Data Worx is a unique air-dry water-based acrylic HVAC/R coil coating. Data Worx is powered by GMG Graphene to provide a novel way of increasing heat transfer of air-cooled coils used in HVAC/R equipment. The coating provides coil corrosion resistance as well. The coating is specifically developed for air cooled round tube plate fin (RTPF) and microchannel heat exchangers made of copper/aluminum or all aluminum construction. Data Worx is not suitable water-cooled condensers. Data Worx can be used on stainless steel or unpainted or painted steel surfaces in applicable situations.

Graphene is a two-dimensional allotrope of carbon that is one thick atom that exhibits an extraordinary ability to conduct heat with its ability to superconduct via vibrational mechanical energy (phonon heat transfer) by its lattice of carbon atoms.

Inside a very thin layer of Data Worx, graphene increases the heat transfer process allowing more efficient operation of the system with less energy and lowers CO2 emissions. With new systems or systems in the field, the unique properties of graphene within Data Worx transfers heat at a much faster rate, creating more efficient system operation and faster time to reach cooling set points. Faster cooling with less fan and compressor operating times results in energy savings. The coating restores lost efficiency caused by corrosion of the existing coil.

Independent testing has shown 15% improvement of pull-down rate and 5% reduction in compressor wattage on a NEW coated coil. Depending on degradation of the coil in the field, systems in service saw improved wattage reduction where an independent study showed an average of 12%, the results were specific to each situation in the study. Field tests have shown a range of 8 to 30+% depending on the condition of the coil where slightly degraded coil saw most improvement. The actual savings will depend on factors including variable operating conditions, climate, system loads, change in temperature set points, system design and age. As a result, the product may perform differently from how it is described. Testing is recommended where these variables can be best isolated to properly and fairly evaluate properties of Data Worx to determine if the product provides the necessary benefit for a particular application. Nu-Calgon has tools and recommendations to help in the evaluation process. Nu-Calgon uses a reasonable 10% savings target with ROI expectations in discussions with Data Worx.

Data Worx is primarily for air cooled coils used in HVAC/R, industrial process cooling, and thermal management applications. Data Worx can be applied on any size equipment, typically the larger size equipment with average or longer run times operating in areas with higher kilowatt cost see the quickest return on investment.

Studies have shown benefit with the application of Data Worx on evaporators too on applicable type of systems. Considerations with the use of UV lights are required to help facilitate Data Worx curing for evaporator applications; it is best to coat the evaporator prior to system commissioning. See Nu-Calgon for further guidance. Data Worx would also find benefit on coils in radiant heat applications since the coating improves the thermal radiation of the surface by eight-fold. See Nu-Calgon for further guidance.

Nu-Calgon’s Tri-Pow’r HD™ should be used on newer, bare aluminum and/or copper coils with slight to no corrosion of the coil whether it is RTPF or microchannel design. With slightly corroded coils or previously coated condenser (outdoor) coils, Nu-Calgon’s more aggressive alkaline Nu-Brite™ coil cleaner (at a 10:1 dilution) is recommended in these situations to best remove corrosion off the coil or to remove existing coating flaking surface so Data Worx will best adhere to this substrate.

Data Worx is a one-lifetime application. It is imperative to use milder coil cleaners approved by Nu-Calgon to maintain the coating since an aggressive brightener cleaner (Nu-Brite and similar others) will damage the coating to where reapplication would be necessary to repair. Using non-approved cleaners will vid the warranty.

Allow two weeks for Data Worx to fully cure on the coil before applying any coil cleaner. Only use mild cleaners for cleaning the condenser coil with the coating. Nu-Calgon recommends Cal-Green, Tri-Pow'r™ or Blackhawk™ for outdoor cleaners or Evap-Green™ if the coating is deemed appropriate for a particular indoor coil application every six months after the coating application. Data Worx when fully cured, has hydrophobic properties that make subsequent cleaning much easier with a milder cleaner such as Cal-Green.

Equipment manufacturers have varying warranty coverage that addresses the entire piece of equipment and various components in the system. Always follow OEM guidelines to ensure warranty coverage. Condenser coils, depending on how they are treated at the factory or other applicator can have more limited coverage due to potential corrosive microclimates in the field. Data Worx aids in addressing ongoing oxidation/degradation of the aluminum coil from date it was installed. Data Worx provides corrosion resistance to the coil as well as reinstates some heat transfer capability that was lost due to metal degradation after it was installed. Nu-Calgon continues to be in discussions with OEMs with the novel properties Data Worx provides.

