Adding cyclohexylamine?

Rightrudder

Hello! Does anybody have any experience with adding cyclohexylamine to a residential boiler? 

It seems like it’s the norm for the commercial boilers, but I haven’t been able to read much about it for a small one pipe residential system.
From what I have read, it seems to be a smart addition to reduce corrosion in return lines. No clue as to what quantities should be added.

Also, any opinions on Kek versus Squick, or any other boiler water conditioners?

I have skimmed the boiler at times, but still the darned water surges up and down the sight glass, occasionally kicking in the LWCO when the level gets low enough. 

Thanks!

Jamie Hall

Ah... um... have you happened to read the MSDS sheet on it? Moderately toxic. Also It's listed as an extremely hazardous substance. It is NOT something I'd want to have around, certainly not in a residential application. I'll grant you that it's a good corrosion inhibitor and is used in power boilers for that purpose -- but those guys know what they are doing.

Rightrudder

No, never got to the MSDS sheets, but seems like any toxicity might not be the best thing for a residential application. 

Thank you for weighing in!

Waher

It's better to not use any of those chemicals in a residential boiler. Just keep skimming and eventually you'll have the oil flushed out of the boiler water.

Rightrudder

Thanks, it looks like the old tried-and-true methods are still the best. Appreciate all of you guys weighing in. 

Any opinions re boiler water conditioners Squick, Kek, etc? Still skimming, but looking for a little more help.

ethicalpaul

Squick will encapsulate the oils, but it's unnecessary. Just skim it away, unless you have absolutely no way to skim, then you should use it.

For an additive, my favorite is still 8-way. Just add enough to get your PH to 10-11. Don't folllow the directions on the bottle, they want you to add too much. I'll attach a couple possibly helpful videos below.

Don't be fooled, though, these additives will not affect your return lines. Your return lines have nothing but distilled water and some rust. But a PH of 10-11 will dramatically reduce the amount of corrosion in your boiler.

Here is the one where I try different amounts of 8-way. I put more and more in, and it never caused surging, but if your water is dirty, it might:

https://youtu.be/_JFfO_VgvNQ

And below is the one where I see if Squick actually works. It does, but again, skimming is better:

https://youtu.be/Q0CkJUr0JRY

I have another video you can find where I try Surge-X and the results were BAD. I don't recommend that one.

Zman

I try to stay clear of anything with that many syllables

EBEBRATT-Ed

Just use TSP and the right skimming instructions