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ORDER FORM | PICTURES |
Kansas Wind Power-W, 13569 214th Road, Holton,
KS 66436
Phone: 785-364-4407, Fax: 785-364-5123
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floatron Solar powered water purifier - Floats on waterPools - Ponds - Water Gardens
Some pool contaminants such as dust, suntan lotion, body fluids are not affected by minerals. A small amount of chlorine is needed to oxidize the contaminants so water remains clear. If no chlorine is preferred, use bromine, ozone or other oxygen based compounds. The low cost mineral electrode lasts 1-2 seasons and is easy to replace. The warranty by floatron is 24 months. For pools up to 35,000 gallons. Includes ION test kit. Made in USA. 12” x 6”. We only ship to USA locations. A250 7 lbs $275.95 plus $13.05 UPS ground shipping (to 48 states) for total of $289Quick payback 1-2 seasons
"EVALUATION OF SOLAR POWERED POOL PURIFICATION DEVICE"
The FLOATRON unit utilizes a
small photovoitaic panel to supply electricity to two electrodes. These
electrodes then produce a combination of copper and other ions which prevent the
growth of microorganisms. The device floats in the pool and works when exposed
to sunlight. During the test period the pool had a water sample drawn daily and
this sample was tested for pH, alkalinity, cyanuric acid, calcium hardness,
total and free chlorine, copper ions and temperature. An
The ion level produced by the
device did not diminish rapidly after the FLOATRON was removed from the pool.
The ion level took over a week to drop from 0.40 ppm to 0.30 ppm and measurable
ions were still present after three weeks without the device. Pool clarity did
not diminish until three weeks after the chlorine level reached zero, partially
as the result of heavy rains (over four inches in three days). Finally, the electrical
performance characteristics of the device were found to be quite satisfactory
for the proper functioning of the unit, with 1.53 watts produced under full sun.
Based on the polycrystalline structure of the photovoltaic cells, the device
should be able to produce the necessary power for at least ten years. It should be noted that the principal investigator has used a FLOATRON in his own pool for over a year. He has experienced few problems with the device, floating it every other week and using less than 13 gallons of chlorine during the year. 1. INTRODUCTION There are over three million in
ground swimming pools in the
In the late 1960's and early 1970's NASA conducted research into alternative methods of water purification to provide astronauts with a reliable source of safe drinking water (Jasionowski and Allen, 1974; See, Bodo and Kacholia, 1975). ionization of copper and silver electrodes was found to be an effective method preventing algae and bacteria growth. As has been the case with other
technology developed for the space program, this ionization process has
transferred to consumer products. The FLOATRON CORPORATION has combined two
space technologies (ionization and photovoltaic cells) to create a self
contained pool purification device. FSEC was approached to supervise an
evaluation of the FLOATRON device in a typical
2. EXPERIMENTAL
APPROACH, METHODOLOGY, AND TEST RESULTS A three-phase experimental test
was conducted to evaluate the device. A 15 X 30 foot (oval) 17,000 gallon
marcite pool located on
Chemical usage and pool water
chemistry (pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, total and free chlorine,
cyanuric acid, air and water temperature) were monitored daily using a
The second phase of the test began during the second week with the Floatron unit being placed in the pool. The device was tethered by a nylon string to the pool ladder, which allowed it to float near the skimmer. A Taylor K-1730 capper ion test kit was used to monitor ion levels along with the other daily test. After seven days a measurable level of copper Ions (0.05 ppm) was able to be detected. After eleven days the level had reached the minimum level recommended by the manufacturer (0.20 ppm) and the chlorine levels were allowed to drop. Chlorine levels reached zero after the device had been used for a month. The calcium hardness level dropped from the 800 ppm range to the 500 ppm range during phase two. All other pool chemistry parameters remained in normal limits, and NO ALGAE OR BACTERIA GROWTH WAS OBSERVED. Phase three began at this point, with no chlorine and the FLOATRON device removed from the pool. The copper ion level remained within the manufacturer's recommended range (0.20 to 0.40 ppm) for 25 days. During this period there was no observable algae or bacteria growth and the pool maintained excellent clarity. This is considered to be a favorable result since pool temperatures averaged a warm 82.7 F. The test was terminated after three weeks without the FLOATRON device or chlorine when three days of heavy rains caused the pool clarity to degrade. Cyanuric acid level dropped slightly at the end of phase three. All other pool chemistry levels remained constant. 3. LONG-TERM
