Water treatment
www.heatingandventilating.net
Why water treatment makes commercial sense
Richard Crisp, head of chemistry at Fernox, looks at the key reasons why a commercial heating system might underperform and recommends some of the preventative measures available, aimed at maintaining efficiency and extending the lifespan of the system
T
o keep a commercial heating system at optimal performance, there are three key things that must be kept in check:
¡ Corrosion ¡ Scale ¡ Microbiological fouling If left untreated, each or combinations of these
adverse effects can reduce a heating system’s efficiency, increasing both energy and maintenance costs and potentially leading to system failure. Microbiological fouling describes the build-up of bacteria and slime, which is a particular risk in low temperature systems such as those run by heat pumps or solar thermal, or where underfloor heating has been installed. The growth of biofilm can restrict the internal flow of water and can also coat the heat transfer surface, which reduces the system’s efficiency and can be difficult and expensive to clean. However, there are water treatment solutions
available that can be used to treat contaminated water quickly and effectively, protecting a system from premature system failure or costly replacement. For example products such as Fernox Biocide F7+ prevent bacterial contamination and fungal growth within underfloor, low temperature heating systems and chilled systems. The 10-litre
solution can treat up to 2,000 litres of system water, removing biofilms that have formed, as well as eliminating gas produced by fermentation within the system. Around 60% of the UK is classified as having hard
or very hard water, with many areas containing over 200mg of calcium carbonate per litre. Many commercial buildings are therefore subject to the detrimental effects of limescale, if left untreated. When limescale forms in pipes or on the heat exchanger it means the system must work harder– with a direct correlation between the thickness of the scale and an increase in fuel wastage. In addition, mixed metal heating systems are
vulnerable to corrosion – as the metals react with the naturally-occurring minerals in water – leading to products of corrosion and sludge forming in the system causing baked-on deposits. Maintaining the correct levels of chemical
water treatment in a heating system is therefore essential. A good quality inhibitor will prevent corrosion and the build-up of sludge and scale that reduces efficiency which can ultimately shorten the life of the system. The best practice approach is to combine with an in-line system filter that will capture and contain sludge, dirt and any other installation debris which has entered the system. Used in conjunction with an in-line filter, an inhibitor package, such as Fernox Protector+ Filter Fluid F9, includes an active dispersant which is proven to aid the safe collection of corrosion, debris and scale via a filter, guarding the boiler and vulnerable system components such as pumps and heat exchangers from damage. For older systems or where inhibitor levels have not been maintained and sludge and contamination has accumulated, it is recommended that the system is cleaned thoroughly before being treated. A universal cleaner can be used to remove sludge and restore the system performance. Also, components such as the heat exchanger can also be cleaned on the burner side, using a dryside cleaner. Where corrosion has led to pinhole leaks and subsequent pressure loss, a leak sealer offers an ideal solution. This eliminates the need for a complete drain down, avoiding system shutdown outside of the planned maintenance programme. Once dispersed into the system they work by finding areas of oxygen ingress and forming a polymer to seal the pinhole. The importance of correctly maintaining a heating
18 October 2022
system is well recognised and useful guidance is available in both BSRIA BG 29 (focused on commissioning a commercial heating system) and BSRIA BG 50 (focused on ongoing protection and maintenance). Microbiological fouling, scale and corrosion
all contribute to energy wastage, poor system performance and the need for the early replacement of heating system components, it certainly makes commercial sense to invest in prevention, rather than pay for the consequences of an untreated system.
With the rising costs of energy and the
environmental impact of untreated system water, the importance of optimising the efficiency of larger commercial systems has never been more important.
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