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Commercial heating


Unlocking the dirty secrets of a failing heating system


Steve Simmonds, from Spirotech, discusses some typical heating system water woes and explains how water quality testing can reveal a system’s ‘dirty secrets’


W


ater is a heating system’s cheapest component. Keep it in prime condition and the installation could keep


running smoothly for years. Neglect it, and the consequences can be costly. Dosing water with chemicals is often seen as the answer to keeping it in good condition, but this is usually just a temporary fix, and not really a fix at all. Many of the issues impacting on a heating


system’s performance can be traced to its ‘lifeblood’, the system fluid. A proper examination can reveal whether the problem lies in the water itself, such as dissolved gases or magnetite, or that the cause lies elsewhere, such as poor hydronic balancing. Of course, the best solution is not to let it happen in the first place. Thankfully, the industry is increasingly recognising the benefits of installing deaeration, dirt separation, degassing (including vacuum degassing), and pressurisation equipment. When correctly specified, properly set up and


regularly maintained, this will avoid the difficulties associated with air and dirt particles that lead to problems such as corrosion, erosion, and bacterial contamination, to name but a few.


Heritage issues


Not all systems are new. There are thousands with what can be referred to as ‘heritage issues’, where the technology has become outdated, or the equipment is ageing and it’s beginning to show. Typical indicators include problems such as boiler


Steve Simmonds, Spirotech


Ignoring these BG 29/202 guidelines is likely to increase the system’s dependence on continuous dosing.


In summary, a water quality test could be the


kettling, noisy pipework, cavitation resulting in poor circulation, pump inefficiency, cold spots in radiators and leaking AAVs. In seeking a solution, any course of action to


rectify the situation should include a water quality test. Testing can be anything from a basic sampling and laboratory analysis with initial feedback, to a full interrogation and in-depth 30-section report with specific recommendations. Depending on the results, recommendations could include mechanical solution, such as the fitting or replacement of a pressurisation unit, vacuum degasser (for the elimination of microbubbles and dissolved gases) or a dirt separator. Another good reason for carrying out a water quality test is that many HVAC manufacturers will only offer a warranty if the system water meets certain standards. In the UK, the standard is BG 29/202, as promoted by BSRIA (the Building Services Research and Information Association).


key to unlocking the ‘dirty secrets’ of an inefficient heating system and opening the door to better water quality management, the benefits of which are: ¡ Reduced corrosion of metals within the system ¡ Scale formation is inhibited ¡ Primary plant equipment is protected ¡ Lower maintenance ¡ The opportunity for microbiological organisms to grow is lessened ¡ Increased system lifespan and efficiency.


CPD and solutions guide


To further support M & E contractors and specifiers, Spirotech has launched a new CPD, ‘Understanding Water Quality & Total Solutions’. Presented by a member of the Spirotech technical


team, it looks at common problems caused by poor water quality, from balancing issues and pump inefficiency to kettling and poor circulation. Other topics include hydronic stability, the latest


regulations and guidelines, how water conductivity causes corrosion, and the impact of hard and soft water. Bacterial contamination is also covered. Spirotech has also created a 12-page ‘problem


solving’ guide, ‘Best in Class Heating’, which explores the issues that can arise in heating systems, whether it is a refurbishment or a new-build.


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November 2022


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