Bypass Feeders for Water Treatment

Maintaining precise water chemistry in large-scale industrial or commercial systems can be challenging—imbalances often cause corrosion, scale buildup, bacterial growth, and energy loss. The Neptune DBF-5HP Bypass Feeder offers a reliable and efficient solution to simplify water treatment and protect your entire system.

Bypass feeders are also known as pot feeders or shot feeders. They safely introduce treatment chemicals into your system without disrupting operations, thus ensuring efficiency. Here we will take you through how bypass feeder systems work, where they’re used, how to choose the right model, and which trusted brands offer the best performance.

What is a Bypass Feeder and How Does It Work?

A bypass feeder is a specialized vessel installed on a side-stream (or “bypass”) loop of your piping system. It safely introduces chemicals, such as corrosion inhibitors, scale preventatives, or biocides, into a hydronic or recirculating water system.

A bypass feeder works by diverting a small stream of system water through the vessel, instead of halting your entire system to manually dose chemicals. Inside, the water dissolves the added chemical (tablet, briquette, or liquid). The treated water is then reintroduced into the main line.

This ensures continuous treatment without downtime. It makes these systems a staple in cooling towers, boilers, chillers, and other industrial loops.

Critical Applications: Where Bypass Feeders Make a Difference

• Bypass Feeders for Cooling Towers
  Cooling towers are ideal environments for problems like scaling, corrosion, and biofouling. This happens due to continuous evaporation and air contact. Bypass feeders for cooling towers allow maintenance teams to introduce essential water treatment chemicals, like biocides and scale inhibitors, without interrupting flow. This helps:

• • Extend the life of fill media, basins, and heat exchangers
    
  • Optimize heat transfer
    
  • Reduce biological growth and foul odors
    

• Bypass Feeders for Boilers and Closed-Loop Systems
  In boilers, chillers, and closed-loop hydronic systems, oxygen scavengers and corrosion inhibitors are vital. But these systems must remain pressurized and sealed. Bypass feeders for boilers allow chemical dosing without venting or depressurizing the system, preventing pitting, rust, and scaling.

This is why they’re the gold standard in industrial bypass feeders across HVAC, manufacturing, and commercial facilities.

How to Select the Right Bypass Feeder System for Your Setup?

Choosing the right feeder requires evaluating your system’s demands. Find a quick checklist here:

1. System Pressure & Temperature

Select a feeder rated to withstand your system’s maximum pressure and temperature. For example, Neptune, J.L. Wingert, and Advantage Controls feeders offer models that meet a range of operating conditions.

2. Capacity (in Gallons)

Feeder size impacts how often you’ll need to refill it. Smaller systems may only need a 2-gallon feeder, while larger installations might benefit from a 5-gallon or even 10-gallon model.

3. Construction Material

• Carbon Steel: Suitable for most closed-loop systems using non-oxidizing chemicals. It’s budget-friendly and durable.
• Stainless Steel: Required when dosing oxidizing agents like bromine or chlorine. Also ideal for deionized or high-purity water systems to prevent corrosion.
  

4. Configuration & Features

Look for user-friendly features such as:

• Easy-opening closures
  
• Filter bag options for pre-filtration
  
• Leg supports for freestanding installation

These upgrades streamline maintenance and enhance safety.

Trusted Brands for Reliable Bypass Feeder Systems

Simplify chemical treatment with durable, efficient bypass feeders from trusted names in water treatment. Whether you need a solution for a boiler loop or a full-scale cooling tower, these brands deliver long-term reliability.

• Neptune™ Bypass Feeders
  Neptune offers robust construction, high-pressure ratings, and multiple configuration options. Their FTF-5HP (flat-bottom) and VTF-5HP (dome-bottom) models are go-to choices for industrial applications where strength and precision matter.
• J.L. Wingert Bypass Feeders
  Known for user-friendly designs and heavy-duty build quality, Wingert feeders are preferred by professionals for consistent performance and straightforward installation. Their DB-5HD model offers robust protection in both commercial and industrial settings.

• Advantage Controls Bypass Feeders
  Advantage Controls excels at seamless system integration. Their feeders work perfectly with compatible controllers, pumps, and sensors, creating a holistic water treatment solution for facilities prioritizing automation.

Ready to Enhance Your Water Treatment Process?

Bypass feeders for water treatment are essential tools for maintaining chemical balance and protecting your system investments. Whether you need a solution for a cooling tower, boiler, or any other industrial loop, WTS offers the right model from top brands like Neptune, J.L. Wingert, and Advantage Controls.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How is a bypass feeder different from a shot feeder?

Both terms refer to the same type of device, a vessel that introduces a “shot” of chemical into a closed loop via a side-stream.

2. Can I use liquid chemicals in a standard bypass feeder?

Yes, though most feeders are designed for solids, liquid chemicals can be added. For high-precision dosing, consider pairing with a chemical metering pump instead.

3. How do I properly size a bypass feeder?

Sizing depends on the system volume and dosage frequency. Choose a feeder that doesn’t need refilling very often. 

4. When should I choose stainless steel over carbon steel?

You must go for stainless steel if your system uses oxidizing agents or high-purity water. Carbon steel is sufficient and cost-effective when it comes to standard corrosion inhibitors.

5. How are bypass feeders installed?

They’re installed on a bypass loop with isolation valves on either side and a throttling valve to control flow. This lets you refill or service the feeder without shutting down the main system.