G. versa-flame dhw heat pack water quality, H. freeze protection fluids and winterizing – HTP PHR199-55C User Manual
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LP- 325 REV. 3.21.14
Clean system to remove sediment
1. You must thoroughly flush the system (without the appliance connected) to remove sediment. The high-efficiency heat exchanger
can be damaged by buildup or corrosion due to sediment.
2. For zoned systems, flush each zone separately through a purge valve. (If purge valves and isolation valves are not already installed,
install them to properly clean the system.)
3. Flush system until water runs clean and you are sure piping is free of sediment.
G. VERSA-FLAME DHW HEAT PACK WATER QUALITY
Chemical imbalance of your water can cause severe damage to your appliance and associated equipment, and may also affect
efficiency. You may have to have your water quality professionally analyzed to determine whether you need to install a water softener.
It is important that the water chemistry on both the domestic hot water and central heating sides are checked before installing the
appliance, as water quality will affect the reliability of the system. Outlined below are those water quality parameters which need to be
met in order for the system to operate efficiently for many years. Failure of a heat exchanger due to lime scale build-up on the
heating surface, low pH or other imbalance IS NOT covered by the warranty.
Water Hardness
Water hardness is mainly due to the presence of calcium and magnesium salts dissolved in the water. The concentration of these salts
is expressed in mg/L, ppm or grains per gallon, as a measure of relative hardness of water. Grains per gallon is the common reference
measurement used in the U.S. water heater industry. Hardness expressed as mg/L or ppm may be divided by 17.1 to convert to grains
per gallon. Water may be classified as very soft, slightly hard, moderately hard, or hard based on its hardness number. The minerals in
the water precipitate out when the water is heated and cause accelerated lime and scale accumulation on a heat transfer surface.
If the hardness of the water exceeds the maximum level of 7 grains per gallon, water should be softened to a hardness level no lower
than 5 grains per gallon. Water softened as low as 0 to 1 grain per gallon may be under-saturated with respect to calcium carbonate,
resulting in water that is aggressive and corrosive.
pH of Water
pH is a measure of relative acidity, neutrality or alkalinity. Dissolved minerals and gases affect water pH. The pH scale ranges from 0 to
14. Water with a pH of 7.0 is considered neutral. Water with a pH lower than 7 is considered acidic. Water pH higher than 7 is
considered alkaline. A neutral pH (around 7) is desirable for most potable water applications. Corrosion damage and appliance
failures resulting from water pH levels of lower than 6 or higher than 8 ARE NOT covered by the warranty. The ideal pH range
for water used in a storage tank or a water heater system is 7.2 to 7.8.
Total Dissolved Solids
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) is a measurement of all minerals and solids dissolved in a water sample. The concentration of total
dissolved solids is usually expressed in parts per million (ppm).
Water with a high TDS concentration will greatly accelerate lime and scale formation in the hot water system. Most high TDS
concentrations precipitate out of the water when heated. This can generate a scale accumulation on the heat transfer surface that will
greatly reduce the service life of a water heater. This scale accumulation can also impede the ability of the heat exchanger to transfer
heat into the water. A heat exchanger damaged or blocked by lime/scale accumulation must be replaced.
The manufacturer of the appliance has no control of water quality, especially TDS levels in your system. Total dissolved solids in
excess of 2,000 ppm will accelerate lime and scale formation in the heat exchanger. Heat exchanger failure due to total dissolved solids
in excess of 2,000 ppm is a non-warrantable condition. Failure of an appliance due to lime scale build up on the heating surface IS
NOT covered by the warranty.
Hardness: 7 grains
Chloride levels: 100 ppm
pH levels: 6-8
TDS: 2000 ppm
Sodium: 20 mGL
H. FREEZE PROTECTION FLUIDS AND WINTERIZING
NEVER use automotive or standard glycol antifreeze, or ethylene glycol made for hydronic systems, with this appliance. Use only
inhibited propylene glycol solutions, which are specifically formulated for hydronic systems. Ethylene glycol is toxic and can attack
gaskets and seals used in hydronic systems.