First published in Energy Manager Magazine January 2015
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Know your water chemistry to prevent problems
Treating water in closed heating and cooling systems is essential whether you are running a new or refurbished system, with a condensing or high efficiency boiler, or a much older installation. Microbiological fouling (bio-fouling), corrosion and scale can all result in energy wastage, poor system performance and costly damage to plant and components.
A system that is harbouring a build-up of corrosion and sludge will have to work harder to distribute water and heat. Blockages and sludge will impede the water flow, and energy-guzzling components like the system pump will have to work harder to overcome the obstruction, and may have a shorter life as a result. A 1mm layer of carbonate scale build up on the heat exchanger can reduce heat transfer by up to 10%. The efficiency losses from other chemical scales are dramatically higher especially phosphates, sulphates and, silicas.
Treating water in closed heating and cooling systems is essential whether you are running a new or refurbished system, with a condensing or high efficiency boiler, or a much older installation. Microbiological fouling (bio-fouling), corrosion and scale can all result in energy wastage, poor system performance and costly damage to plant and components.
A system that is harbouring a build-up of corrosion and sludge will have to work harder to distribute water and heat. Blockages and sludge will impede the water flow, and energy-guzzling components like the system pump will have to work harder to overcome the obstruction, and may have a shorter life as a result. A 1mm layer of carbonate scale build up on the heat exchanger can reduce heat transfer by up to 10%. The efficiency losses from other chemical scales are dramatically higher especially phosphates, sulphates and, silicas.
"Treating water for the wrong problem can be energy intensive"
Peter Bowle, Airmec.
Peter Bowle, Airmec.