corrosion in boilers

Lynne

We've been experiencing cast iron corrosion in some of our radiant systems that have been in 5 years or less. The metal particles have collected in the spirovents to the point of stopping flow and some in the rubber tubing also to the point of stopping flow. We've been able to flush it out to get flow going, but we're wondering wether or not to treat it. We're sure it's not the tubing. Is anybody else experiencing this?

hr

Did you put a magnet to 'em

to be sure they are metal particles not something else? I've seen iron bacteria grow in some of those systems. Typically a black oily, smelly product.

Is it just a water systen without glycols?

Probably a good flush, which all systems should have when first started. I use the Rhomar products for cleaning & flushing then as a final fill.

Keeps the fluids clean, and more importantly the efficiency up.

Sure don't want to hook a new Mod-con boiler to a system sludged like that

www.rhomarwater.com

hot rod

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Lynne

did put a magnet to

em', and it is covered with tiny flicks, like rust, iron, can be mashed into a fine powder, not oily or smelly. I know a couple of them don't have glycol, a couple others that we didn't install apparently didn't have glycol either.

We are looking into rhomar products to clean and then treat. Do you think it will work on this?

It was quite a job clearing out the tubing, fortunately the spirovents collected a lot of it.
Maybe we should have installed a mod-con boiler.
Thanks for your help

hr

You need to find out

how and where the O2 is getting into the system. Corrosion needs O2 to happen.

O2 scavangers are a main ingrediant in boiler treatments and hydronic glycol. If you have a system that allows O2 in you will need to boost that O2 scavanger from time to time.

Ph is the way to check glycols for depleted "packages".

Team Rhomar could fill you in on a proper flush product and conditioner, as well as a treatment test kit.

hot rod

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Brad White_45

I agree with Hot Rod (Always do when he is right )

Rhomar and Magnets.

Rare earth magnets are what I use in my filter feeder but a bronze wye strainer will also suffice.

That kind of exfoliating indicates a source of O2 in there somewhere. Normally after several seasons the water is clear with maybe some flecks but no O2 freely about.
Rhomar 922 has an O2 scavenger.

My water is clear as can be. And the rare earth magnets like little Chia Pets

Arthur

Corrosion in boiler system

Is the piping in the system got oxygen barrier? Water is NOT corrosive, but when it has oxygen in it, It is very corrosive>.

Unknown

get water analysed

we get most of our systems analysed by the folks at HeatLink. very comprehensive test: they check for mineral content, conductivity of the water, glycol concentration, corrosion inhibiter concentration, as well as PH. and also give reccommended levels of all these. takes all the guesswork out of water quality issues.

for physical particulate i would consider installing a stacked disc type sidesteam filter.

Ron Schroeder

Are you using any makeup water? That will give an indication of any leaks. Any new water brought into a closed system brings in new O2 to promote corrosion. If you can check it frequently, shut off the feed and see if it looses much pressure over time.

Ron

Lynne

the only vent on system

is the spirovent, the tubing has oxygen barrier.

What is a filter feeder, and is it and a bronze Y strainer on all of your systems?

I'm beginning to think we need to do that.
(it's nice to know that you agree w/ Hot Rod sometimes)
Lynne

Lynne

yup

oxygen barrier for sure

Constantin

This is what I would test also..

.. in theory, once you're done filling the system, letting the extant air bubble out over a couple of weeks, the system should not need additional water (unless it's one-pipe steam, of course).

I agree with Ron, shut off the water feeder and see if the pressure drops below the normal (cold) pressure in the system. If it does, you have a leak somewhere that is causing your water feeder to keep adding new water into the system. Underground returns are a favorite place for that kind of thing to happen. As new water is added to the system, it also brings with it dissolved oxygen, which attacks the piping in your home.

If you do not have a leak (i.e. the boiler pressure holds steady), I'd send a sample to George at Rhomar for analysis.

George_10

We would be happy to help you solve this

problem. And the answer to your question is it will work.

Thank you, to all of you, that mentioned us in your post.

We can take the guess work out of correct care for these systems and prevent the problems you are having. Many contractors on this site are using our products and have enjoyed the results that we told them they would get.

Check out our web site www.rhomarwater.com and/or give us a call at 800-543-5975.

With the amount of corrosion you state you are getting, you have to have a source of new oxygen. Either in new make up water or substantial oxygen getting into the system through the tubing, pumps, and possible leaks.

The net result is our products work. Your problems are all preventable.

George@rhomarwater.com

Lynne

no leaks, is it corrosion or

> problem. And the answer to your question is it

> will work.

>

> Thank you, to all of you, that

> mentioned us in your post.

>

> We can take the

> guess work out of correct care for these systems

> and prevent the problems you are having. Many

> contractors on this site are using our products

> and have enjoyed the results that we told them

> they would get.

>

> Check out our web site

> www.rhomarwater.com and/or give us a call at

> 800-543-5975.

>

> With the amount of corrosion you

> state you are getting, you have to have a source

> of new oxygen. Either in new make up water or

> substantial oxygen getting into the system

> through the tubing, pumps, and possible

> leaks.

>

> The net result is our products work.

> Your problems are all

> preventable.

>

> George@rhomarwater.com

Lynne

filter feeder, strainer & Rhomar

and magnets are in line as well as treatment.

Thanks for all the input.

lynne