customers received price increases during the same period.  

With NCD equipment, there are fewer inputs to monitor and measure, and thus fewer failure points as compared to chemical treatment. Azure is pioneering the use of cloud-based, end-to-end encrypted cellular-based remote monitoring technology that alerts us potential disruptions without needing to depend on a facility providing/ maintaining firewall access or risk I.T. cyber-threats.