Condensate Drain Pan Treatment to Control Over-Flows
Condensation pan treatment products are used in refrigeration drain pans and are designed to control slime producing bacteria that triggers plugged drain lines, causing water to backup and overflow the condensate drain pan. The usage of treatment products control toxic bacteria, control slime, and prevent sludge from forming in the drain pan. Maintenance of the condensate system is critical to prevent air born diseases initiated by mold and bacteria, as well as damage to walls and ceilings, should an overflow occur. An EPA registered product is necessary when the control of pathogens is required. These products have been tested and approved to control bacteria that is the cause agent of Legionnaires Disease and should be considered a required measure to prevent air-born disease associated with HVAC equipment.
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The basic AC principle is a vapor compression cycle to minimize the air temperature with the help of a condenser, compressor, expansion valve, and evaporator. The complete cooling process is a heat transfer taking place among the room air and refrigerant gas. 1. Heat is absorbed by the evaporator coil. The warm air inside your building is drawn in through a vent and blows over the cold evaporator coil. 2. Compressor raises the refrigerant temperature. 3. Heat is transferred outside of your building. 4. Refrigerant gets cold; process repeats...
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What is relevant is that the condensate dripping from the coil, collects on the condensate pan, with the objective of moving down to the drain line. Recognize that the pan area is dark & humid with little airflow. That of course is the ideal environment for algae, mold, bacteria and mineral encrustations to form on the drain pan. When that occurs, its only a matter of time before the drain backs up and the pan overflows. Now we've come to the purpose of this article.
Best practices suggest starting with a clean drain pan. That can be accomplished using an acid replacement cleaner, that will remove mineral deposits, grease build up, algae, mold, etc. Just spray onto drain pan, agitate and wipe down or rinse. In addition, pour product into the drain, as well. What is then required is an ongoing maintenance solution to keep the drain pan clean and functional.
Condensate drain pan treatment consist of geltabs or strips/blocks that are placed onto the pan, to release essential chemistry to eliminate build up. Regular usage will control:
- Clogging and drain pan overflows caused by slime build-up
- Musty odors caused by bacteria-slime accumulation
- Control of Legionnaires’ Disease Bacteria* (requires EPA registration)
- Potential slip & fall when consate drips or leaks onto floors (e.g. supermarket display cases)
See Sta-Clean Condensate Pan Strips Technical Data
We can answer technical questions related to your HVAC requirements. Just call and ask for Barry.
