43contact with another type of metal,when both are in contact with anelectrolyte. Conductivity should beless than 3000 μS.pH – The pH, a measure of theacidic, neutrality, and alkalinity ofthe water, must always be between7.5 and 9.5.Oxygen – All precautions shouldbe taken to avoid the formationand localization of oxygen in thewater of a heating system. Waterthat is low in minerals (soft water)absorbs oxygen much more readilythan mineralized (hard) water. Forthis reason it is necessary that inheating systems using floor radiantheating, the plastic pipes used beimpermeable to oxygen.Scale and Corrosion – The use ofan inhibitor is advisable to treat feedand make-up water and to protectheating systems against scale,corrosion and microbiologic growth.To prevent freezing, the use of ananti-freezing agent together withthe inhibitor is advisable. Qualifiedcompanies can also provide boilerde-scaling.Water treatment is also advisablein the following cases:- Very large heating systems- High quantities of replenishedwater due to leakages ormaintenance work7.1.3 System flushing,treatment, and cleansingNote that prior to cleaning the heatingsystem, the boiler MUST be isolatedfrom the piping to prevent infusion ofcontainments, including sludge, intothe boiler.CAUTION!!! Cleaning solutionand inhibitors used must becompatible with heat exchangermaterial. Corrosion/scaleinhibitor will be ineffectiveif added to a dirty system;therefore, it is very important toclean the system first.CAUTION!!! The manufacturercannot be held responsible forany damage caused by incorrectuse of additives in the heatingsystem.When cleaning, treating, andmaintaining, a heating system, consulta qualified professional. The followingare tips/guidelines for cleaning aheating system – these do NOT takeprecedence over detailed instructionsfrom qualified professionals.Make sure to use an appropriateamount of cleaning solution,carefully following themanufacturer’s instructions. Followthe chemical manufacturer’srecommendations when introducingcleaning agents into the system.Ensure that the cleaning solution iscirculated thoroughly in the system.Flush the system thoroughly toremove the maximum amount ofcontaminants. When emptying thesystem, make sure it is done asquickly as possible using all drainoff points and ensuring all low lyingpipework is fully drained. Openingall bleed valves ensures the systemwill be completely emptied.A reliable test to determine ifa system is clean is if the TotalDissolved Solids (TDS) of the waterbeing drained is within 10% of themake-up water TDS. This indicatesthat sufficient contamination hasbeen flushed from the system.If the difference in TDS is morethan 10%, it is recommended torepeat the cleaning process untilthat is achieved. A turbidity testcan be used as an alternate way todetermine if a system is clean.For boiler retrofit/replacementinstallation, it will be necessary torepeat the cleaning process untilthe draining water appears to beclear. Once clear, the above TDScomparison (or a turbidity test)should be performed.If a flushing machine is used in thecleaning process, carefully followthe manufacturer’s instructions. Ifthe flushing machine is designedto flush individual zones, the TDScomparison must be made betweeneach zone and the make-up water,or the turbidity test performed foreach zone.Add corrosion and scale inhibitorafter the system has been declaredclean, using the appropriate amountrecommended by the manufacturer.Introduce the protector/scaleinhibitor to the system following thechemical treatment manufacturer’sinstructions. Adding inhibitorto a dirty system reduces itseffectiveness. When refilling thesystem, ensure the boiler is notair-bound by opening the pressure-relief valve. Leave the relief valveopen until a steady flow of wateris observed. Close the valve andfinish filling the system.7.1.4 Water QualityMaintenance andWarrantyHeat exchanger failures due toimproperly cleaned/treated and poorlymaintained water are not coveredunder warranty. Scheduled system/boiler water maintenance is required tomaintain the heat exchanger warranty.Boiler manufacturer shall reserve theright to require maintenance recordswhen evaluating warranty claims.7.1.5 Water TreatmentAnalysis and SchedulingThe proper mixture of water, chemicaltreatment, and glycol (if used) shouldbe ascertained based on a sampleof the system water and the make-up water. Your local water treatmentcompany, may analyze your sample.Adjust the chemical compositionof your system water based on theanalysis. After this initial analysis,the chemical composition of yoursystem water should be tested at thebeginning of each heating season.For boilers operating year round, thisanalysis should be made at least twicea year.7 - INSTALLATION - IB boiler water connections