When thinking about making sure your heating system will make it through the winter months, most people immediately think about servicing the boiler. However, you need to be thinking about the whole system.
If a heating system isn’t properly maintained and dirt and air are allowed to build up this will seriously affect the system’s efficiency and lifespan. Therefore, Deaeration, the removal of air molecules from the fluid in the system, and dirt separation are crucial to the system’s health and efficiency.
The quality of the fluid in the system will also reduce overtime if not cared for correctly. Limescale, dirt and air entering the system during replacement works or maintenance and Magnetite (black sludge), which forms naturally due to the presence of metal, water and air, all effect the quality of the fluid in the system.
Deaeration
The existence of air in a system allows dirt to form. Therefore, by installing a high-quality deaerator this ensures any air is removed and will prevent any deterioration of the quality of the fluid in the system. With air removed there is better circulation, less noise from radiators and the corrosion process dramatically slows, improving the lifespan of the system and its efficiency. Continuous air removal also means there is no longer any need for manual venting.
Dirt Separation
When looking at installing a dirt separator you should choose a product that is robust, made from a quality material like brass and that will remove both magnetic and non-magnetic dirt. A quality dirt separator should also allow you to drain just the chamber rather than having to drain the whole system to remove the dirt, which is both messy and time consuming. Having to drain the whole system also allows for air to be put back into the system when being refilled, allowing corrosion to take place once again.
Water Treatment
The whole system can be affected by corrosion not just pumps and radiators; and if corrosion gets out of hand then the efficiency of the system deteriorates. By using an inhibitor, a protective layer forms on the surface of the pipework and radiators, protecting them from corrosion. It also helps to keep pH levels stable in the system. However, this protective layer will be reduced by any oxygen entering the system, so it is important to check inhibitor levels regularly to make sure they are adequate.
By ensuring air and dirt are removed from the system in conjunction with the right water treatment then boiler breakdowns and call-out can be dramatically reduced.
When it comes to larger industrial sized boilers, the removal of contaminants is also fundamental in order to maximise efficiency and protect the system’s components. However, in these cases you would use either a full-flow or sidestream filter.
Full-Flow Filter
A full-flow filter is fitted in line with the boiler’s main circulatory system, making them relatively easy to install. This means all of the water in the system passes through it, ensuring only clean water is returned to the boiler and radiators. Any trapped air is also vented from the system at the same time.
A good full-flow filter should remove 90+ percent of magnetite on the first pass. No system will ever remove 100% of contaminants, but it is important to select a filter that ensures the maximum capture during the first pass.
Sidestream Filter
A sidestream filter requires the creation of an additional flow and return. They work by continuously filtering a small percentage of flow and returning the clean filtered water back to process. A typical sidestream filter collects the magnetite gradually over serval passes through the system, meaning magnetite can be left circulating the system several times before being caught.
So, whatever the size of your heating system, the removal of dirt and air are vital to its efficiency and lifespan.
If you would like to find out more about how Robinsons can help you to maintain your heating system this winter or are interested in replacing your current system, please contact us to discuss further.