The Importance of an Effective Water Treatment Programme for Larger Heating Systems

Craig Worth, National Sales Manager for BoilerMag

Heating system treatment programmes for domestic properties are now commonplace as the benefits of increased efficiency and reduced maintenance costs are widely recognised.

But they are arguably more important for larger buildings, where heating system failures in buildings such as hotels, municipal buildings, office blocks, and factories can be expensive in terms of commercial losses through building closure or on-going energy costs.

For a large heating system to perform optimally, it’s imperative that an effective treatment programme is implemented to ward off issues that will put a system at risk. From the moment it is installed a heating system is at risk as water reacts with steel components. This corrosive process causes a build up a black sludge or magnetite, a black mud like substance which is an accumulation of fine ferrous particles of corrosion. Left unchecked this can cause problems including blocked heat exchangers and pipes, cold spots in radiators, damage to pumps and valves, and in some cases premature boiler failure. Over time, the system will also suffer from reduced efficiency, greater CO2 emissions, and higher energy and potentially huge capital investment on replacement parts such as boilers.

The associated costs, such as loss of income due to a broken heating system, could be bigger still. Imagine the financial losses and brand damage which could result from having to close a hotel, factory, or other commercial workplace because of heating system failure.

The benefits of good system treatment for larger heating systems are significant. Buildings such as hotels, public buildings and hospitals will not only benefit from business continuity, they’ll also reduce their energy bills and maintenance costs. In addition, there are huge environmental benefits associated with reduced energy use due to increased heating efficiency, including the reduction in carbon emissions and avoidance of boiler scrappage.

Good Practice for the Care and Maintenance of Heating Systems

Whilst only guidance for domestic properties, the latest update of Part L of the Building Regulations (April 2014), provides a good practice blueprint for measures that need to be taken in order to maximise the efficiency and circulation of hot water systems in all type of properties.

It’s highly recommended that specifiers and building managers adopt a sensible approach to cleaning and protecting heating systems, to ensure that the health of larger hot water systems is maintained and protected in the long term.

Existing systems should be correctly cleaned and flushed, before using an inhibitor chemical to prevent scale formation and the corrosion of metals. Finally, a filter should be fitted into the heating circuit to maintain the efficiency of the system and prolong its life. Even for new systems, it is good practice to install preventative measures such as filters to ensure that systems remain clean and efficient.

Cleaning a Larger Central Heating System

Cleaning chemicals are essential for the effective removal of limescale deposits, installation debris, and magnetite. Good quality, high performance cleaning chemicals will display the Benchmark logo, which is a valuable endorsement of the product reputation and associated back up services. In addition to excellent lime scale and iron oxide dispersal rates, cleaning chemicals should be phosphate free to avoid damage to pumps and bearings.

Preventing Scale Formation and Metal Corrosion

Inhibitors, also known as Protectors, have 2 jobs to do: to provide on-going protection against corrosion and scale. A high performance formula will maintain heating efficiency, and should be free from damaging or harmful chemicals such as Borate and Phosphate. Again, good quality inhibitor chemicals will display the Benchmark logo, and must be BuildCert approved.

Magnetic Boiler Filters

High performance magnetic filters are the most effective way of on-going prevention of the build-up of magnetite or black sludge in larger heating systems, reducing energy bills, reducing maintenance costs and increasing boiler life.

Water Testing

To make it easier for heating engineers and contractors to assess the heating system water quality and recommend a treatment programme, “dip test” indicator strips can be used to test for cleaner levels in the system, allowing the engineer to check that dosage levels are sufficient for an effective flush, and if the flush has been successful or should be repeated. Similar strips can also be used to check the levels of inhibitor in the system, ensuring that the concentration is optimised at both pre and post dose stages.

For a more detailed report, full laboratory water analysis services are also available, which provide vital information on scale forming capacity, levels of corrosion inhibitor present, contaminants present, and analysis of acidity, alkalinity and conductivity. As valuable data for installers, contractors, and facilities management companies, this information ensures that optimum treatment programs can be implemented, thereby protecting the boiler and enhancing heating system performance.

BoilerMag offers a full range of products including everything needed to provide an effective treatment programme for larger heating systems. For more information about BoilerMag’s high performance heating system filters, water treatment products and water testing kits, visit www.boilermag.com or contact service@boilermag.com