1- The Ion Generator Control Unit:
The OWN power control units consume relatively moderate to high amounts of energy (60W to 5,200W) and have an automated variable power output. Depending on the model size, the variable power output for this class of ionisation system can reach up to 100VDC (130 VDC in some models) with an average fix current draw of up to 10 amps (40 amps. in some models). OWN power control units normally have monitoring communication features to maintain a constant and controlled ionisation process.

2- The Ion Chamber Cell:
The Ionic chamber cells are composed of PVC, CPVC, resin covered steel, or stainless steel. They all have sacrificial metallic electrodes embedded into them with internal and external design specific unique to each manufacturer. The electrodes come in contact with the water to deliver ionic metal particles within the open water network system and saturate the water in a relatively short period of time. The overall mass and surface contact of each electrode varies based on the manufacturers’ design specifications. When multiple chamber cells are required, they are installed in parallel or in series and with one or multiple power output control units.

2.1 - The Electrodes: The sacrificial electrodes for OWN systems vary between 2.5Kg and 50 Kg with a surface contact that varies between manufacturers. These biocide electrodes are composed of Copper (Cu) and/or Silver (Ag) alloys at different concentrations. % Cu/Ag = (99.9/0 | 90/10 | 80/20 | 70/30 | 30/70 | 0/99.99). The alloy concentration levels will vary based on the manufacturers specifications. Some manufacturers use copper-silver alloy electrodes while others use pure Copper (Cu-99.9%) and pure Silver (Ag- 99.999%) electrodes.

2.2 – Older Tech Specifics: Some manufactures use two dissimilar metal alloys to accomplish metallic water ionisation when electrode polarity reversal is not available. Although not necessary with the more modern OWN models that have reverse polarity features, copper silver ionisation can still be accomplished with the sacrificial biocide electrodes on one side and a “non-sacrificial” electrodes on the other. These “non-sacrificial” electrodes are normally composed of resistant metals such as Titanium (Ti), Titanium alloys, Zinc, Zinc Alloys, and even in some cases, Platinum (Pl). The location of these non-sacrificial or draw electrodes are usually installed opposite to the sacrificial electrodes (CuAg). In some cases, the draw electrode is between two sacrificial biocide electrodes.

System Maintenance: Depending on the manufacturer and automation features, these types of units can require some, little or even absolutely no regular maintenance. Ion chamber cells are normally installed within the water system loop with bypass valves. They should be accessible for visual inspection and maintenance by uncoupling the threaded unions, quick release clamps, bolted unions or bolted clamps…again this depends on the manufacturer.

System Requirements: OWNs technology is classified as industrial and normally include all system requirements unique to each manufactures' specifications.

Prices: These OWN systems have a price range of between $10,000 and $100,000 (US) depending on overall engineering design, product quality, electrode quality and mass, power output and automated industrial features. Remember, the more water you have to treat, the bigger size and more powerful unit you will require. OWNs are designed for industrial applications and should include as many monitoring protocols as possible. Finally, each OWN manufacturer has their unique system design features and cost benefits.

Conclusion: The size and number of OWNs required for each installation will vary in relation to the manufacturer specs, type of application, total daily water volumes and water conditions (TDS, pH, conductivity, water flow, etc.). The OWNs should be manufactured with industrial components and include a variable VDC power output. They should also have relatively larger electrodes than those found in closed water network systems. Some manufacturers also offer partial or full telecommunication monitoring and management features.

Important note: Since OWNs have a relatively large electrode mass / surface contact and a high VDC “variable” power output capacity, they are not manufactured for closed water network systems. With high risks of over ionisation and simply overkill for the task at hand, it is strongly advised not to use these OWN systems in closed water network systems (i.e. swimming pools, spas, ornamental fountains). Open water network systems use large amounts of makeup water on a daily basis. OWNs are normally ideal to deliver immediate ionic concentrations and maintain them in relation to water consumption.