Section 4: Startup; Preliminary Checks; Water Treatment; Scaling - Aerco MFC 3000 Installation And Startup Manual

MFC Series Boilers Installation, Startup Operation

SECTION 4: STARTUP

SECTION 4: STARTUP

4.1 Preliminary Checks

Before starting the boiler, check the following:
•
The rating plate specifications and power supply network (electricity, water, gas or fuel oil)
specifications correspond;
•
The burner power range is compatible with the power of the boiler;
•
There is a copy of the burner instructions in the boiler room;
•
The flue gas exhaust pipe is correctly fitted;
•
The air inlet supply is the correct size and free of any obstacles;
•
The manhole, the exhaust flue and the burner plate are closed in order to provide a
complete flue gas seal;
•
The system is full of water and all air pockets have been eliminated;
•
The anti-freeze protections are operative;
•
The water circulation pumps are operating correctly;
•
The expansion vessel and the safety valve(s) have been connected correctly and are
properly operating.
•
Check the electrical parts and thermostat operation.

4.2 Water Treatment

The most common phenomena that occur in heating systems are described below.
4.2.1

Scaling

Scale reduces heat transfer between the combustion gases and the water, causing an abnormal
increase in the temperature of the metal and therefore reducing the life of the boiler.
Scale is found mostly at the points where the wall temperature is highest and the best remedy,
at construction level, is to eliminate areas that overheat.
Scale creates an insulating layer which reduces the thermal transfer of the boiler, affecting
system efficiency. This means that the heat produced by burning the fuel is not fully exploited
and is lost to the flue
4.2.2

Corrosion on the Water Side

Corrosion of the metal surfaces of the boiler on the water side is due to the passage of
dissolved iron through its ions (Fe+). In this process the presence of dissolved gases and in
particular of oxygen and carbon dioxide is very important. Corrosion often occurs with softened
or demineralized water which has a more aggressive effect on iron (acid water with Ph <7): in
these cases, although the system is protected from scaling, it is not protected against corrosion
and the water must be treated with corrosion inhibitors.
For more information concerning water quality and requirements, see the MFC Boiler
Application Guide, GF-148-B.
OMM-0104_0B
GF-148
AERCO International, Inc. • 100 Oritani Dr. • Blauvelt, NY 10913
Ph.: 800-526-0288
Page 31 of 58
2/28/2018