Nortec GS Series - Manual (Page 49)

GS Series Installation | 46
Cleaning the Steel Tank
General
Warning:
Water and scale may be hot enough to cause burns. Turn off humidifier and allow it to cool before cleaning.
It is recommended that the tank be cleaned at least once every season to maintain optimum operation. It
may be necessary to increase the frequency of cleaning or increase the blowdown setting in areas of hard
water or prolonged annual usage (see the Blowdown Setting section of this manual).
Cleaning of the humidifier is mandatory and must be performed on a regular basis.
To reduce cleaning time, use the pre-cleaning sequence on the GSTC model to help evacuate mineral debris
from the unit. Check the controller operation to activate this feature.
The combustion chamber walls are usually self cleaning. The mineral buildup flakes off, due to the
expansion and contraction and violent boiling action during on/off cycles, and settles to the bottom of the
tank. The combustion end block will have scale build up, as will the heat transfer tubes. These surfaces must
be cleaned at regular intervals.
Frontal port cleaning will be done through the front door of the unit. Remove cabinet door on the left of the
LCD display using a Philips screwdriver. Remove the side tank port opening, by removing the 3/16 nuts (½”
key or socket is needed). When removed, check the magnesium anode on the inside of the clean out port for
severe corrosion or scale build up. Replace or clean the anode as necessary. Do not use chemicals to clean
the anode, scrape off scale only.
Warning:
Do not clean the magnesium anode using any chemicals – the anode can react with acids to create flammable
hydrogen gas.
Additional clean out ports are available on the top of the 300/400 and 500/600 lb/h tanks. To access
these ports, remove the top cabinet panel using a Phillips screwdriver. Remove the top clean out ports my
removing the nuts.
Removal of the heat exchanger(s) is not necessary to clean the inside of the tank.
Scoop out loose scale with a small shovel such as those used for gardening. Once loose scale is removed,
use a scraper such as a plastic windshield scraper to remove scale adhering to the tank or heat exchanger
walls. DO NOT use a metal scraper that will scratch the stainless steel surfaces of the tank. Once all large
pieces of scale have been removed, vacuum the tank out with a shop vacuum, fill part way with water, and
flush remaining sediment from the tank through the drain.
Due to the presence of polymer gaskets around the heat exchanger, do not use any harsh cleaning
chemicals. Please consult NORTEC prior to using any chemicals. Once the lid has been replaced, fill the unit
with water and examine for leaks.
Inspect the drain and fill lines assembly for scale build-up and if necessary remove them from the humidifier
for cleaning. If the blowdown assembly becomes blocked, scale build-up in the tank will be accelerated and
damage to the humidifier could result. The drain pump may be opened and cleaned. Consult NORTEC for
proper procedure.