65
LP-542 REV. 6.2.16
A. BOILER WATER CHEMISTRY
Chemical imbalance of your water can cause severe damage to your boiler and associated equipment, and may also affect efficiency.
You may have to have your water quality professionally analyzed to determine whether you need to install a water softener. It is
important that the water chemistry on both the domestic hot water and central heating sides are checked before installing the boiler, as
water quality will affect the reliability of the system. Outlined below are those water quality parameters which need to be met in order for
the system to operate efficiently for many years. Failure of a heat exchanger due to lime scale build-up on the heating surface,
low pH or other imbalance IS NOT covered by the warranty.
To assure good extended service life, it is recommended that you test your water quality prior to installation. Listed below are some
guidelines.
Sodium less than 20mGL.
Water pH between 6 and 8
o Maintain water pH between 6 and 8. Check with litmus paper or have it chemically analyzed by water treatment
company.
o If the pH differs from above, consult local water treatment company for treatment needed.
Hardness less than 7 grains
o Consult local water treatment companies for unusually hard water areas (above 7 grains hardness).
Chlorine concentration less than 100 ppm
o Using chlorinated fresh water should be acceptable as levels are typically less than 5 ppm.
o Do not connect the boiler to directly heat swimming pool or spa water.
o Do not fill boiler or operate with water containing chlorine in excess of 100 ppm.
NOTE: It is recommended to clean heat exchanger at least once a year to prevent lime scale buildup. To clean the heat exchanger,
follow the maintenance procedure in Part 13, Section B of this manual.
Less than 400 uS/cm at 25
o
C
Table 28 – Water Quality Requirements
B. GLYCOL ANTIFREEZE SOLUTIONS
Use only inhibited propylene glycol solutions which are specially formulated for hydronic systems. Ethylene glycol is toxic and can
attack gaskets and seals used in hydronic systems. Glycol mixtures should not exceed 50%.
Glycol in hydronic applications should include inhibitors that prevent the glycol from attacking metallic system components.
Make certain that the system fluid is checked for the correct glycol concentration and inhibitor level.
The glycol solution should be tested at least once a year or as recommended by the glycol manufacturer.
Anti-freeze solutions expand more than water. For example: A 50% by volume solution expands 4.8% in volume for a
temperature increase from 32
o
F to 180
o
F, while water expands 3% over the same temperature rise. Allowances must be made
in system design for expansion.
A 30% mixture of glycol will result in a BTU output loss of 15% with a 5% increase in head against the system circulator.
A 50% mixture of glycol will result in a BTU output loss of 30% with a 50% increase in head against the system circulator.
It is highly recommended to carefully follow the glycol manufacturer’s recommended concentrations, expansion requirements, and
maintenance recommendations (pH additive breakdown, inhibitor reduction, etc.) You must carefully calculate the additional friction loss
in the system as well as the reduction in heat transfer coefficients.
C. CHECK FOR GAS LEAKS
Before starting the boiler, and during initial operation, smell near the floor and around the boiler for gas odorant or any unusual odor.
Remove boiler front door and smell interior of boiler enclosure. Do not proceed with startup if there is any indication of a gas leak.
Repair any leaks at once.
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