At an early stage, people realised that metals could not only have a damaging effect on the biological functions of the human body, but also that certain metals had health-enhancing properties. The symptoms of poisoning caused by heavy metals like mercury, lead and chromium and their compounds have long been known. Due to exposure to heavy metals, prehistoric workers mining heavy metal ores and those processing lead and mercury ores by boiling exhibited severe toxic symptoms. Even at relatively young ages, they suffered loss of hair, premature loss of teeth, weakness of bones and poisoning of the liver. On the other hand, the positive effects of some of the precious and semiprecious metals were also discovered in early prehistory. The biological effects of copper, silver and gold are the subject of our current considerations. It is not just because of the rarity of the precious metals silver and gold that they have long been coveted and used for the production of jewellery. These metals also have a positive influence on the general wellbeing of humans. It took more than 3000 years, for example, before the physiological reasons for the stimulating, in some cases euphoretic effects of the metal gold were explained: gold stimulates the release of certain endogenous messenger substances, the socalled endorphins. Endorphins are a series of proteins with opioid effects that are synthesised in the human brain when the body is exposed to specific stimuli. The name endorphin is derived from the two words endogenous (literally: growing from within) and morphine. Silver on the other hand has been employed as a medicine since early times, particularly for internal use. It was widely prized as an oral medication, and had been used especially for the treatment of heart disorders. It was Paracelsus who established the use of silver in medicine. Although the Romans had already been aware of the antiseptic effects of silver, and had employed this property to keep water and other liquids potable by storing them in silver containers, the bacteriostatic effects of silver were only discovered in the late 19th century. Silver compounds, primarily silver nitrate (which also plays an important role as a chemical used in photography), have long been used in medicine. These compounds were applied topically to treat warts and, from the 17th century onwards, silver nitrate was used to prevent gonorrheal conjunctivitis in newborn infants, a major cause of neonatal mortality at the time. This culminated in a legal requirement for the prophylactic treatment of neonates with silver. The bacteriostatic (germicidal) effects of silver are also exploited for the purposes of processing and purifying drinking water. This is not only the case
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down here on earth in drinking water recovery plants, but also up in orbit in space stations, where water is recycled using the Katadyn process. The Katadyn process (the name is derived from katadeynin, which means submerge) is a process for the sterilisation of water using thin silver plates or the abovementioned silver compounds. In the Electro-Katadyn process, water is sterilised by silver electrodes past which the water flows. The oligodynamic (Greek: oligos = few, dynamis = force) germicidal properties of silver are also employed in medicine, where silver threads are integrated in the materials used for wound dressings, particularly dressings used to cover burns. Here, the germicidal properties of the silver prevent the development of inflammation.
Long before the pharmaceutical industry had developed antibiotics, nature had provided man with the best and most powerful agent in the fight against viruses, harmful bacteria and fungi: colloidal silver. This can only be good news at a time in which we are exposed on all sides to horror scenarios of a bird flu pandemic!
We are at war but our enemy is invisible. Every day we live in fear that he could seize us, strike us down and then slowly kill us for his pleasure. It is of particular perfidy that our enemy will not fight in the open with weapons, but uses a Trojan horse strategy. He conceals himself in poultry meat, hovers around us in the air we breathe or even takes the form of the deadly aftermath of an affectionate encounter. This would appear to be the situation, at least if we are to believe the reports presented in the media. Fungi, bacteria and viruses are out to eliminate us and we, with our already compromised immune systems, are completely at the mercy of these treacherous assassins. Winner in this situation, is alone the pharmaceutical industry that thrives and earns billions with vaccination campaigns and then makes an extra couple of hundred million with the sale of antibiotics. And as we have now broached the subject of antibiotics what on earth would we do without them? Would we die in millions as in past eras, each of which had its own particular plague? In the 11th century, there was ergotism (caused by eating mildewed rye and associated with deformities, convulsions and St. Vitus dance), the 12th century had its epidemics of pox and smallpox, the 13th century was notorious for leprosy, while in the 14th century the Black Death struck, syphilis was rampant in the 15th century, dysentery in the 16th, tuberculosis in the 17th, typhus in the 18th, cholera in the 19th and what about the 20th century? Was it AIDS - or cancer - the rates of which have increased tenfold in the course of the 20th century? Today it is the viruses that appear to have got completely out of control. Ebola and Hanta have become words associated with horror, bird flu is seen as the new bogeyman and diseases like anthrax are considered to be so terrible that they are being touted as weapons for use by terrorists. In fact, in the hygienic, medically advanced USA on the threshold to the third millennium, infectious diseases represent the third most common cause of death!