EXPERIENCE As of
Prior to installation of the FLOATRON device the pool was requiring approximately 10 gallons of liquid chlorine each week during the summer months to maintain adequate chlorine levels (5.0 ppm). Approximately half this amount was required during winter months. Approximately 0.5 gallons per week of muriatic acid was also required to maintain proper pH with the extensive amount of chlorine added. The pool was pumped an average of six hours per day in summer and three hours per day in winter. Sweeping and vacuuming is performed once per week. Although one gallon of algicide was added each month, the pool had chronic problems with black algae which accumulated on the shaded south side of the marcite surfaces. This problem was very difficult to combat, further increasing chlorine and algicide requirements as well as vigorous brushing with a stainless steel brush for removal. Once installed, the FLOATRON device was able to Increase the copper ion level to 0.2 ppm within a period of two weeks of use. Initially, the copper level was checked frequently to determine when to float or remove the device. However, based on experience, the principal Investigator has found that floating the unit every other week creates the required Ion level without constant measurement. As recommended, the chlorine levels were slowly reduced such that approximately one quart of chlorine is now added each week. This trace level is maintained to provide oxidation necessary to provide proper pool clarity. It should be noted, however, that the user was once away for a month long trip where the FLOATRON was floated, but no chlorine was added. Upon return, no algae growth was in evidence and after pool cleaning and addition of trace chlorine, the pool was once again sparkling clear. Since the FLOATRON has been used, the user's problem with black algae has disappeared. Furthermore, at no time, since the device has been used has there been any evidence of algae growth. The amount of time required for pool maintenance has been greatly reduced (as well as the necessary trips to procure pool chemicals). The operation of the unit has been entirely satisfactory. 4. SUMMARY OF
RESULTS The following conclusions can
be drawn from our evaluation: The FLOATRON device begins producing ions immediately after being placed in a pool when exposed to sunlight, and will produce ion levels sufficient for pool purification within two weeks (depending on pool volume) provided insolation levels are sufficient. The FLOATRON device greatly reduces the need for chlorine. Based on the results of the test, it appears that the test pool will operate with between 75-85% less chlorine, depending on bather load, when the copper ion level is maintained within the manufacturer's recommended range. The Ion levels produced by the device drop fairly slowly. In the test pool, it took over three weeks for the level to drop from the top of the recommended level (0.40 ppm) to the bottom recommended level (0.20 ppm). The electrical performance of the unit is sufficient to produce ions under various solar conditions. The FLOATRON device reduces calcium hardness levels and water hardness levels by precipitating these metals onto the coil electrode. The device lowered the calcium hardness level in the pool by 100 ppm during the test period. In summary, based on our test results and year of experience we find that the FLOATRON device is an effective way to reduce chemical use and eliminate algae while maintaining superior water chemistry.
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The
floatron solar powered water purifier
can reduce pool chemicals needed by 80%. This solar powered ionizer floats on water producing
mineral ions to control bacteria and algae. Mineral ions were used by NASA to
maintain drinking water on Apollo space craft. Unit is safe and non-toxic to
people with no shock hazard. Swimming with floatron is normal. It eliminates the
irritations, odors, and bleaching associated with chlorine. The water remains
clear and stable for extended periods because the minerals do not evaporate out.
Chlorine loses potency after a few hours and even faster in hot weather, mineral
ions last for weeks. 