How Does IntelliChem Work?

Water chemistry management is a crucial aspect of maintaining a stable and safe aquatic environment, whether in pools, spas, or industrial water systems. IntelliChem is an automated chemical monitoring and dosing system designed to maintain optimal water balance with minimal manual intervention. It continuously measures and adjusts chemical levels to ensure consistent water quality.

Monitoring and Measurement

At the core of IntelliChem’s functionality is its ability to analyze water chemistry in real time. It relies on built-in sensors that measure key chemical parameters, including:

• pH Levels: Ensures the water is neither too acidic nor too basic, preventing issues like corrosion or scale buildup.
• Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP): Measures the effectiveness of sanitizers, such as chlorine or bromine, in breaking down contaminants.
• Temperature: Some models incorporate temperature sensors to account for its effect on chemical reaction rates and sanitizer effectiveness.
• Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) Monitoring: Helps in tracking water contamination levels and informs when dilution or fresh water additions are necessary.
• Saturation Index (SI): Calculates the water’s tendency to be corrosive, balanced, or scale-forming by considering pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, total dissolved solids, and temperature. This helps in preventing scaling or damage to your pool surface (vinyl liners, fiberglass, concrete).

These sensors take periodic readings and send data to the system’s controller, which processes the information to determine whether chemical adjustments are necessary.

Automated Dosing and Adjustments

Once IntelliChem detects any imbalance in pH or sanitizer levels, it activates a dosing mechanism to add the required chemicals. It typically works in conjunction with liquid chemical feeders or salt chlorine generators to maintain the ideal chemical balance. The system calculates the precise amount of chemicals needed to avoid under- or over-dosing, which can lead to water instability or excessive chemical use.

Key dosing mechanisms include:

• Peristaltic Pumps: These pumps precisely control the flow of liquid acid, chlorine, or other chemical solutions to maintain balance.
• Solenoid Valves: Used in some systems to regulate the injection of chemicals into the water system with high precision.
• Proportional Feed Control: Adjusts chemical dosing rates based on real-time readings rather than using a fixed schedule, reducing chemical waste and improving efficiency.

Integration with Pool Automation Systems

IntelliChem can operate as a standalone unit or integrate with broader pool automation systems. When linked with smart pool controllers, such as Pentair’s IntelliCenter, the system can be managed remotely, providing real-time data and adjustments through digital interfaces or mobile applications. This integration enhances convenience by allowing users to monitor and control water chemistry from anywhere.

Advanced integration capabilities include:

• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity: Allows remote access and monitoring via mobile apps.
• Data Logging and Analysis: Records historical chemical readings for trend analysis and maintenance planning.
• Automated Reports: Some systems generate reports detailing chemical consumption and system efficiency over time.

Self-Calibrating and Safety Features

To maintain accuracy, IntelliChem includes self-calibrating sensors that periodically adjust for environmental factors that might affect readings. It also has built-in safety features, such as:

• Alarms and Alerts: Notifies users when chemical levels exceed or drop below safe thresholds.
• Chemical Feed Lockout: Prevents excessive chemical addition if a malfunction is detected.
• Automatic Pump Shutoff: Stops chemical dispensing if the circulation system is not running, preventing accidental overdosing.
• Flow Sensors: Ensures that chemicals are only added when water is circulating, preventing chemical concentration spikes in stagnant water.

Benefits of IntelliChem

The automated nature of IntelliChem provides several advantages:

• Reduces manual water testing and chemical handling.
• Ensures consistent water quality with minimal fluctuations.
• Improves chemical efficiency, reducing waste and cost.
• Enhances safety by maintaining proper chemical levels at all times.
• Extends equipment lifespan by preventing scale buildup and corrosion.
• Provides real-time data for proactive maintenance and troubleshooting.

Conclusion

IntelliChem simplifies water chemistry management by continuously monitoring and adjusting chemical levels in real time. Its ability to automate dosing, integrate with pool automation systems, and maintain accuracy through self-calibration makes it an effective solution for maintaining water balance with minimal effort. Whether for residential or commercial applications, IntelliChem provides a reliable way to ensure optimal water quality and safety.