Alpine Installation, Operating, and Service Instructions

103448-10 - 6/18 59
VI. Water Piping and Trim (continued)
NOTICE The Alpine boiler heat exchanger is made from stainless steel tubular coil having relatively
narrow waterways. Once filled with water, it will be subject to the effects of corrosion. Failure to take the
following precautions to minimize corrosion and heat exchanger waterways overheating could result in
severe boiler damage.
• Before connecting the boiler, insure the system is free of impurities, grease, sediment,
construction dust, sand, copper dust, flux and any residual boiler water additives. Flush the system
thoroughly and repeatedly, if needed, with clear water mixed with concentrated rinse agent to remove
these contaminants completely.
• Iron oxide (red oxide sludge Fe
2
O
3
) is produced during oxygenation. To minimize any oxygen presence
in the system, the system must be air free and leak tight. Do not connect the boiler to radiant tubing
without an oxygen barrier. Using automatic water refill is not recommended, however, if such refill is
employed, a water meter must be added to evaluate the makeup water volume taken after initial fill and
eliminate any water leakage as early as possible.
• Maintain the water pressure in the boiler at a minimum of 14.5 psi (100 kPa).
• The boiler water pH must be within 7.5 < pH < 9.5. If the system contains any aluminum components,
pH must be less than 8.5.
• Black oxide sludge (magnetite Fe
3
O
4
) forms as the result of continuous electrolytic corrosion in any
system not protected by an inhibitor.
• Scale deposit is made up of lime scale contained in most distributed water and settles over the
warmest surfaces of boiler heat exchanger causing subsequent overheating and eventual failure.
Water hardness must be maintained within 3 to 9 grain/gal range.
• Refer to Section XI “Service and Maintenance” for recommended heating system water treatment
products (corrosion/scale inhibitors, cleaners etc) and their suppliers.