Solar water?

Big Al and the pipewrenches

Drain back solar system recirculating same water for 20 years. Some accumulation of solid materials (minerals, origonal water softening product, ??? etc.) possibly obstucting metering orifices or other components. Any of you WALLIES have suggestions for circulating a cleaner /solvent to help restore proper circulation. System has
components of copper tubing, glass collector tubes, Grundfoss bronze circulators, glass lined steel storage tanks. Some suggestions have been T S P, C L R (calcium, lime, rust), Sizzle. Am concerned about circulator bearings,
causing copper corrosion, or making the treatment worse than
the disease. This solar system is one of the few worth saving, calculated savings over two decades is about $ 30,K
of Propane. Thanks in advance for suggestions,

Big Al in SUNNY COLORADO

Gary Fereday

Take a moment.

and obtain a water sample and a sample of some of the contaniment. Have it analyzed by a boiler water treatment company. It may be that you could use some dilute hydrocloric acid and then repalace the water with fresh. Just cover your doings with a little science and go for it. I like the 30K savings this has brought, but there is again "No free lunch" anywhere.
bigugh

hot_rod

With an open system

like that the deposits are from your incoming water source. Rocky Mountain water can be hard, hard. A good water treatment compant could test a water sample.

Generally hard water deposits are handled with mild acid products, as bigugh mentioned. Hercules Sizzle lime, rust& scale remover,(hydrochloric acid based)is one that is used for this. The label states it is acceptable for water heaters, cooling towers, heat exchangers, etc. Toilet bowls, urinals and concrete clean up!

Any company that handles boiler or cooling tower treatment, in your ares, should have a product.

Becareful with acid based cleaners, read the label. Also if you overdose you may end up with pin holes in thin copper components

hot rod