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will cogen radiator glycol cause acidic corrosion in boilers

REB
REB Member Posts: 1
Will residual glycol in low levels, from a cogenerator's dump radiator cause the acidity in the water to increase to the point of internal pipe and boiler corrosion? Where as to lead to corrosion deposits in the bottom of boiler sections that create hot spots and crack the boiler sections. This cogen's dump rad. is drained and refilled w/water in spring. The cogen operates in conjunction with boilers for hydronic heat and domestic hot water.

Comments

  • Derheatmeister
    Derheatmeister Member Posts: 1,579


    What kind of boilers? and what is the PH at?
  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 23,198
    If it is hydronic

    glycol, and the inhibitor package has been compromised, yes it can turn acidic and attack various components of your system.

    Check the percentage of mix and the PH with a stick meter.

    If it has gone bad, flush, clean the system and replace the fluid.

    And find the cause of the breakdown of course. Prolonged overheating is a common reason glycol fluids break down.

    Bad blend water, dirty systems, cheap or inappropriate fluid to stat with, etc are some others.

    Ideally the inhibitor packaged added to the glycol is correct for the dilution rate. The more blend water you add the more inhibitors you need.

    Consider buying pre-mixed glycols, then you are assured they are blended correctly with DI water.

    hr
    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
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