Cleaning new boilers...Copper vs. steel returns Boielrpro

Boilerpro_3

I installed 5 steam boilers this year with copper return piping near the boiler (not the supplies) and am having a terrible time getting the boiler water lines stable. Previous boilers I've installed had all steel return piping and cleaned up rather quickly with several skimmings and flushes. These latest copper piped boilers just don't seem to want to clean up. I've got one which the owners have been skimming and flushing for over 2 months now and it still appears to be acting up. You can skim and flush it and it runs great for a few days and then starts acting up again.
I'm using NO Korrode flux with Bridget solder. Anyone else see this pattern, that copper piped boilers don't seem to clean up very well?

Boilerpro

Unknown

I would suspect

that the flux has a bit to do with it. We recently addressed the use of copper on steam applications and the possible negative aspects of doing so. Flux is one of those negative aspects. When it gets hot enough, it dissolves and ultimately ends up in the cast iron boiler where it cools and solidifies again in the pores of the iron. It is real tough to get out again after that.Here is a copy of that Notice highlighted in color that I use in my seminars. Hope this helps.

Glenn Stanton

Burnham Hydronics

Boilerpro_3

Yep that was my suspect too

For all the trouble it seems to be causing for cleaning, black pipe is looking better and better. If only it would not hold sludge so well and rust closed, but that's a while down the road. Any suggestions on helping get it out? I haven't been using any cleaners, as I understand they can be trouble in themselves, but maybe some TSP?

Boilerpro

George_10

Give us a call

We deal with these problems every day and could help you.

Call 800-543-5975 and ask for Dwight. He is our tech director and has years of experience.

tombig

Hey Dave,

The installs look great. How about silver brazing rather than solder and flux.

Boilerpro_3

Hmmm, theres a new idea,

Never tried it yet. Might need to learn how. Did you see my post about pump relay panels..check out B&Gs.

Boilerpro

tombig

I saw that post, thanks,

never used B&G electronics... You'll need acetylene for the brazing temps. Maybe oxy/acet. for bigger pipes. Over kill for pressures and strength but solves the flux issue.
Are you using L or K copper? Gotta run...time to make the donuts! See ya

Boilerpro_3

Using L

drives the plumber I work with alot nuts, he's got to use M to be competitive locally, while I'm using L for low pressure heating. K doesn't exist out here. Alot of suppliers don't even stock L. I told him its all in the sales technique.

Boilerpro