Following the UK Government’s acceptance of the Kyoto protocols, carbon emission reductions of 20% by 2010 are a legislatively backed target that isaffecting us all. To help achieve this, condensing boilers and water heaters have been introduced by all leading manufacturers. These work to reduce CO2 output by recovering the latent heat from exhaust gases when the water vapour from the burnt fuel re-condenses (known as the “condensate”). This reduces the amount of fuel used significantly (by up to 30%). The hi-tech modern technology in these units, has one disadvantage - the “condensate” is a pH 4 harmful acid.

The typical small commercial condensing boiler will produce 4,000 litres (4 tonnes) of condensate a year. With 25,000 commercial installations in 2006, this will add 100,000+ tonnes of acid into our-sewers. Domestic boilers add about 800 Litres each per year, putting 1.25 million tonnes to the sewers.

The condensate disposal figure is estimating to be increasing at 500,000 litres (about 500 tonnes) per week. The environmental consequences are huge. Since 1991 in the U.K., The Water Resources Act has required that trade effluent is discharged in line with parameters set out by the water authority. Most authorities consider a pH level of between 6-11 to be acceptable.



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