The HydroFLOW® Technology
For over 30 years, Hydropath has been recognised as a leader in eco-friendly water treatment solutions. Our innovative patented signal technology effectively addresses issues such as limescale, bacteria, algae, and biofouling, minimising the need for harmful chemicals while enhancing system performance. Designed for a wide range of applications from residential and commercial to industrial our solutions are also tailored with specialised units to meet unique requirements.
A Smarter Way to Treat Water: Chemical-Free, Proven, Sustainable
Hydropath employs a unique, eco-friendly signal technology to address common water issues without altering water composition or requiring chemicals. By transmitting a 150kHz electric signal throughout plumbing systems, it helps prevent limescale buildup, reduces biofouling, and enhances filtration efficiency. As a result, HydroFLOW® offers a sustainable water treatment solution that minimises chemical use while maintaining system efficiency.
From residential homes and commercial buildings to large-scale industrial operations and specialised systems, our technology is designed to meet diverse water treatment needs.
How HydroFLOW® Transforms Minerals:
Science, Efficiency & Sustainability
HydroFLOW® provides an eco-friendly solution that reduces the need for harmful chemicals while preventing limescale, bacteria, algae, and biofouling. In pipe systems, dissolved minerals like calcium carbonate can crystallise when temperature rises or pressure drops, leading to scale buildup. Bacteria and algae also adhere to surfaces, forming biofilm.
Over time, this causes:
🧊 Unwanted insulation ♨️ Reduced heat transfer efficiency
🚱 Restricted water flow ⚡ Increased energy consumption
HydroFLOW®’s innovative 150 kHz electric signal treats these issues at their source. It causes mineral ions to form stable clusters that remain suspended in the water, rather than sticking to surfaces. The signal also agitates biofilm, detaching bacteria and algae so they can be flushed away.
Proven Effects on Scale, Biofouling, and Water Quality
Treating & Helping Remove Limescale Buildup
The Problem: Scale Buildup:
Limescale is a hard, chalky deposit primarily made up of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) that forms on surfaces in contact with hard water. When water is heated or pressure changes, dissolved minerals precipitate out of the water and solidify on surfaces. This buildup can impede heat transfer, reduce the efficiency of heating systems, and block water flow in pipes.
This leads to energy loss, equipment damage, and costly maintenance
⚡1mm scale buildup increases energy consumption by 7%
⚡3mm scale buildup increases energy consumption by 22%
⚡6mm scale buildup increases energy consumption by 38%
The Solution: HydroFLOW®
The Hydropath signal causes mineral ions to form stable crystals in suspension rather than adhering to pipes and heating elements. This:
Reduces new scale formation
Gradually helps remove existing scale
Improves heat transfer efficiency
Reduces maintenance costs and system downtime
Advanced Biofouling & Bacterial Control
Enhanced Filtration via Flocculation:
Biofouling is the accumulation of microorganisms, including bacteria, as well as plants, algae, or small animals on wet surfaces-commonly seen in industrial and commercial water systems. Bacteria can cling to pipes and heat exchange surfaces, forming biofilms that reduce heat transfer and obstruct flow.
The HydroFLOW® Advantage:
HydroFLOW® units generate an electric field that charges particles as they pass through the pipe, encouraging them to cluster together.
The natural flow of water or turbulence from a pump helps these charged particles bond, forming larger clusters (flocs).
These larger flocs are easier to filter out, reducing strain on filtration systems, lowering water wastage during backwashing, and improving overall water clarity.
Tested by SGS & ALS Laboratories:
99% reduction in Legionella and other harmful bacteria in drinking water.
Improved Filtration & Water Purification
Enhanced Filtration via Flocculation:
Flocculation is a process where fine particles clump together into larger aggregates, or flocs, which are easier to remove from water. This mechanism is crucial for effective filtration and helps reduce the frequency of backwashing, thereby conserving water and energy.
The HydroFLOW® Advantage:
HydroFLOW® units generate an electric field that charges particles as they pass through the pipe, encouraging them to cluster together.
The natural flow of water or turbulence from a pump helps these charged particles bond, forming larger clusters (flocs).
These larger flocs settle more easily on the filter surface, improving filtration efficiency and reducing maintenance needs.
Up to 50% reduction in water usage during backwashing.
More efficient filtration, reducing maintenance downtime.
Improved polymer reduction in wastewater treatment.
