Apricus Solar Water Heating System Installation and Operation ...

Apricus Solar Collector Installation & Operation Manual - USAinstalled TEMPORARILY. After flushing and charging is complete, the ball valve should be closed and theair vent removed and stored on-site. Leaving the air vent in place will lead to degradation over timepotentially forming a leak on the roof.b) Complete instructions for purging the collector of air are presented in detail in sections 7 & 8.5.6.3 Leak Testinga) BEFORE filling the solar loop piping, the collector must be plumbed to the Supply (Feed) and ReturnLines and an AIR PRESSURE TEST performed in the mechanical room. The loop should be tested to 116psi for at least 15 minutes or in accordance with local codes and regulations.5.6.4. Insulationa) Insulate Piping: Heavily insulate all piping running to and from the manifold with a high quality insulationof at least 15mm/0.6” thickness, and double that thickness in cold climates. Heat loss from the piping canbe significant so particular attention should be taken to insulate any possible points of heat loss, particularlyon outdoor piping.b) Seal Insulation: Ensure the insulation is tight against the manifold casing, preventing loss of heat fromthe inlet and outlet. In order to prevent water from entering the temperature probe port and/or in betweenthe piping and insulation foam, a high quality silicone sealant should be used to form a water-tight seal.This is also important to avoid water running down under the insulation along the copper pipe into the roofspace.c) Protect Insulation: EPDM (foam) insulation that is exposed to direct sunlight should be protectedagainst UV related degradation by wrapping/covering with a suitable material such as adhesive backaluminum foil, flexible protective paint, PVC conduit or similar. If using a “line-set,” ensure the casing issuitably rated for outdoor use and will not be easily torn during the installation process.d) Glass Wool Insulation: For systems designed to allow stagnation, high temperature rated insulationsuch as glass wool or mineral wool should be used on piping, Supply and Return, within ~6 ft (~2 m) of thecollector. Glass wool insulation may come with an external foil wrap, but any cuts made during installationshould be sealed with watertight and UV stabilized material such as thick adhesive-backed aluminum foil orPVC jacket.e) Extra Insulation: All system piping, both interior and exterior, should be completely insulated. Thisincludes all potable piping between tanks and to the heat exchanger, as well as, the first 5 ft (1.5 m) hotoutlet piping from the tank to the taps, as this is a significant point of passive heat loss. Also, insulate anyblank ports on the tank, which will radiate heat. An additional insulation wrap around the tank can alsofurther reduce daily passive heat losses.f) Roof Rats: In some regions (California in particular), rats may attack insulation, and so consideration ofthis may be required. Birds have also been known to steal exposed, exterior EPDM to make nests. Refer tolocal regulations and common practices to protect the insulation from attacks.g) Public Areas: In areas of public traffic, all exposed components must be maintained under 140°F orinsulated/isolated. Adhere to local codes and regulations.5.7 Evacuated Tube & Heat Pipe InstallationThe Apricus solar collector is a simple “plug in” system. The heat pipe and evacuated tube assembly justneeds to be inserted into the manifold. The contact between the heat pipe condenser/tip and heat pipe portin the header needs to be tight in order to ensure good heat transfer. Under normal use, once the heatpipes are installed they should never have to be removed.Copyright 2011 – Apricus Inc Doc: A7-05.4.1.4-PB-1.9 Page 49 of 126