Heating systems
Boiler filter benefits
Craig Worth, national sales manager for BoilerMag system treatment products explains the impact of an inefficient heating system on a commercial property, and discusses the benefits of boiler filters as an effective way to save energy; reducing heating bills and minimising the environmental impact of heating retail, commercial and industrial buildings
W
hen boilers are operating at peak performance, they can be very economical and highly efficient to run. Boiler
breakdowns are commonly caused by corrosion of the iron and steel components within a central heating system, caused by the combination of heat, water and oxygen in the system acting as a catalyst. The reaction of these elements creates magnetite, also known as ‘black sludge’, which builds up in the system with potentially damaging consequences.
Black sludge
Black sludge can cause a number of serious problems for larger heating systems. Left unchecked, problems include blocked heat exchangers, and pipes, cold spots in radiators, damage to pumps and valves, and in some cases premature boiler failure. In turn, the efficiency of a heating system can be
dramatically reduced. Blockages can result in significant energy efficiency losses and fuel wastage, as the boiler inevitably has to work harder when trying to reach and maintain the desired temperature. Debris blocks the flow of water around the system, heat transfer efficiency decreases, and the ability of radiators to provide even heat distribution throughout the rooms of a property reduces. As the system struggles to perform correctly and the boiler is unable to heat water efficiently, thermostats are turned up, therefore increasing heating bills. The associated costs, such as loss
of income due to a broken heating system, could be bigger still. Imagine the financial losses and brand damage which could result from having to close a hotel, factory, or other commercial workplace because of a heating system failure.
Fight rising energy bills
One of the best ways to save on energy costs and lower carbon emissions is by ensuring the optimum efficiency of a
24 June 2017
central heating system. By boosting the transfer of heat from the boiler to the central heating system, the system will become more efficient. Keeping corrosion and the build-up of the dreaded ‘black sludge’ to a minimum is, therefore, an important part of the battle to keep a heating system healthy.
Magnetic boiler filters
It’s widely recognised that magnetic filters help to maintain the efficiency of a central heating system, reaping benefits for installers, specifiers, and building managers alike. High performance magnetic filters are the most effective way of preventing the build-up of magnetite or black sludge in larger heating systems, keeping them working at their full potential. In turn, public buildings and businesses benefit from lower energy bills, a reduction in maintenance and call outs for repairs, and increased boiler life. With the dreaded ‘black sludge’ being removed
from the heating system, the system itself is able to work more efficiently, therefore using less energy. Commercial properties can also benefit from the increased life of their boiler and heating system, meaning a reduction in maintenance costs. The BoilerMag XL (pictured left) from Eclipse Magnetics is compatible with 1 ½” pipes and has an operating pressure of up to 12 bar, making it suitable for medium-sized commercial and retail properties. With powerful magnets and a high collection capacity, they extract ultrafine particles, and can be cleaned easily during the normal system routine service. The BoilerMag XT (pictured above) is available in sizes to fit 2” up to 12” pipes and PN16 flanges, and can be installed in a variety of larger buildings.
Cleaning and protection
Whilst only guidance for domestic properties, the latest update of Part L of the Building Regulations (April 2014), provides a good practice blueprint for measures that need to be taken in order to maximise the energy efficiency and circulation of hot water systems
in all types of properties. It’s highly recommended that specifiers and building managers adopt a sensible approach to cleaning and protecting heating systems, to ensure that the health of larger hot water systems is maintained and protected in the long term. Existing systems should be correctly cleaned and
flushed, before testing the water and using an inhibitor chemical to prevent scale formation and the corrosion of metals. Finally, a filter should be fitted into the heating circuit to maintain the efficiency of the system and prolong its life. Even for new systems, it is good practice to install preventative measures such as filters to ensure that systems remain clean and efficient.
Inhibitor chemicals
The use of inhibitor chemicals in central heating systems is a very effective method of optimising the efficiency of commercial central heating systems. Inhibitor chemicals slow down the reaction between the system parts and the water running through them. This oxidisation process is the primary cause of sludge formulation, so by using an inhibitor the rate of the reaction can be slowed down dramatically. A good quality, high performance inhibitor formula maintains heating efficiency by preventing scale formation and metal corrosion, without having any damaging effects on plastic or rubber components such as seals. Dip test strips are an easy, cost effective way of checking for levels of inhibitor chemicals in a system. Engineers can simply dip the test strip into a sample of water from the heating system to check whether the concentration of inhibitor chemicals is at the optimum level, at both pre and post dosage stages. The strips typically display a colour coded reaction which can be compared to a chart, indicating whether more of the chemical needs to be applied.
Energy efficient heating systems
The combination of good quality water treatment chemicals, careful testing, and the installation of a magnetic filter is essential for the maintenance and energy efficiency of heating systems.
www.heatingandventilating.net
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