No, our rescue has once again been provided by Mother Nature. As long as human beings have existed, there has been a remedy that is literally effective against all known germs, all harmful bacteria that colonise us, all viruses that attack us and can even put a halt to the insidious advance of the fungi: colloidal silver. Colloidal silver eliminates 650 different pathogens, at the latest within 6 minutes after administration. It does not attack a single bacterium that is essential for the maintenance of our physiological body functions, but only aggressive mutants. Colloidal silver not only has no side effects, but actually strengthens the immune system instead of weakening it as antibiotics do. Colloidal silver does not interact with other medications and does not cause gastric disorders: on the contrary, it promotes digestion. It does not cause a burning sensation on contact with the eyes. Reports in medical journals and studies documented over the last 100 years make no mention at all of any adverse side effects after oral or intravenous administration of silver colloids, either in humans or animals.
The tiny silver molecules invade single cell bacteria and block the activity of an enzyme responsible for the production of oxygen. The metabolism of the parasites is disrupted and they die. Experience shows that intact skin cells and the bacteria that promote healthy body functions are not affected during treatment with colloidal silver for which there is, as yet, no satisfactory explanation, according to Khni and von Host. Silver not only eliminates microorganisms hostile to life, but also stimulates the growth of healthy body tissue, as Dr. Robert O. Becker, author of the book The Body Electric and eminent bioresearcher at the University of Syracuse in the USA, discovered. He states silver provides extensive curative stimulation of skin and other soft tissue in a way quite different to all other physiological processes (). It particularly stimulates bone development and accelerates the process of healing of damaged tissue by more than 50%. Becker was astounded to discover that colloidal silver promotes a new form of cell growth similar to the process of cell formation in children. These cells grow rapidly and during this process produce an amazing collection of primitive cell forms that are capable of very rapid proliferation and differentiation into the specific cells of particular organs or damaged tissue, even in patients over the age of 50 years. Dr. Becker discovered that colloidal silver is also capable of converting cancer cells back into normal cells. Dr. Becker also sees a correlation between low silver levels and disease. On average, silver constitutes 0.001% of the human body. Becker claims that if the percentage of silver in the body falls below this level, a dysfunction of the immune system is the result. It would seem that silver plays an essential role in the basic processes of life.
The ancient Egyptians were already using silver for healing purposes!
The properties of silver were well known in the ancient world. It is possible that its first use in the historical era for medicinal purposes was in Egypt. It was used in medicines by the Greeks, the Romans, the Persians, the Indians and Chinese. Paracelsus (1493 1541) used processed silver amalgams in detoxification baths, as silver is an excellent agent for eliminating mercury from the body. Hildegard von Bingen (1098 1179) considered that silver, seen in the light of
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the ancient theory of the humours, was an excellent treatment for catarrh and cough. Konrad von Megenberg, a canon of Regensburg Cathedral and polymath of the 14th century, mentioned in his Book of Nature that silver as a powder, which when mixed with fine ointments doth help expel tenacious foulness from the body. He recommended it for the treatment of mange, bleeding haemorrhoids and weakness of the metabolism. Silver was held to be effective against demons and diseases. Aristocratic families stored their provisions in silver chests and ate and drank exclusively from silver platters and goblets. Excessive use of silver can lead to a slight bluish discoloration of the lips and mouth. It has been postulated that this is why it was assumed that the aristocracy had blue blood. Silver shavings, mixed with various plants and herbs, were believed to cure rabies, nosebleeds, dropsy and many other disorders. However, the preservative properties of silver were also well known: on their trail to the west, American settlers put silver dollars in their milk to keep it fresh without refrigeration. Some have claimed that it was because of their healing properties that silver and gold were chosen as the first monetary coins. Silver provided a safe means of keeping stored water fresh, assuming that this was protected from light and was not kept in metal containers. The medicinal qualities of silver in its colloidal form were discovered in the mid 19th century. Silver was extensively investigated by numerous researchers in the early 20th century and leading journals, including The Lancet, the Journal of the American Medical Association and the British Medical Journal published articles describing the amazing properties of colloidal silver. At the same time, the pharmaceutical companies were developing their antibiotics programmes, and because antibiotics, in contrast with silver, can be patented and sold for high prices, colloidal silver was gradually forgotten, despite the fact that it is superior to all chemical antibiotics.
