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Here at Parteq at Queen's University, we're working on a unique solution to a problem
that affects heating systems. We're all familiar with the calcification that happens on a shower
head or the bottom of an electric kettle. This problem can be particularly acute in
parts of the heating system called the heat exchanger. This device uses narrow channels
for two liquids to transfer heat between another without mixing. The problem occurs because
the heat releases the mineral content just like in your kettle, and congests the narrow
passageways in a heat exchanger.
We've developed system that allows it to be flushed of all the impurities and dissolved
minerals which may form in the heat exchanger, and we've applied a very simple technology,
we just reverse the flow of the fluid through the heat exchanger. But what makes this unique
is that we do this passively, so every time a homeowner or a user consumes water, then
the heat exchanger itself is passively flushed of any particulate matter or any that could
cause fouling in the heat exchanger.
Our technology allows the worlds most effective heat exchangers to be used globally, which
will lower replacement and maintenance costs, and make the best use of the energy available.