A father-and-daughter team in South Tyneside are turning their chemistry know-how into an energy saving idea by "making water wetter".
Safesol, which offers a range of water disinfectants and system descalers, has created a product that changes the properties of water in such a way that it can boost the efficiency of heating systems. Delta T increases the surface area of water and boosts its ability to get into cracks and crevices in heating systems.
The product, which can also be used in chilled systems, has been in development for 15 years and is now being marketed as a means for households and businesses to save energy, money and carbon emissions.
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The South Shields firm, which employs four people, was set up by Bob Wilson in 2004 after years of experience in the water treatment industry, and is now co-run by his daughter Vicki Morrison. She said: "Now more than ever it is vital that we look at ways to save – oil, gas, money, time, anything. This chemical not only helps make systems become more efficient, it has a significant environmental impact benefit too.
"The basic concept is that water isn’t as wet as people think. The droplets you see on car bonnets or windscreens are almost spherical. By making it “wetter” or changing the water’s properties, it increases contact with a surface, ensuring water reaches the nooks, crannies, crevices and cracks in a system, which may sound a small benefit but delivers a big impact."
The firm is working with Durham County Council to pilot Delta T in one of the authority's rural offices and it is being put to use at NHS Castle Hill Hospital, near Hull. In both instances the product is being shown to lower costs and CO2 emissions.
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Ms Morrison added: “The introduction of the product delivers real impact. We work with organisations to assess their systems’ heating capacity and volume and ensure the precise amount of chemical is delivered to the system, but our household product can be bought off the shelf and as long as the system is water-based, it will work. Quite often, you may not be able to get solar panels on older buildings or introduce modern measures that help drive up energy efficiency or lower environmental impact, so this product offers a solution to help older, energy inefficient buildings operate more effectively.”
SafeSol has also donated Delta T to South Tyneside Council for use in some of its “Welcoming Places” - free areas available to residents to keep warm, save money on heating costs and avoid social isolation. As part of the move the firm has signed up to the authority's pledge which is designed to encourage local economic activity, combat health inequality, boost civic pride and reduce carbon emissions.
Coun Margaret Meling, lead member for cconomic growth and transport at South Tyneside Council, said: “SafeSol describes itself as 'the clever little chemical company', but this clever little company’s innovation can provide a huge impact for us all as we look to make savings in the current cost of living crisis and do our bit to drive down carbon emissions.
"It’s fantastic to see this forward-thinking, solutions-based company thriving in South Tyneside and supporting the South Tyneside Pledge. The council business team has a great relationship with Bob and Vicki and we look forward to working with them as they continue to grow and expand the company’s product line."