Colloidal silver can be taken orally and, in the case of skin disorders, be applied topically. It is also effective in animals: particularly good results have been achieved in the treatment of rabbit parvovirus infection and feline leukaemia. It makes an excellent pesticide for use in the garden: simply spray diluted colloidal silver onto the affected leaves and use it to water plants.
How it works!
Recent investigations of colloidal silver have given us some insight into how this wonderful and versatile substance protects us against the malicious invaders, in and on our bodies: It is postulated that colloidal silver kills viruses by forming silver complexes with DNA and/or RNA or by destroying the nucleic acids. It kills single cell organisms, plasmodia and fungi (including their spores) and attacks worms, possibly by means of inhibition of phosphate uptake and alteration of the permeability of the cell membrane. It inhibits the enzyme phosphomannose isomerase in yeasts. It suppresses histamine and prostaglandin release in allergic and inflammatory reactions. It buffers excessive reactions of the immune system and thus alleviates allergic and inflammatory manifestations. It has an astringent effect on the surfaces of open wounds and thus considerably accelerates the healing process. The skin remains elastic and there are fewer lesions at mechanically stressed sites. In the body it acts in the same way as a free radical and binds excess electrons; it thus promotes detoxification in heavy metal poisoning.
To sum up: colloidal silver kills pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, protozoa and fungi in vitro. There is no known bacterium that is not eliminated within 6 minutes of exposure to colloidal silver at a concentration of only 5 ppm/litre. According to Dr. Robert O. Becker, all pathogenic microorganisms that are resistant to antibiotics are killed by exposure to colloidal silver.
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Trace element copper important for energy, blood, nerves and the immune system
Copper was once known as Cyprian metal. Bronze, a combination of copper and tin, has been known for millennia. Copper has many applications: for example in sugar production, in breweries, dairies, in pest prevention and in the production of artificial silk and rayon. In chemical terms, copper is a mono- to trivalent element and is essential for humans. Our bodies contain approximately 70 150 mg copper. Copper is mainly present in the bones, but is also found in muscles, the liver and the brain. Copper has long been used in medicine. In the 16th century, Paracelsus was the first to use copper - he claims successfully- in the treatment of mental disorders, epilepsy, hysteria and loss of reason. He also described curative effects in the treatment of pulmonary diseases and syphilis. Hahnemann, the father of homeopathy, subsequently built on Paracelsus experience and used copper vitriol to treat madness, hypochondria, epilepsy, hysteria and other disorders. Copper salts also have medical uses as emetics and disinfectants (e.g. eye and mouth rinses and dressings).
thus develop in severe states of copper deficiency. Copper is also involved in the formation of collagen and elastin in the connective tissues. In addition, copper also plays a role in the synthesis of epinephrine and norepinephrine in the adrenal and nervous systems. Copper is also required for the formation of melanin in the skin. The element stimulates the immune system and inhibits inflammation.
Chocolate: 12.5 mg Lobster: 6.7 mg Calfs liver: 3.5 5.5 mg Oysters: 3.6 mg Cocoa: 3 - 4 mg Ox liver: 2.1 3.5 mg Sunflower seeds: 2.8 mg Lentils, peas, kidney beans: 0.7 0.8 mg each
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50 g nuts 75 g mussels 50 - 100 g liver 125 g wheat bran 150 g mushrooms 250 g whole grain rye bread 200 - 1000 g cheese
Infants that are fed solely with cows milk Persons with one-sided nutrition or malabsorption Persons exposed to marked oxidative stress, e.g. due to smoking Persons with gastrointestinal disorders (chronic diarrhoea, bowel inflammation) All patients with inflammatory disorders Persons with immune system disorders Persons with nephrotic syndrome (impairment of protein metabolism) Persons with cystic fibrosis Persons undergoing treatment with antacids (substances that bind gastric acids) or penicillin.
arrhythmia, eczema, parodontitis and bronchitis. In some disorders, such as cystic fibrosis and nephrotic syndrome (impairment of protein metabolism), there is a marked copper deficiency. In addition, there are also specific, if rare, disorders directly related to problems of copper metabolism (Menkes syndrome, Wilsons disease). These involve impairment of copper uptake and progressive accumulation of copper in the body. In most cases of copper deficiency, it is possible to provide treatment to adjust copper levels. However, such treatment is not provided as frequently as it is required. Some diseases are associated with an excess of copper in the body: these include arthrosis, colitis, prostatitis and sinusitis.
diseases. Copper is also an effective emetic. Even where copper is being given for therapeutic purposes, the doses are generally within the range of the recommended daily intake.
