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re flushing an open loop?

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zepfan
zepfan Member Posts: 444
in Geothermal

We are looking at replacing a geo thermal heat pump on an open loop. The water comes from the same well pump as the domestic water, goes through the unit and then drains into the yard. The system is older and was grandfathered in with the existing building codes that we have now. With that being said if this unit is replaced would there be any need if the unit is replaced to use a flush cart, and re flush the loop? I think I know the answer to this, but what is there to re flush on an open loop? thanks to all

Comments

  • leonz
    leonz Member Posts: 1,709

    Is there any reason you cannot divert the water discharge to a drainage ditch instead of the yard? The main worry is the lubricant used in the compressor getting into your drinking water.

  • pecmsg
    pecmsg Member Posts: 6,673

    Open loops do not need flushing.

    Open loops are more and more restricted due to the potential of a heat exchanger leak and oil getting into the drinking water supply.

  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 26,254

    What size tube is the loop tube? If it is plastic tube, had a good flow rate maintaining 5 fps it should not have any deposits or scale hindering the flow.

    Can you see the end of the tube where it discharges in the yard?

    The` PPI website has charts for determining flow velocity if you know the tube size.

    You'd probably flush it with the same water that flows through it anyways? To run a cleaner through it you would need to get to both ends of the loop and circulate for a period of time.

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

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