frequently-asked questions about
Zeta Rod™ systems

What is a Zeta Rod™ System and is it affordable? The Zeta Rod™ offers a highly economical method of water conditioning that uses the physical and electrochemical effects of electrostatic fields to disperse bacteria and tiny particles that form scale and biofilm. A Zeta Rod™ System will pay for itself in chemical, water and labor savings in twelve to eighteen months.

How does a Zeta Rod™ System work? The Zeta Rod™ forms a local capacitor within the water and the piping or vessel walls. Tiny particles that would be part of scale, sludge or bacterial deposits are charged to the same sign so that they repel each other like toy magnets. Since the particles can’t link together, they can’t form harmful deposits.

Are chemicals used? No chemicals, acids or other additives are generally used. However, under special circumstances where use of biocides or corrosion inhibitors may be desirable, the Zeta Rod™ will enhance their efficiency.

Does the Zeta Rod™ cause corrosion? No! The Zeta Rod™ prevents general corrosion by aligning naturally occurring protective ions against the metal surface. Maintaining surfaces free of bacterial accumulations and other deposition will prevent galvanic corrosion and bio-corrosion.

What kind of water testing will be required? Since chemical adjustments are not being made, testing for chemical levels is no longer required. No acid is fed, so no pH reading is necessary to avoid over or under feed. Periodic checks of the concentration ratio of the total dissolved solids in the water are made and the ratio is controlled at minimum bleed rates.

Can tower bleed be eliminated altogether? Zeta Corporation recommends that except in special conditions, cooling towers and other recirculating water systems maintain a continuous bleed. Often, depending upon operating conditions and make-up water quality, concentrations above six can be tolerated. Very little is accomplished by maintaining higher concentrations and opportunities for problems are increased.

Will old deposits of scale and biofilm be removed? The bond between old deposits and the metal surface will be dissolved, allowing existing deposits to fall away from tubes or vessel surfaces. The removal process occurs over a span of time. If the deposit is sufficiently thick to cause a loss of heat transfer or flow efficiency it should be cleaned before start-up. We recommend starting with a clean system that will be kept clean by the Zeta Rod™.

How much power does the Zeta Rod™ System use? Because there is no electrical current flow with an electrostatic system, power use is almost too low to measure. A Zeta Rod™ System costs about two cents a day to operate.

Is the system dangerous to the user? There is no danger being around the Zeta Rod™ System. The system is properly insulated and unless the protective conduit and insulation have been damaged, there is no possibility of shock. While the voltage used to create the electrostatic field is very high, the available current is very low and would not be harmful beyond an uncomfortable jolt if directly encountered. The internal control of the power supply will instantly reduce the current output to near zero if the system ever shorts to ground.

When should the Zeta Rod™ System be turned off? The system remains on all the time, protecting equipment from scale, biofilm and corrosion. This is especially important for equipment that is idle. Of course the system would be disconnected from the power source when being directly handled for installation, removal or for other major equipment repair.