100% chemical-free
The system consists of an advanced microprocessor-controlled electronic unit with patented electrodes made of copper and silver. The water passes through a special treatment cell in which the electrodes are located. A low, preciselycontrolled direct current activates the electrodes, resulting in the release of copper ions (Cu++) at 0.5 0.7 mg/l and silver ions (Ag+) at 1 10 ppb. Some of these ions are transported with the water flow into the swimming pool. The number of ions reaching the pool water is controlled by the microprocessor unit. Test devices developed by NECON are used to ensure that the required level of ions in the water is maintained. The innovative system also masters the problem of the development of limescale at the electrodes by means of the tried-andtested Self-Cleaning-System. The resultant pool water is perceptibly softer. Numerous studies have demonstrated the antibacterial effect: the system eliminates pathogens such as Cryptosporidium, E. coli, coliform and pseudomonas bacteria, pathogens that cause cholera and Legionnaires disease, and many other strains of bacteria and viruses that can be present in swimming pool water. The results of these studies show that when copper and silver ions are released into the water these surfactant cations (ions with a positive charge) become highly effective natural decontaminants.
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It has also been demonstrated that the use of chemical disinfectants has resulted in the development of immunity by certain bacterial strains. In other words, the bacteria in question have adapted and changed because of exposure to the various chemical products and no longer react because they have become resistant to the strong chemical substances.
(Cu(OH)2). This substance is insoluble in water and is precipitated, whereby it binds to all the contaminants present in the water. Larger flocculates are formed and these are subsequently retained in a filter unit. The recommended filtration rate is approximately 35 m/hour per square metre surface area. The flocculated particles are not only retained on the surface of the filter medium, but also penetrate into the filter bed and gradually saturate the entire filter material. For this reason and to achieve an optimum filtration result, it is advisable to use as deep a filter bed as possible. Small filters do not adequately retain the flocculated particles, and these pass through the filter and escape into the pool water which then becomes turbid. A temporary improvement of filtration is achieved if a porous filter material is used, but this improvement is rapidly lost as the pores become choked with flocculate particles. The various parameters that control electrolysis, flocculation and filtration must be carefully selected to ensure the best possible overall efficiency, i.e. crystal clear water with the highest possible level of bacteriostatic effect. This can be achieved by means of a copper concentration that is appropriate to the quality of the raw water supply and the technical apparatus employed. The copper and silver ions that are dissolved in the water pass through the filter and develop their bactericidal effects in the processed water.
Disinfection capacity
The quantities of ions required to achieve an adequate bactericidal effect and to ensure that an optimum level of hygiene and purity of the water are maintained are very low (approximately 0.7 - 1 mg/l Cu++ and 1 - 10 ppb Ag+). At these concentrations, water retains its natural organoleptic characteristics: it has no perceptible odour or taste. In contrast with the standard methods used for water disinfection (in which e.g. chlorine, oxygen or bromium etc. are used) there are only very minor changes in the concentrations of metal ions in the water. Physical parameters, such as temperature and sunlight exposure, have no influence on concentration stability. The bactericidal capacity of copper and silver is not impaired even if there are traces of ammonia in the water.
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It is thus not necessary to add further chemical stabilisers to water that is processed by this method, which is not the case when chlorine-based disinfectants (sodium hypochloride and hypochlorous acid) are used. When these agents are employed it is necessary to add a stabiliser, e.g. cyanuric acid or chlorinated isocyanurate, at relatively high concentrations (e.g. 50 200 ppm).
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Minimal maintenance
One major advantage of the ionisation technique is that minimal maintenance is required. Until sufficient flocculates have been formed and captured and all ions
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have done their work, the ions remain in the water and provide additional protection. The ions in the water continue to have algicidal and bactericidal effects even when the processing unit is switched off. This depot effect can persist for up to several months. No maintenance of the pool is required in this period, and this can be particularly advantageous in situations in which the pool is closed for winter. The polarity of the electrodes is continuously switched to ensure that there is even depletion. An increased electrode lifetime of several years can be achieved. NECON provides a 2-year guarantee on all its products (apart from consumable electrodes).