How the Patented Signal Works
Patented Signal
HydroFLOW® uses a patented electromagnetic signal that induces an electric field into the pipe and fluid within. By utilising technology that works like a transformer, it ensures maximum efficiency while operating on pipe materials both conductive, such as copper and steel, and non-conductive, such as PVC or GRE. It works on pipes covered by lagging or thermal insulation. The system requires no physical contact with the pipe, and it is not sensitive to alignment. The signal is transmitted throughout the entire pipe network, preventing scale formation, removing existing scale, controlling biofilm, and mitigating corrosion.
Electromagnetic Induction Principle
Similar to a transformer, HydroFLOW® uses a primary coil to induce a signal into a secondary medium.
Step-Down Transformation
Instead of a traditional coiled secondary winding, the signal is transferred to a linear structure.
Pipe as the Conductive Path
The secondary winding is effectively replaced by the pipe, allowing signal propagation
System-Wide Signal Distribution
The induced signal travels along the entire piping network, ensuring comprehensive treatment.
Adaptable to All Pipe Materials
In metal pipes, the signal flows through the pipe itself, while in non-conductive pipes, the water acts as the conductive medium.
Understanding the Impact of HydroFLOW®
❌ Without HydroFLOW®
When water contains minerals like calcium and bicarbonate, heating or pressure changes cause them to crystallise. Without HydroFLOW®, these crystals stick to surfaces inside pipes and equipment, forming hard limescale. Over time, this buildup reduces efficiency, restricts flow, increases maintenance, and can lead to equipment damage.
✔️ With HydroFLOW®
HydroFLOW® sends a unique electric signal through the water and pipework. This signal causes dissolved minerals to cluster in the water, not on surfaces. When heated, these clusters form soft crystals that stay suspended and are flushed out, helping to keep systems clean, efficient, and protected from scale buildup.
✔️ Enhanced Flocculation With HydroFLOW®
Filters clog over time, leading to costly backwashing. HydroFLOW® reduces this by electrically charging particles, causing them to clump into larger flocks.
These are easier to filter and require less water to remove, improving clarity while saving water and energy.
✔️ Biofouling: Reduce Buildup and Boost Efficiency With HydroFLOW®
Biofouling is caused by bacteria and other biological material and is a common problem in industrial and commercial water systems. It leads to biofilm, which clings to surfaces, blocks flow, and reduces heat transfer.
HydroFLOW® sends a signal through the pipe and water, helping to detach biofilm and lower bacterial levels without relying on chemicals.
The HydroFLOW® vs Other Solutions
HydroFLOW® uses a patented 150 kHz electromagnetic signal to prevent and reduce limescale, biofouling, and bacteria without altering water chemistry or requiring chemicals. It works on all pipe materials, requires no plumbing modifications, and is virtually maintenance-free.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Water Chemistry | ✅ No chemical alteration |
| Maintenance | ✅ Zero maintenance |
| Plumbing | ✅ No plumbing changes required |
| Environmental Impact | ✅ Eco-friendly – no waste or additives |
| Ongoing Costs | ✅ Minimal or zero |
| Flow Rate | ✅ Works at all flow rates |
| Biofilm/Bacteria Control | ✅ Effective reduction of biofilm and bacteria |
Salt softeners use ion exchange to replace calcium and magnesium with sodium, softening the water but altering its chemical composition.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Water Chemistry | ❌ Alters chemistry via sodium ion exchange; may affect taste |
| Maintenance | ❌ Requires ongoing salt refills and resin cleaning |
| Plumbing | ❌ Requires full plumbing integration |
| Environmental Impact | ❌ Generates brine waste, which can harm ecosystems |
| Ongoing Costs | ❌ High ongoing salt and maintenance costs |
| Flow Rate | ❓ Performs best within specific flow ranges |
| Biofilm/Bacteria Control | ❌ No known effect on bacteria or biofilm |
