Case Study- Lancaster University

Case Study: Delivering Chemical-Free Water Protection for a Large-Scale Heat Network

As part of its long-term Net Zero strategy, Lancaster University embarked on a major expansion of its existing district heat network (DHN) to decarbonise campus heating and improve long-term efficiency and resilience. The established network already supplied approximately 65% of the campus. To meet future demand and sustainability targets, the University is building a new energy centre, along with an additional 6.5 km of distribution heating pipework. The new high-efficiency air source and water source heat pumps will deliver 39 GWh of low-carbon heat serving around 95% of university buildings.

The expanded system will incorporate approximately 1.85 million litres of water, including eight 180,000-litre thermal stores. With a system of this scale and design life, maintaining optimal water quality is critical to protect assets, maximise heat transfer efficiency, and minimise long-term maintenance costs. Vital Energi therefore sought a robust, sustainable water treatment solution aligned with best practice and statutory regulation.

IWTM was selected to deliver a chemical-free water treatment strategy designed to achieve and maintain VDI 2035 water quality standards. The solution comprised the installation of two IWTM PROTECTOR® P900 units alongside one IWTM PROFILL® 50x4-SKID array. The PROFILL® system engineers the make-up water by demineralising the incoming supply, removing scaling minerals such as salts, limes, calcium and bacteria nutrients such as sulphates, nitrates and nitrites to create water optimised for closed-loop hydronic systems. This ensured that fill and top-up water met stringent conductivity and pH requirements from the outset.

Ongoing protection was provided by the PROTECTOR® P900 units, which use electrochemical processes and sacrificial magnesium anodes to control corrosion and maintain stable water chemistry without the need for chemical inhibitors or biocides.

This case demonstrates how chemical-free water treatment can play a key role in future-proofing large-scale low-carbon heat networks. The solution aligned with the sustainability objectives of the project and is designed to provide many functional benefits in the long term. These include improved system efficiency, reduced maintenance requirements, enhanced health and safety, and maximising equipment lifespan.

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