Frequently asked Questions - Descaling
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What should the exhaust flue temperature of my boiler? An average range is 50-100°F over the saturated steam temperature at the pressure your boiler is operating operating at.
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Does scale thickness make a difference in heat transfer? Yes, actually only 1/16" thick of scale is the equivalent to 3" thick steel in terms of heat transferability.
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How long does it take to descale a boiler on average? Typically it takes 4-5 hours, but it's purely dependent upon the thickness of the scale deposition and also the type of scale, Silica, Calcium Carbonate, Magnetite, etc.
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Is heat required to descale a boiler? Some competitors recommend keeping the boiler between 100-130°F while performing the service to provide best results. Adding heat to the process can be a complex task. With HydroCleanse this is not necessary, heat is not required.
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Are Scaled Boilers more likely to fail? Yes, Because boiler deposits are insulating, the fireside/waterside metal temperatures are much hotter in a dirty boiler than in a clean one. The increased metal temperatures in turn increase the potential for tube overheating and tube failure. This causes areas of the boiler to cool unevenly causing internal stresses.
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Are there different types of scale? Some deposits are much more insulating than others. For example, 1/32” of “normal” scale reduces heat transfer efficiency by 2%; 1/32” of a high iron and high silica scale reduces efficiency by 7%. This makes a tremendous difference in the excess fuel costs and greenhouse gas emissions associated with the deposit. Scale composition can also provide insights into why the deposits formed.
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How do I know if my if boiler needs cleaned? Most boilers and water heaters operate between a delta of 25-35°F between the inlet and outlet of the gas fired appliance, at 100% firing rate. When the temperature difference becomes wider, typically there is a scale present causing a flow restriction. Restricted flow Causes high Exhaust Flue Temps and short cycling. Also, Keeping daily logs on the amount of fuel used, flue gas temperature, makeup water volume, and steam pressure, temperature, and volume. Ongoing logs will help monitor for any potential issues that might develop or identify problems that could be resolved with cleaning.
Frequently asked Questions - Magnetite
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How does Magnetite get into a system? Magnitite is not contained in the fill water from the start like typical Calcium Carbonate/Magnesiums scales. This material continues to accumulate annually as the system cycles throughout the heating season, especially in non treated hydronic and cooling system loops.
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How long does it take for magnetite to form? It depends. If the heating/cooling loops are untreated, unfiltered, and not chemically maintained to prevent oxygen absorption, Magnetite can accumulate in as little as one heating season.
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Does Magnetite build up on other devices in the heating systems? Yes, It causes Thermostatic valves to malfunction due to the deposits oil the valve seats. builds up in low flow areas, and pumps increasing the wear of the of rotating components and bearings. The required energy input rises. Pumps can fail completely when a shaft is blocked (wet rotor) or mechanical seal is defective (dry rotor)
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Are there different types of scale? Some deposits are much more insulating than others. For example, 1/32” of “normal” scale reduces heat transfer efficiency by 2%; 1/32” of a high iron and high silica scale reduces efficiency by 7%. This makes a tremendous difference in the excess fuel costs and greenhouse gas emissions associated with the deposit. Scale composition can also provide insights into why the deposits formed.
Frequently asked Questions
Demineralized Water
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Is demineralized water important to have in a Boiler system? Yes, removing the minerals out of the city water flow before they are introduced into the hydronic system is best practice. Removing the salts and soluble minerals prevents premature failure of heat exchangers.
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Does demineralized water help prevent galvanic corrosion? Yes, because demineralized water results in low electricity conductivity to minimize corrosion due to galvanic attack.
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Can I add concentrated inhibited glycol to a system with Demineralized water? Yes, filling your system loop with demineralized water onsite, and adding concentrated Glycol is a very cost effective way to add freeze protection to your system.
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Is using demineralized water in your heating loop enough in terms of maintaining good water quality? Although it's far better than systems using regular city water. It is always reccomend to add water treatments to reduce the potential for oxygen to negatively affect water quality.