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CAUTION!
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Ground-Loop Heat Pump Applications
PRE-INSTALLATION
Prior to installation, locate and mark all existing underground
utilities, piping, etc. Install loops for new construction before
sidewalks, patios, driveways, and other construction has
begun. During construction, accurately mark all ground loop
piping on the plot plan as an aid in avoiding potential future
damage to the installation.
PIPING INSTALLATION
All earth loop piping materials should be limited to polyethylene
fusion only for in-ground sections of the loop. Galvanized
or steel ttings should not be used at any time due to their
tendency to corrode. All plastic to metal threaded ttings
should be avoided due to their potential to leak in earth coupled
applications. A anged tting should be substituted. P/T
plugs should be used so that ow can be measured using the
pressure drop of the unit heat exchanger.
Earth loop temperatures can range between 25 and
110°F [-4 to 43°C]. Flow rates between 2.25 and 3 gpm
per ton [2.41 to 3.23 l/m per kW] of cooling capacity is
recommended in these applications.
Test individual horizontal loop circuits before backlling.
Test vertical U-bends and pond loop assemblies prior to
installation. Pressures of at least 100 psi [689 kPa] should be
used when testing. Do not exceed the pipe pressure rating.
Test entire system when all loops are assembled.
FLUSHING THE EARTH LOOP
Once piping is completed between the unit, the ow
controller and the ground loop (Figure 1), the loop is ready for
nal purging and charging. A ush cart with at least a 1.5 hp
[1.1 kW] pump is required to achieve enough uid velocity
in the loop piping system to purge air and dirt particles. An
antifreeze solution is used in most areas to prevent freezing.
All air and debris must be removed from the earth loop piping
before operation. Flush the loop with a high volume of water
at a minimum velocity of 2 fps (0.6 m/s) in all piping. The
steps below must be followed for proper ushing.
1. Fill loop with water from a garden hose through the
ush cart before using the ush cart pump to insure an
even ll.
2. Once full, the ushing process can begin. Do not allow
the water level in the ush cart tank to drop below the
pump inlet line to avoid air being pumped back out to
the earth loop.
3. Try to maintain a uid level in the tank above the return
tee so that air cannot be continuously mixed back into
the uid. Surges of 50 psi (345 kPa) can be used to help
purge air pockets by simply shutting off the return valve
going into the ush cart reservoir. This “dead heads”
the pump to 50 psi (345 kPa). To purge, dead head the
pump until maximum pumping pressure is reached.
Open the return valve and a pressure surge will be sent
through the loop to help purge air pockets from the
piping system.
4. Notice the drop in uid level in the ush cart tank
when the return valve is shut off. If air is adequately
purged from the system, the level will drop only 1-2
inches (2.5 - 5 cm) in a 10” (25 cm) diameter PVC ush
tank (about a half gallon [2.3 liters]), since liquids are
incompressible. If the level drops more than this, ushing
should continue since air is still being compressed in the
loop uid. Perform the “dead head” procedure a number
of times. NOTE: This uid level drop is your only
indication of air in the loop.
Antifreeze may be added before, during or after the ushing
procedure. However, depending upon which time is chosen,
antifreeze could be wasted when emptying the ush cart
tank. See antifreeze section for more details.
Loop static pressure will uctuate with the seasons.
Pressures will be higher in the winter months than during
the cooling season. This uctuation is normal and should be
considered when charging the system initially. Run the unit in
either heating or cooling for a number of minutes to condition
the loop to a homogenous temperature. This is a good time
for tool cleanup, piping insulation, etc. Then, perform nal
ush and pressurize the loop to a static pressure of 50-75
psi [345-517 kPa] (winter) or 35-40 psi [241-276 kPa]
(summer). After pressurization, be sure to loosen the plug at
the end of the Grundfos loop pump motor(s) to allow trapped
air to be discharged and to insure the motor housing has
been ooded. This is not required for Taco circulators. Insure
that the Flow Controller provides adequate ow through the
unit by checking pressure drop across the heat exchanger
and compare to the pressure drop tables at the back of the
manual.
ANTIFREEZE
In areas where minimum entering loop temperatures drop
below 40°F [5°C] or where piping will be routed through
areas subject to freezing, antifreeze is required. Alcohols
and glycols are commonly used as antifreeze; however your
local sales manager should be consulted for the antifreeze
best suited to your area. Low temperature protection should
be maintained to 15°F [9°C] below the lowest expected
entering loop temperature. For example, if 30°F [-1°C] is
CAUTION! The following instructions represent industry
accepted installation practices for closed loop earth
coupled heat pump systems. Instructions are provided
to assist the contractor in installing trouble free ground
loops. These instructions are recommendations only.
State/provincial and local codes MUST be followed and
installation MUST conform to ALL applicable codes. It is
the responsibility of the installing contractor to determine
and comply with ALL applicable codes and regulations.
Installation, