Typical challenges - and how we solve them
Contaminated or corroded drinking water poses major challenges for operators. With the Comprex® impulse flushing process, we clean drinking water installations without chemicals, efficiently and gently – for both existing and new installations.
The problem
Deposits and biofilms in cold water, hot water and circulation pipes often lead to turbidity, microbial contamination and thus to hygienic and operational risks.
They can impair the water quality, reduce the flow rate and promote corrosion and material damage in the long term.
As a result, the risk of harmful microorganisms such as legionella or pseudomonads increases – particularly critical in sensitive environments such as clinics, nursing homes or educational institutions.
The solution
Comprex® works with specifically controlled air-water impulses that reliably remove deposits – without chemicals. The process cleans effectively and is gentle on materials at the same time.
Before commissioning new systems, Comprex® helps to remove assembly-related auxiliary materials, foreign substances and impurities.
Typical areas of application:
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Hospitals & Clinics
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Senior centers & nursing homes
- Swimming pools & gyms
- Kitas, Schools & Universities
- Residential, office & commercial buildings
- City Halls & Town Halls
The result
With cleaning, we create the best conditions for a seamless transition to normal operation.
On request, the cleaning can be followed by disinfection in accordance with DVGW W 557 to ensure the system is microbiologically safe. After this, nothing stands in the way of successful sampling and recommissioning.
Targeted solutions for typical challenges in drinking water installations
Legionella
Legionella are ubiquitous in fresh water and can multiply in water-bearing systems. If not operated properly, increased concentrations can occur due to deposits in the circulation pipe. Then quick action is required. This is because legionella poses a serious health risk: The rod-shaped bacteria can cause the infectious disease legionellosis through droplet transmission.
Pseudomonads
Pseudomonads, in particular Pseudomonas aeruginosa, are rod-shaped bacteria that can multiply in drinking water pipes due to constructional, operational or procedural defects. They are considered dreaded hospital germs with antibiotic resistance and are particularly dangerous for people with weakened immune systems. Therefore, quick action is required in the event of contamination.
Turbidities
The cause of turbidity in drinking water installations is usually corrosion, especially in older steel pipes. It is noticeable through a reddish-brown discoloration of the drinking water. Corrosion products can clog filters, strainers, aerators or angle valves. In addition, deposits in old steel circulation pipes reduce the cross-section – and therefore the flow rate.
New installations
Before commissioning a drinking water system, it must be ensured that it is leak-proof and in perfect condition. The Comprex® air/water pulse rinsing system reliably removes installation-related residues and contamination – for a safe and clean handover of the system for operation.
How Comprex® ensures clean and safe drinking water installations
Comprex® brings to light what often accumulates unnoticed in drinking water installations: Deposits, biofilms and residues that endanger hygiene. Our targeted pulse cleaning removes these reliably – without any chemicals.
Discharge of deposits in a drinking water pipe
Discharge from a drinking water pipe during Comprex® cleaning
Discharged coarse particles from corroded galvanized steel pipes
Discharge of deposits in a drinking water pipe
Discharge from the circulation system of galvanized steel pipes
Benefit from the Comprex® advantages now!
Whether drinking water and waste water in municipalities, industrial piping systems or water pipes in buildings – each area has its own requirements. We work with you to develop a tailor-made cleaning solution that works, saves resources and delivers lasting results.
Fast, thorough, resource-saving - without chemicals
Up to 80% shorter
Up to 100x stronger
Up to 90% less
Up to 10x faster
3 steps to a clean system
Step 1 Analysis & planning
Our hygiene experts clarify the task with you, check building plans and prepare the on-site visit. On site, we evaluate any conversion measures, coordinate the implementation flexibly and draw up a cleaning schedule.
For optimal preparation, please have the following information ready when making your request:
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Type and use of the building
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Number of taps
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Material of the pipes
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Place of sampling
Information on our scientific work basis – regulations, expert opinions and research projects – can be found here.
Step 1 Analysis & planning
Our hygiene experts clarify the task with you, inspect building plans and prepare the on-site visit thoroughly. On site, we check any conversion measures required on site and coordinate the implementation flexibly with you – whether on weekdays, at weekends or at night. We then draw up a detailed schedule for the cleaning measures.
Information on our scientific work basis – regulations, expert opinions and research projects – can be found here.
Step 2 Preparation
Our team of technicians will come to you with the appropriate equipment and remain on site for the duration of the project.
We connect our technology and install our manual cyclone separators on the fittings. Based on the schedule, your drinking water installation is cleaned section by section – cold water, hot water and circulation water pipes in sequence.
Step 3 Cleaning & commissioning
Using filtered compressed air, Comprex® generates targeted air-water pulses that create strong turbulence and shear forces. This effectively and gently flushes biofilms and deposits out of the pipe, always below the permissible system pressure.
The pipeline is then vented and – if required – disinfected with hydrogen peroxide or chlorine dioxide in accordance with DVGW W 557. After successful sampling, the drinking water installation can be put back into operation.
Whether as a one-off or regularly as part of your maintenance concept, we take care of cleaning your drinking water installation and reliably ensure clean pipes, hygienic systems and safe operation.
"Our conclusion: The test of the Comprex® unit can be rated as thoroughly positive. The cleaning effect can be seen as very good, in some cases even blockages could be loosened. Due to the rather simple operation, the unit could be operated without any problems after the short instruction. No problems were encountered during the test phase.
At this point, we would like to thank you again for the test opportunity and the trust you have placed in us."
"We have had very good experiences with comprex and are very satisfied with the cooperation that has grown over the years. The Hammann GmbH technicians know our network, arrangements are quick and uncomplicated and the assignments are already a fixed part of our annual planning for network maintenance."
The focus and centerpiece is the patented Comprex® air-water impulse rinsing system developed by us, which we are constantly redefining and expanding in various performance levels. This allows us to adapt it perfectly to the individual, changing tasks of our customers.
Legionella in a curative education center
Legionella and pseudomonads in a pediatric clinic
Turbidity problems in a special school
Cleaning of new systems with Comprex®
Legionella in an indoor swimming pool
Frequently asked questions about cleaning drinking water pipes
What information should I have ready when making a request?
What type of building is it?
Background information, facts and figures about the building help us to understand the situation and provide you with targeted advice.
What material is the pipe made of?
The material of the drinking water system also plays an important role in the further procedure.
How many taps are there?
The number of taps gives us an initial estimate of the time required for Comprex® cleaning of the drinking water system.
Where were the samples taken?
This information helps to further isolate the cause of the problem and to initiate targeted measures.
How does cleaning with Comprex® work?
Our patented process works with specifically controlled air-water impulses. These move through the pipes at high speeds (up to 70 km/h) and generate strong shear and drag forces. This efficiently dissolves and removes deposits, biofilms and residues – completely without chemicals and with minimal use of water.
Is cleaning with Comprex® suitable for all types of installation?
Yes, Comprex® is suitable for a wide range of materials and systems – from old buildings to modern drinking water installations, in both public and private buildings.
Can cleaning be carried out during operation?
A brief interruption to operations is usually necessary. We plan the deployment individually and ensure minimal disruption to operations.
How long does cleaning take?
This depends on the scope of the project. We will give you a clear estimate in advance.
How is the cleaning effect verified?
The mobilized deposits are visible and can be documented. The water flow rate can be measurably increased. Circulation systems can work more efficiently.
After cleaning, water samples are usually taken and analyzed by an accredited laboratory.
What distinguishes Comprex® from a normal water flush?
Unlike a simple rinse, Comprex® generates targeted pressure pulses that achieve significantly greater cleaning effects – even with stubborn residues and in hard-to-reach areas.
Which regulations does Comprex® follow?
As experts in the cleaning of drinking water installations, we adhere strictly to the requirements of the German Drinking Water Ordinance and the specifications of the German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water.
DVGW Worksheet W557 / Cleaning and disinfection of drinking water installations
Is there evidence for the effectiveness of Comprex®?
The effectiveness of our Comprex® process has been tested and confirmed by the Institute for Hygiene and Public Health at the University of Bonn. Read the reports here:
What research projects has Comprex® been involved in?
As an industrial partner, we have participated in the two BMBF joint projects “Biofilms in Drinking Water Installations” and “Biofilm Management”, among others. Read the results here: