PHAM NEWS | JUNE 2026 32 Light CommercialHeating


Ways to ensure full protection


Commercial heating systems in buildings such as hospitals, schools, universities, offi ces and public buildings must be protected from the damage caused by circulating debris, air in the system and microbiological contamination. Here, Rob Jacques at Fernox looks at how systems can be protected with the right combination of devices and eff ective chemical treatments.


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ommercial heating systems, by their nature, encompass many diff erent types and


confi gurations, and therefore have specifi c requirements when it comes to system protection. In line with the guidance in BSRIA BG50 and BG29, it is essential to protect the system from corrosion, limescale, magnetic and non- magnetic circulating debris, air and microbubbles, and microbial contamination. Best practice is to combine


eff ective chemical water treatment with devices designed to address the specifi c issues. However, the wide range of diff erent types of commercial system mean that there is no one-size-fi ts- all solution and products must be selected to match the specifi c requirements.


Chemical protection One of the most fundamental issues to address in any heating system is the risk of corrosion of pipework and components. Not only does it damage and shorten the life of boilers, pumps and other equipment, but the resulting sludge also signifi cantly reduces the effi ciency of the system, leading to higher energy usage. An eff ective approach is to properly dose the system with a quality inhibitor, the formulation of which should ideally also minimise scale formation and provide pH buff ering to achieve the optimum pH 7 – pH 8.5 range to prevent corrosion in mixed-metal systems.


handover, or where there has been uncontrolled water loss, sampling should be completed every two weeks. Microbiological


Rob Jacques Commercial business development manager at Fernox


contamination is another issue for low temperature systems, including many low carbon heating systems, such as heat networks and heat pump-based installations. The lower operating temperatures compared to conventional systems mean that bacteria and other microbes can grow and thrive in the system water. Microbiological


Combining chemical and physical measures with regular maintenance can ensure long- term performance


To ensure ongoing


protection, it is essential that the correct inhibitor levels are monitored and maintained through regular water testing. BSRIA BG50 recommends that the frequency of water sampling is guided by the condition and stability of the system. For systems that are stable, well managed, and have minimal water loss it should be conducted every three months. However, where there are concerns, such as signs of deteriorating water quality and leaks, or ongoing maintenance works, it should be checked monthly. During commissioning, cleaning,


contamination not only reduces the system effi ciency due to the formation of biofi lms but also accelerates corrosion. Systems can be protected by dosing the system with a biocide treatment alongside the inhibitor. It is important to ensure the biocide and inhibitor products selected are compatible to provide comprehensive protection. Products from the same manufacturer are often designed to work together but the product information must be checked to ensure this is the case.


Filter and protect In addition to treatments to chemically prevent corrosion and contamination, it is also important to address issues such as circulating debris that can damage system components, and air in the system that accelerates corrosion. The most eff ective approach is to fi t fi ltration and separator devices that can provide continuous removal. There are a range of


options depending on the type of system and specifi c


requirements. This includes dedicated air and dirt separators as well as combi devices that serve both purposes. Additionally, vacuum degassers provide a solution for the eff ective release of entrained gases from the system water. For complete protection, there are all-in-one solutions that are engineered to capture magnetic and non-magnetic debris, vent air, and provide a dosing point for chemical treatments. The debris captured by these


devices must be removed during routine servicing and maintenance. For some types of building, such as hospitals and other healthcare facilities, it is important to consider how this work can be carried out while minimising or even eliminating system downtime. This is where side stream


devices are ideal. In contrast to in-line options, these are installed on a bypass loop that diverts a percentage of the system water through the fi lter as it circulates. The advantage of this confi guration is that this bypass can be isolated, meaning the system does not need to be shut down for cleaning or maintenance of the fi lter.


Holistic approach It is essential to consider chemical water treatments and devices such as fi lters as two parts of a holistic solution, as they work in diff erent ways to protect the system. It is also valuable to look at ways that the combined performance can be optimised. For example, some fi lters on the market include very fi ne fi ltration that


The Fernox CC1 Side Stream Filter Air & Dirt 90


is able to support chemical and biological protection by capturing and neutralising circulating microbes. For example, the Fernox CC1 Side Stream Filter Air & Dirt 90 is available with fi lter options down to 0.5 microns, small enough to capture a range of bacteria. It also contains silver-ion


antimicrobial technology to disrupt bacteria cell functions on contact. There are also chemical products that can improve the performance of fi lters. Fernox Protector+ Filter Fluid F9 is an example of an inhibitor that includes a dispersant designed to lift and deliver circulating debris to the fi lter for safe capture and removal. The protection of heating


systems in commercial buildings is often complex due to the specifi c requirements of each application. However, by implementing a holistic approach tailored to the system’s requirements – combining chemical and physical measures with regular maintenance – professionals can ensure long- term performance. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/626/35


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