Complete systems
For ease of installation, we recommend our complete system. This needs only to be connected to the inflow and outflow of the pool (by means of two-way ball valves) and all the fun of bathing in fresh, sparkling water can commence! The bothersome adjustment of water pH is no longer required, as pH (the DIN standard requires that drinking water should have a pH of 6.5 9.5) has no effect on the activity of the ions. The system is perfect for installation both in new swimming pools and for the updating and upgrading of already existing pools. The complete system is supplied on a galvanised, plastic-coated, adjustable platform, with all piping connections already in place. The electronic control system needs only to be plugged into a power supply. Further optional extras, such as an automatic backwash, heat exchanger and circulation pump and water level monitoring systems (e.g. for spillover pools) can be readily fitted or come ready installed in the delivered unit. NECON can also supply filtration material (for technical reasons, this is supplied in 15 kg sacks) with the ordered system.
Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, the Ukraine, China, Taiwan, India, the Arabic states and numerous pools in Germany have been fitted with this new technology. The water for the diving pool (3000 m3) and the competition pool (2500 m3) in the National Sports Training Centre in Kaohsiung in Taiwan has been processed by the NECON system since 2003. The innovative NECON ionisation technique was selected in an international competitive tender and after complex negotiations for use in the pool (3000 m3) at the Goudi Olympic Swimming Centre near Athens, which was the location for the pentathlon swimming events. The market prospects for the 100% chemical-free water processing systems produced by NECON are excellent. Customers from the Eastern European, Asiatic and Arabic countries have shown considerable interest in this innovative system at trade fairs. NECON works to very high quality standards. CE and ISO 9001 certification provide our customers with the assurance that our 100% chemical-free systems offer optimum reliability. The locations of our distributor outlets ensures that replacement parts can always be readily obtained. Short delivery times and efficient order processing by our qualified personnel at NECON are further advantages for our clients. We can provide guarantees of compliance of our individual systems with all international standards. NECON also provides in-house and on-site training of personnel to ensure that our specialist staff can provide end customers with the best possible advice.
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4. Overall discoloration
Overall discoloration can develop on the pool liner if the liner material reacts with substances present in the water supply or with salts added to the water. When chemicals are used, there is little risk of discoloration in the pool area because halogens are very aggressive and reactive (the term redox potential is thus used in connection with chemical disinfection). However, these chemicals require stabilisers, such as sodium hypochloride, hypochloric acid, cyanuric acid or isocynaurates at relatively high concentrations(50 200 ppm according to the DIN standard). Many reactions involving chlorine result in the formation of hydrochloric acid, which can cause chemical burns. The hydrochloric acid formed (or hydrogen bromide or hydrogen iodide) reacts with all inorganic and organic alkalines, and can lead to chemical burns or, in less serious situations, to irritation of the mucous membranes, reddening of the eyes or allergic reactions, which is a considerable disadvantage for bathing. If an alternative water processing system, such as that offered by NECON, is used, there is no redox potential. For this reason, it is important that the pool technician makes sure that the correct type of pool liner is used. In this case, the pool constructor should contact the liner manufacturer. An analysis of the water to be used will show whether there is any risk of discoloration of the liner. There are pool liner manufacturers who are aware of this potential problem and have already developed methods to avoid it.
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NEC1000.1/ 7000.1 NEC1000.2/ 7000.2 NEC1000.2/ 7000.2 NEC1000.3/ 7000.3 NEC1000.4/ 7000.4 NEC1000.4/ 7000.4 NEC1000.5/ 7000.5 2 NEC1000.5/ 7000.5 or NEC8000.4 NEC8000.4 NEC8000.5
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System
Pool capacity in in m 600-800 (public pool) 800-1000 (public pool) 1000-1200 (public pool) 1200-1500 (public pool) 1500- 2000 (public pool) 2000- 2500 (public pool) 2500- 3000 (public pool)
Filter depth in mm 3-4 X 2120 injector filter 4X 2790 injector filter 4- 5 X 2790 injector filter 5- 6 X 2790 injector filter 3X 2000 injector filter 3- 4 X 2000 injector filter 4- 5 X 2000 injector filter
Sand in kg 1500
(Sand granulation (Sand 0.7- 1.2 mm) granulation 0.2 Lower support layer in 0.7 mm) kg Filter layer 200 1300
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To pool
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From pool
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