Part 11 - Start-Up Preparation; Check / Control Water Chemistry; Glycol Antifreeze Solutions - Westinghouse WBRC**140F Manual

PART 11 – START-UP PREPARATION
Thoroughly clean and flush any system that has used glycol before installing the appliance.
A. CHECK / CONTROL WATER CHEMISTRY
Chemical imbalance of your water can cause severe damage to your appliance 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
appliance, 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.
Do not use petroleum-based cleaning or sealing compounds in the appliance system. Damage to elastomer seals and gaskets in the
system could occur, resulting in substantial property damage.
Water Quality
Potable water is defined as drinkable water supplied from utility or well water in compliance with EPA secondary maximum contaminant
levels (40 CFR Part 143.3) as shown in Table 27. It is important to ensure the water quality is within these determined limits. If your
water contains contaminants higher than outlined by EPA, then water treatment is recommended and additional maintenance may be
required. If you suspect that your water is contaminated in any way, discontinue use of the appliance and contact an authorized
technician or licensed professional.
Contaminant
Total Hardness
Aluminum
Chloride
Copper
Iron
Table 28 – Water Quality Specifications
Clean system to remove sediment*
1. You must thoroughly flush the system (without the appliance connected) to remove sediment. The high-efficiency heat exchanger
can be damaged by buildup or corrosion due to sediment.
2. For zoned systems, flush each zone separately through a purge valve. (If purge valves and isolation valves are not already installed,
install them to properly clean the system.)
3. Flush system until water runs clean and you are sure piping is free of sediment.
*NOTE: It is recommended you clean heat exchanger at least once a year to prevent lime scale buildup. Follow the maintenance
procedure to clean the heat exchanger in this manual.
NOTE: APPLIANCE FAILURE DUE TO IMPROPER WATER CHEMISTRY IS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY.
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
in system design for expansion.
Maximum Allowable Level
200 mg/l (12 grains/gallon)
0.05 to 0.2 mg/l
250 mg/l
1 mg/l
0.3 mg/l
o o
F to 180 F, while water expands 3% over the same temperature rise. Allowances must be made
Contaminant
Manganese
pH
Sulfate
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
Zinc
Maximum Allowable Level
0.05 mg/l
6.5-8.5
205 mg/l
500 mg/l
205 mg/l
WHL-015 REV. 5.20.16
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