These systems add polyphosphate chemicals to bind minerals and reduce scale, but don’t remove hardness or improve biological issues.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Water Chemistry | ❌ Binds hardness ions; may affect taste and clarity |
| Maintenance | ❌ Requires regular cartridge replacements |
| Plumbing | ❌ Requires plumbing integration with dosing equipment |
| Environmental Impact | ❌ Involves chemical use and discharge |
| Ongoing Costs | ❌ Medium – regular cartridge costs |
| Flow Rate | ❓ Designed for fixed flow rates |
| Biofilm/Bacteria Control | ❌ No effect on bacteria or biofilm |
Electrolytic systems use electrodes to release ions and induce chemical reactions in water. They are partially effective at scale reduction.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Water Chemistry | ✅ No chemical alteration |
| Maintenance | ❌ Requires periodic electrode cleaning and monitoring |
| Plumbing | ❌ Needs full system integration |
| Environmental Impact | ✅ Minimal chemical use, but has metal waste concerns |
| Ongoing Costs | ❌ Medium – electrode wear and maintenance |
| Flow Rate | ❓ Works best at specific flow rates |
| Biofilm/Bacteria Control | ✅ May reduce biofilm slightly, but not primary use case |
These systems generate magnetic fields to affect minerals but are often weaker and inconsistent in results compared to HydroFLOW®.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Water Chemistry | ✅ No chemical alteration |
| Maintenance | ✅ Low – occasional checks only |
| Plumbing | ❌ Often requires integration into plumbing |
| Environmental Impact | ✅ Energy-efficient with minimal waste |
| Ongoing Costs | ❌ Moderate – some require calibration or power |
| Flow Rate | ❓ May be sensitive to flow rate variations |
| Biofilm/Bacteria Control | ❌ Not designed for biological control |
Uses fixed magnets to attempt crystal modification, but lacks active energy input, making performance highly flow-dependent and inconsistent.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Water Chemistry | ✅ No chemical alteration |
| Maintenance | ✅ Minimal – passive system |
| Plumbing | ✅ No plumbing modification needed |
| Environmental Impact | ✅ No chemicals or power required |
| Ongoing Costs | ✅ Minimal after purchase |
| Flow Rate | ❓ Often ineffective at low/high or inconsistent flows |
| Biofilm/Bacteria Control | ❌ No measurable impact on bacteria or biofilm |
HydroFLOW® uses a patented 150 kHz signal to treat water without chemicals. It works on all pipes, needs no plumbing changes, and is maintenance-free.
-
Water Chemistry: ✅ No alteration
-
Maintenance: ✅ Zero upkeep
-
Plumbing: ✅ No modifications needed
-
Eco Impact: ✅ No waste or additives
-
Ongoing Costs: ✅ Very low (~£1.50/year)
-
Flow Rates: ✅ Works at any flow
-
Bacteria Control: ✅ Disrupts biofilm and reduces bacteria
Uses ion exchange to replace minerals with sodium. Effective softening but alters chemistry and requires salt.
-
Water Chemistry: ⌠Adds sodium, affects taste
-
Maintenance: ⌠Regular salt & resin care
-
Plumbing: ⌠Full integration required
-
Eco Impact: ⌠Brine waste harmful
-
Ongoing Costs: ⌠High
-
Flow Rates: â“ Works best in set range
-
Bacteria Control: ⌠No effect
Doses chemicals to bind minerals. Doesn’t remove hardness or help with bacteria.
-
Water Chemistry: ⌠Adds chemicals, may affect clarity
-
Maintenance: ⌠Cartridge replacements
-
Plumbing: ⌠Needs dosing setup
-
Eco Impact: ⌠Chemical discharge
-
Ongoing Costs: ⌠Medium
-
Flow Rates: â“ Fixed ranges only
-
Bacteria Control: ⌠None
Uses electrodes to alter mineral behaviour. Can reduce scale but needs upkeep.
-
Water Chemistry: ✅ No additives
-
Maintenance: ⌠Electrode wear
-
Plumbing: ⌠Inline installation
-
Eco Impact: ✅ Low, but produces metal waste
-
Ongoing Costs: ⌠Medium
-
Flow Rates: â“ Optimal range needed
-
Bacteria Control: ✅ Limited effect
Uses magnetic fields to change how minerals crystallise. Results vary.
-
Water Chemistry: ✅ No change
-
Maintenance: ✅ Low
-
Plumbing: ⌠Often requires integration
-
Eco Impact: ✅ Efficient
-
Ongoing Costs: ⌠Moderate
-
Flow Rates: â“ Performance varies
-
Bacteria Control: ⌠Not designed for it
Passive magnets aimed at preventing scale. Simple but inconsistent.
