Water Quality Maintenance And Boiler Warranty; Water Treatment Certification; Water Treatment Analysis And Scheduling; Hydronic System Water Testing And Treatment Resources - Watts AERCO Modulex EXT Series Technical Application Manual

Modulex EXT Series Piping
BOILER QUALITY AND MAINTENANCE
• A reliable test to determine if a system is clean is if the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) of the water being
drained is within 10% of the make-up water TDS. This indicates that sufficient contamination has been
flushed from the system. If the difference in TDS is more than 10%, repeat the cleaning process until
that is achieved. A turbidity test can be used as an alternate way to determine if a system is clean.
• For boiler retrofit/replacement installation, repeat the cleaning process until the draining water is clear.
Once clear, the above TDS comparison (or a turbidity test) should be performed.
• If a flushing machine is used in the cleaning process, carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions. If
the flushing machine is designed to flush individual zones, the TDS comparison must be made
between each zone and the make-up water, or the turbidity test performed for each zone.
• Add corrosion and scale inhibitor after the system has been declared clean, using the appropriate
amount recommended by the manufacturer. Introduce the Multi-Metal protector/scale inhibitor to the
system following the manufacturer's instructions. Adding inhibitor to a dirty system reduces its
effectiveness. It is better to add more inhibitor (exceed the recommended amount) than less.
When refilling the system, ensure the boiler is not air-bound by opening the pressure-relief valve on the rear
of the boiler. Leave the relief valve open until a steady flow of water is observed. Close the valve and finish
filling the system.

2.3.2. Water Quality Maintenance and Boiler Warranty

Heat exchanger failures due to improperly cleaned/treated and poorly maintained water are not covered
under warranty. Scheduled system/boiler water maintenance is required to maintain the heat exchanger
warranty. AERCO shall reserve the right to require maintenance records when evaluating warranty claims.

2.3.3. Water Treatment Certification

When using chemical treatments in hydronic systems, it is necessary to ensure that the chosen treatment
is appropriate and certified by the manufacturer for such environments. The manufacturer should also
guarantee that the treatment, when applied according to the manufacturer's recommendations, will not
cause harm to the boiler, pumps, piping, and other components of the hydronic boiler system.

2.3.4. Water Treatment Analysis and Scheduling

The proper mixture of water, chemical treatment, and glycol (if used) should be ascertained based on a
sample of the system water and the make-up water. Your local water treatment company, or one of the
manufacturers listed below, may analyze your sample. Adjust the chemical composition of your system
water based on the analysis. After this initial analysis, the chemical composition of your system water should
be tested at the beginning of each heating season. For boilers operating year round, this analysis should
be made at least twice a year.

2.3.5. Hydronic System Water Testing and Treatment Resources

On the internet at www.awt.org,
chemical treatments developed for use in multi-metal hydronic systems. Click on the "Find a Water Treater"
button to access this list.
Below is a list of companies providing water treatment systems certified as safe for use in multi-metal
hydronic systems, including aluminum boilers. Contact any of the individuals listed for more information.
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Application Guide
you may find a listing of water treatment firms and manufacturers of
AERCO International, Inc. • 100 Oritani Dr.
Phone: 800-526-0288
Blauvelt, NY 10913 TAG-0099