I&O Manual - Solaris Water Heaters - Categories On Thermal ...

IV. Water Piping and Trim1. WATER TREATMENT: The quality of water used inthe heating system is essential for the successful operationand longevity of the system components. A successfulwater treatment plan will help to maintain efficiency, reducethe regularity of repair and/or replacement, and extend theworking life of the water heater and other system equipment.If left untreated, poor water quality could cause anumber of problems including, but not limited to, oxidation,scaling, corrosion, and fouling. See Table 1 for examples oftypical chemical agents found in untreated water along withtheir potential effects.Table 1: Chemical Agents and EffectsCompoundCalcium Carbonate(CaCO 3)Calcium Bicarbonate(CaHCO 3)Calcium Sulphate (CaSO 4)Calcium Choloride (CaCl 2)Magnesium Carbonate(MgCO 3)Magnesium Bicarbonate(MgHCO 3)Magnesium Sulphate(MgSO 4)Silicon Dioxide (SiO 2)EffectSoft ScaleSoft Scale, CO 2Hard ScaleCorrosionSoft ScaleCorrosion, ScaleCorrosionHard ScaleSince the condition of water varies from location tolocation, it is impossible to prescribe a one-size-fits-alltreatment plan for the system water. In order to developan effective water treatment plan, it will be necessary togain knowledge of the impurities dissolved in the water.Once all the impurities are identified, the proper treatmentplan can be established. Therefore, it will be essential toobtain the expertise of a qualified industrial water treatmentprofessional for establishing a treatment plan.In addition, a periodic testing/sampling plan should bedeveloped. The intent of the plan should be to: (1) ensurethe protection of the water heater and system equipment,(2) prevent an unforeseen system failure, (3) provideinformation for use in addressing the water quality, and (4)to confirm the proper concentration of chemicals in use.CAUTIONThe water shall have a maximum water hardnessof 8.5 grains or 150 ppm. However, other aspectsof water quality can affect water heater operationand longevity. A qualified water treatment expertshould be consulted to develop a completewater treatment plan.Oxygen contamination of system water willcause corrosion of iron and steel water heatercomponents, and can lead to water heaterfailure. Thermal Solutions Standard Warrantydoes not cover problems caused by oxygencontamination of system water.Proper water treatment and water heatermaintenance is required to avoid scale buildupon the inside of the water heater. ThermalSolutions Standard Warranty does not coverproblems caused by scale build-up.CAUTIONFailure to properly pipe water heater may resultin improper operation and damage to waterheater orstructure.CAUTIONAll piping either new or existing must be cleanedwith a tri sodium phosphate (TSP) solution to removemill scale and oils from the system. Failureto do so could result in premature failure of theheat exchanger (not covered by Thermal Solutionswarranty.)CAUTIONOn an existing or retrofit system, a filter orstrainer must be installed on the system returnprior to the water heaters.2. Design and install water heater and system piping toprevent oxygen contamination of water heater waterand frequent water additions.a. There are many possible causes of oxygen contaminationsuch as:20