Lochinvar Noble LPG boiler - condensate neutralizer concern?

HelpInAK

Hi all. I have a Lochinvar Noble NKC199. New construction house built at the end of 2018. I’ve noticed the condensation neutralizer capsule has slowly gotten dirtier (browner) as time has gone on, but has gotten significantly grimier over the last couple months. The capsule was full of a pellet-like substance and a liquid. Over the last couple months most of that liquid is gone, and what little left is a deep brown. Picture attached. Is this something that is normally cleaned during annual servicing? Is this something to be concerned about?

In case anyone was wondering if we actually got an annual service accomplished - the short answer is...partially, but mostly no. It’s a long story, but we were ultimately told that it “shouldn’t” need additional servicing this year. I’m not sure I believe the technician but I’d like to avoid a $ service charge this year if I can. Thank you.

HelpInAK

Anyone know anything about this?

hot_rod

Until the pellets are about gone, or a brown sludge, you should be fine. I suppose you could open it up and flush the gunk out.

The liquid is only present if the boiler is condensing, so if it is just running high temperature for DHW production, you may not see much liquid.
Assuming there is no crack causing the liquid to leak.

Download the installation manual to be sure it is installed properly.

PerryHolzman

Just buy a new bag of them and change them...

https://www.suppliesdepot.com/buy/product/JJM-NBT-23R-ACID-CONDENSATE-NEUTRALIZER-REFILL-PELLETS/1121078?ID=/Water-Heaters-Parts/Condensate-Neutralizers/dept-29O

Note that I have the old Viessmann neutrilizer, which Viessmann no longer supplies the pellets for. So I ordered the JJM ones...

Perry

Alan (California Radiant) Forbes

The neutralizer outlet on the left should be at the top, not the bottom. With the way you have it now, the condensate will run straight through, only reacting with the small amount of pellets at the bottom. The water may not even come out neutralized properly. 

With the outlet at the top, the neutralizer will amass condensate and allow all the pellets to be in contact. 

Should be an easy fix. 

JUGHNE

Yes, I would remove and rinse and rotate 180 degrees for re-install.

Look in the install/service book. There may be a trap inside that boiler that is fairly easy to open and clean. There may be a shut down float inside the trap.

hot_rod

Depends on which direction you are flowing?