
18
MYDENS 60 COSMOGAS
5 - INSTALLATION
to nd, especially when the leak is minimal (in winter leaks
from radiator valves sometimes are not visible because they
are dried by the heat produced by the radiator or appliance).
These micro-leaks do, however, allow air to get into the
system. The main points that micro-leaks can develop are at
the joints and, in particular, on the intake side of the pump (air
vent valve, seals with O-rings, ll valves). In these cases, to
avoid damage, the system must be protected with a suitable
corrosion inhibitor.
5.6.2 - For correct operation of the system
make sure that:
1) the system has no leaks or at least the most obvious leaks
have been repaired;
2) if there is an automatic lling system, a litre counter must
have been installed so as to know the exact quantity of any
leaks;
3) lling the system and relling is done with softened water
so as to reduce its overall hardness. The water must also be
conditioned in order to keep the pH within the threshold set
so as to avoid corrosion;
4) Both on new systems and system replacements there must
be efcient systems to get rid of air and impurities; lters,
micro-impurity separators and micro air bubble separators;
5) Avoid discharging water from the system during normal
maintenance operations, even if it is apparently insignicant
quantities: for example when cleaning lters, equip the system
with the relevant isolation valves up and down stream from
the lter itself;
6) Always carry out an analysis of the system water before
opening communication between a new boiler and the system,
to establish whether the chemical and physical properties of
the water indicate the need to carry out complete emptying
of the system, the use of the water already in the system
or chemical washing of the system, using mains water with
the addition of a detergent, when there is a suspicion that
the system may be dirty or particularly blocked up, and the
subsequent relling with new treated water.
If the analysis of a sample of water that will be used to ll the
system shows the following values:
- 7.5 < pH < 9.5
- Ca++ + Mg++ : <0.5°f (Total hardness)
- OH + 1/2 C03: from 5 to 15°f
- P205: from 10 to 30 mg/l
- Na 2S03: from 20 to 50 mg/l
then you can proceed with lling. If the properties are different,
an inhibitor must be used.
5.6 - Water supply
Check the water mains connection pressure and if necessary
install a suitable pressure reducer.
WARNING! The connection of the central
heating system (and therefore the heating unit) to the
water mains must be completed with the insertion
between them of a device that prevents backows to
the drinking water system, as required by the anti-
pollution safety regulations in force.
5.6.1 - Recommendations on
characteristics of water in the system
Filling the central heating system is an extremely delicate
operation that should not be underestimated, either in cases
of just replacing the heat generator or in when a new appliance
is installed. Incorrect assessment of the characteristics of the
system’s water can lead, in some cases, to damage to the
system and heating unit. A system is almost never perfectly
sealed; sometimes there may be water leaks and oxygen can
also get in; both these phenomena cause damage.
Among the parameters that can have a negative impact on the
lifetime of a system, the following are the main ones:
- The simultaneous presence of different metals (copper, brass,
steel and aluminium) which, in an aqueous environment, give
rise to galvanic corrosion.
- The presence of free oxygen, due to air inltration which may
occur near to joints or seals, constitutes a typical corrosive
agent, particularly active at temperatures between 50 and
70° C.
- Water leakage, which leads to frequent rells, can cause
corrosion or limescale, depending on the type of water
available for the llings. In all cases all of the leaks (and
relative rells) must be kept under control, especially when an
automatic lling system is installed. In this case it is denitely
recommended that a meter be installed which can indicate
the quantity of water replenished.
Natural or added impurities in the water. A lot of drinking
water can contain concentrations, which may be signicant,
of chlorides and sulphates that can increase the speed of
corrosion of metallic surfaces. Other undesirable components
could have been introduced into the system before or during
installation (building materials, metallic chips, shavings,
grease, deposits and dirt in general). Residues from welding
can also cause corrosion, both in new systems and after
modications and repairs. In old systems planned to work
with radiators, characterised by pipework with a very large
diameter, the water content of the system is signicant and
fosters the formation of dirt and deposits.
Dirt and Limescale The presence of black deposits (magnetite)
indicates that there is limited corrosion, however, the high
specic weight of this oxide can cause blockages that are hard
to remove, especially in the hottest areas. Limescale is due to
the hardness of the water, or to the presence of calcium and
magnesium salts. Calcium, in the form of calcium carbonate,
is deposited in the hottest areas of the system. Magnetite often
contributes to consolidating the limescale. On the other hand,
iron oxide (the water has a reddish colour) is an indicator of
corrosion from oxygen.
Frequent leaks. Where there are frequent leaks the hydrogen
and/or air accumulate on the top part of the heat exchanger
and radiators, preventing full exchange of heat. When the
electrolytic corrosion process has begun, the water level in
the system is lowered, gases accumulate in the top part of the
heat exchanger and radiators. The presence of air is caused
by the fact that the system might not be perfectly sealed. A
slow drop in system pressure due to a leak is often difcult