Apricus Solar Water Heating System Installation and Operation ...

Apricus Solar Collector Installation & Operation Manual - USAWARNINGOnly drain the system once the solar collector is below 113° F (45° C). Draining the systemwhile the system is hot could result in release of high pressure hot fluid which could causeserious scalding.WARNINGIf the installer/contractor leaves the site at any time a clear sign should be mounted on thefront of the pump station and/or storage tank that reds: “This equipment is currentlybeing maintained. Under no circumstances should any valves be opened or closedor the power supply to any equipment be restored.” Opening closed isolation valvescould release high pressure water that is potentially hot enough to cause serious scalding.b) DRAINING COLLECTOR ONLY:Step 1. Cover the solar collector to prevent exposure to sunlight. At least 30 minutes is required toallow the collector temperature to drop. Another option is to complete the work before sunrise, or aftersunset.Step 2. Once collector temperature has dropped to below 113° F (45° C) turn the solar controller toManual mode so the pump and boosting does not turn on, but leave power on.Step 3. Connect garden hose to left hand drain valve and run pipe to a suitable drainage point, suchas a drain or bucket with capacity of at least 4 gallons (or more depending on the pipe run length)Step 4. Turn off the isolation valve beneath the pump with the yellow handle, and the one on the righthand side with red handle. Immediately turn off the power supply to the controller which which willopen the Power Outage Drain Valve, helping to drain the solar collector piping.Step 5. Open the left hand drain valve to allow the water to drain from the collector. Open the ballvalve where the auto-air vent mounts to allow air to enter the top of the piping.Step 6. Once the system is fully drained maintenance work can be completed. Handles should beremoved from the two closed isolation valves to avoid accidental opening which would release highpressure and potentially hot water.c) SINGLE TANK SYSTEM - DRAINING TANK AND COLLECTOR:The following drainage procedure applies to a single tank that is both heated by solar and some otherheating source. For any other single system formats, refer to standard plumbing practices in accordancewith local codes, or if unsure, contact Apricus.Step 1. Cover the solar collector to prevent exposure to sunlight. At least 30 minutes is required toallow the collector temperature to drop. Another option is to complete the work before sunrise or aftersunset.Step 2. Turn OFF and disconnect from power supply any auxiliary boosting (electric, gas or other) thatacts on the solar storage tank. Do not disconnect power supply to the solar controller.Step 3. Once collector temperature has dropped to below 113° F (45° C) turn the solar controller toManual mode so the pump and boosting does not turn on, but leave power on.Step 4. If the tank contains hot water, turn on one or more hot water taps in the building and run untilthe hot water has been depleted.Step 5. Turn off the main’s pressure cold water supply to the storage tank and open a hot water tap toallow air to enter the tank.Step 6. Open the drain valve on the tank - ensure it is draining to a suitable location via gravity orpumped. Open the ball valve where the auto-air vent mounts to allow air to enter the top of the piping.Step 7. Disconnect power supply to the controller which will open the Power Outage Drain Valve andCopyright 2011 – Apricus Inc Doc: A7-05.4.1.4-PB-1.9 Page 76 of 126