-
Water Chemistry: ✅ No change
-
Maintenance: ✅ None
-
Plumbing: ✅ Clip-on install
-
Eco Impact: ✅ No energy or chemicals
-
Ongoing Costs: ✅ None
-
Flow Rates: â“ Inconsistent performance
-
Bacteria Control: ⌠Ineffective
Case Studies
Antiscalant Reduction in Industrial Heat Exchangers
Goal: Reduce antiscalant use (CaCO₃ control)
Trial: 12 months, antiscalant cut from 2.0 ppm to 0.0 ppm
Result: No performance loss
ROI: 7.2 months on chemical savings alone
Follow-up: Second system approved for K1 Plant
BIOFOUL REMOVAL IN HEAT EXCHANGERS (SEA WATER)
Goal: Reduce marine growth in pipelines (mussels, biofilm, scaling)
Result:
- Significant discharge of mussels after 2 weeks
- No new growth, cleaner filters, improved heat exchanger backwash
- Continuous operation – no downtime
ROI: Cost savings from reduced maintenance and manpower
STRUVITE SCALE CONTROL - CENTRATE LINES, LUTON
Goal: Treat struvite scale in centrate line from Alfa Laval centrifuge
Result:
- No new scale observed – buildup stabilised
- Centrifuge ran more efficiently with longer service intervals
- Polymer optimisation trial proposed but not completed
ROI: Maintenance reduction alone justified purchase
Follow-up: Unit purchased and remains in operation at East Hyde Sewage Works
CHEMICAL-FREE COOLING IN NUCLEAR POWER PLANT
Goal: Eliminate chemical use in cooling tower water treatment
Trial: HydroFLOW® Custom installed on condenser line
Result:
- No scale in chillers or tower components
- Trane monitored performance – approach temperatures remained stable
- Evaluation confirmed safe, chemical-free operation
ROI: Improved safety and compliance – no chemical handling required
Chemical-Free Cooling Tower Water Treatment at Admin Building
Goal: Eliminate chemical use in cooling tower water treatment
Outcome:
-
No scale detected in chillers or tower components
-
Trane monitored approach temperatures – stable performance confirmed
-
System operates safely and effectively without chemicals
ROI: Safer operation and improved compliance – no need for chemical handling or storage
Looking for more case studies tailored to your industry?
We’ve worked with a wide range of sectors – from residential to heavy industry and manufacturing, food processing, hospitality, municipal infrastructure, and more. If you’d like to explore how HydroFLOW® has delivered measurable results in environments similar to yours, we’re happy to help.
Get in touch with us, and we’ll provide relevant case studies that align with your specific challenges and goals.
HydroFLOW® Installation Guide: The 4 Key Installation Types
Installation Type 1:
HydroFLOW® Pearl
Ideal for houses of up to three bathrooms.
Protects house-hold appliances including boilers.
Fits on pipe size up to 24mm outside diameter.
HydroFLOW® Pearl Plus
Ideal for houses of up to four bathrooms.
Protects house-hold appliances including boilers.
Fits on pipe size up to 41mm outside diameter.
Installation Type 2:
HS40
Ideal for residential and small commercial systems.
Protects against limescale.
Fits on pipe size up to 63mm outside diameter
K40
Ideal for for small pools and ponds.
Reduce bacteria levels, improving filtration
Fits on pipe size up to 63mm outside diameter
Installation Type 3:
C Range Unit
Suitable for commercial boilers, heat exchangers and cooling systems.
Prevents scale and biofouling in water systems.
P Range Unit
Installation Type 4:
Custom Unit
I-Range Unit:
Customer Testimonials
"We tried HydroFLOW® in our steam boiler and it was amazing. We have our ROI within 6 months solely from the saving in fuel."
"There is a HydroFLOW® unit treating the water of the cooling tower in the big V&D store in Eindhoven. The cooling tower is completely scale-free. These successful projects over the last four years showed us that the HydroFLOW® technology meets all our expectations."
"We have been very impressed by the results of the HydroFLOW water conditioning devices in our facility and highly recommend them for pool applications"
"The risk of biological contamination (such as Legionella) is greatly reduced with a clean water system. My doubts about HydroFLOW® were dispelled, and I was 100% confident."
"Look, I'm not going to declare HydroFLOW® units miraculous... but I cannot otherwise explain why this has all changed in our favour."
"The containers for cleaning water to the printing plates had to be cleaned once every two weeks. After installing HydroFLOW®, we still don't have to clean them after eight weeks, saving significant time and effort."
"When my plumber came to replace my copper cylinder, he commented on how light it was compared to others he'd removed from nearby houses. He said most of the others were full of scale, but mine was almost clear. The main difference was that I had a HydroFLOW installed and the others didn't."
"I cannot recommend the HydroFLOW® Pearl enough. We live in an area with very hard water. Since using the Pearl, we have noticed a massive improvement in the quality of water and have not needed to descale any appliances. Plus, our sinks and bathrooms look much nicer without limescale."
Protect Your Plumbing & Reduce Costs Today
HydroFLOW® revolutionises water treatment with advanced electronic scale prevention, biofilm disruption, and pathogen control-delivering cleaner, more efficient systems without the need for harsh chemicals.
Discover how HydroFLOW® optimises heat transfer, reduces maintenance, and extends equipment lifespan for residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural applications.
sales@hydropath.com
+44 (0) 115 986 9966