Other coil coatings in the market provide corrosion resistance to the coil and they nominally affect heat transfer rate. Data Worx is a two-in-one product which provides top-tier corrosion resistance but also makes the coil more conductive with its application vs. not applying a coating or a using a competing coating.

The best approach is to find an application/system where variables can be best isolated so there is a consistent compare of before and after application of Cool Worx. This includes a consistent cooling load and reasonably consistent weather pattern since these variables will affect how the system performs. It is imperative to gather energy data before and after application of Cool Worx plus other system vitals. It is also imperative to know that it will take several days or more for the coating to cure before performance is best realized. For specific questions, contact Nu-Calgon.

Data Worx can be used on any sized air conditioning, refrigeration, precision cooling or industrial cooling air cooled heat exchanger. End-users that benefit most with quicker ROI will be those with higher energy costs commensurate to their overall operating costs, and/or those who are looking to protect the outdoor coil to extend the life of their equipment. Small to medium businesses generally don’t have a lot of levers to pull to offset savings weighing in inventory, staffing and rent costs. The ability to reduce energy cost with Data Worx’s ability to save operational costs, achievable year on year – especially if a local utility company has a program available to offset the application cost. Some notable examples of high use/energy applications including air conditioning/refrigeration systems in commercial buildings such as stores, offices, schools, gymnasiums, libraries, hospitals, clinics and others including supermarkets, plus data centers and industrial applications.

Yes, undercoating may lead to inferior performance. Testing has shown Data Worx to be forgiving if some excess overcoating occurred – within reason. Three light coats at three different application sprayer angles to the coil (90 degrees to coil, 45 degrees left to coil, and 45 degrees right to the coil). When applying Data Worx, position the sprayer about four inches from the coil. The dry film thickness of Data Worx is 15 microns, it will not cause air flow restriction.

Determine if the application is the right fit for Data Worx by reviewing system size, run time, condition of the equipment, local kW cost so it provides the required ROI to the end-user. In evaluating Data Worx, Nu-Calgon has a payback estimator and has test set-up suggestions to ensure reasonably consistent cooling loads and outdoor conditions to have best comparative results to highlight the benefit of the coating. Once Data Worx is applied to the coil, more aggressive coil cleaners in the market like Nu-Calgon’s Nu-Brite can no longer be used. Before applying, ensure using mild cleaners as in Nu-Calgon’s Cal-Green is a suitable long-term coil cleaning strategy. Like any paint system, surface preparation is everything! If the coil is too severely corroded to the point where the fins are brittle, this is not an application for Data Worx. Clean coils with the right cleaner to properly prepare the surface. If rust exists, this must be addressed first with the use of a mechanical brush and/or rust converter product to allow for best Data Worx adhesion.

IMPORTANT: The coil must be dry before applying Data Worx. A wet coil surface will inhibit good adhesion and must be avoided. Clean the coil the day before and apply it the next day or if done on the same day, use a power blower to accelerate good drying before applying Data Worx.

Applying Data Worx in the field with existing equipment requires application specific planning, understanding how to best access to as much coil surface area on both sides of the coil as possible for best corrosion protection and energy savings potential. There may be circumstances where coil depth, coil geometries/access where limited coil exposure to were applying Data Worx may not make sense. Each circumstance needs to be reviewed on its own merit.

The good news with current findings is that worthy energy gains have been seen with only a good coating (three thin coats from different sprayer angles) on the air intake side of the condenser coil. Third party and field testing has been done with coating condensers in field assembled condensing units. Coil coverage in these circumstances is never perfect, it is about what can be reasonably available for best coverage to optimize the benefit of Data Worx.

Independent findings have shown field applications of assembled systems have shown 15% pull down rate reduction and 5% energy savings on a new coil, with coils in service about 12% energy savings; some applications dramatically more because of system circumstances. As the system ages in service, where the coil has seen some ongoing specific microclimate degradation, field testing routinely has shown higher realized energy cost savings when compared to testing on a new coil.

1. For Nu-Calgon trained HVAC/R professionals only. Data Worx CANNOT be resold or given away to any other individual.
2. Follow label requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes protective eyewear, proper respirator use during handling and spraying, nitrile gloves, and necessary dermal protection.
3. Following proper disposal requirements following local laws. Do NOT release Data Worx direct into a water stream. Collect water used during sprayer clean-up with a chemical absorbent. Allow rags and empty Data Worx bottles to dry before proper disposal.

Nu-Calgon requires written agreements with Data Worx applicators to have on file to acknowledge these requirements and for any warranty consideration.