Boiler And Heating System Piping - NTI Matrix Installation And Operation Instructions Manual

Installation and Operation Instructions
10.0

BOILER AND HEATING SYSTEM PIPING

The heat exchanger of the Matrix boiler is designed to attain the highest level of heat transfer in a compact
design. To accomplish this, the heating water flows through a series of fin shaped tubes, designed to maximize
the heat transfer area. To maintain the efficient and reliable operation of the heat exchanger, and to avoid heat
exchanger failure, it is critical to ensure the rules and guidelines in this section are followed.
Failure to follow the instructions provided in this section will void the NTI warranty and
may result in property damage, fire, serious injury or death.
The Matrix boiler itself is a hydronic heating system, incorporating piping, a circulating pump, expansion tank,
air-purging devices and a heating load (hydronic heating coil). When installed as a "stand-alone" unit, i.e. no
external hydronic heating, the installer only needs to install the Pressure Relief Valve, Pressure Gauge and LWCO
(if applicable), as well as guarantee a source of make-up water via a Feed Water Pressure Regulator.
When installed in combination with a hydronic heating system (external to the Matrix), additional components
and set-up must be considered; carefully follow this section for details.
Boiler System Preparation
Prior to connecting plumbing to the boiler, flush the entire system to ensure it is free of sediment, flux, solder,
scale, debris or other impurities that may be harmful to the system and boiler. During the assembly of the
heating system, it is important to keep the inside of the piping free of any debris including construction and
copper dust, sand and dirt.
For retrofits, all system piping including radiators, must be cleansed of all build-up including sludge and scale.
All systems, old and new, must be cleansed to remove flux, grease and carbon residue. NTI recommends
cleansing the boiler system with "Fernox F3 Cleaner". For retrofit applications with heavy limescale and sludge
deposits, a heavier duty cleaner may be required; NTI recommends the use of "Fernox DS-40 System Cleaner".
For information on performing the cleansing, follow the instructions included with the Fernox DS-40 System
Cleaner. See Table 10-1 for a list of recommended boiler cleansing products.
Failure to rid the heating system of the contaminants listed above will void your NTI
warranty and may result in premature heat exchanger failure and property damage.
Table 10-1 Boiler System Cleansers and Corrosion Inhibitors
Application
Boiler Water Treatment
Cleanser for new and old systems
Cleanser for Retrofits
Boiler Water
Pressure - The Matrix boiler is intended solely for use in pressurized closed loop heating systems operating with
a minimum pressure of 15 PSI at the boiler outlet. To obtain the minimum system design pressure, follow the
piping diagrams illustrated in this section.
Oxygen Elimination - This boiler may only be installed in a pressurized closed-loop heating system, free of air
(oxygen) and other impurities. To avoid the presence of oxygen, ensure all of the air is removed from the
system during commissioning via strategically placed adequately sized air-removal devices, located
throughout the heating system. See figures in this section detailing the location of the primary air-removal
device required for the boiler. Immediately repair any leaks in the system plumbing to avoid the addition of
make-up water; make-up water provides a source of oxygen and minerals that may lead to heat exchanger
failure. Failure to follow these instructions will result in poor performance, unnecessary wear of system
components and premature failure.
The Matrix boiler is not approved for operation in an "open system", thus it cannot be
used for direct potable water heating or process heating of any kind.
28
Fernox Product NTI Part # Description
F1 Protector 83448
F3 Cleaner 83449
DS-40 System Cleaner 83450
Corrosion inhibitor.
Removes flux, grease and carbon residue.
Removes heavy limescale and sludge deposits.
Matrix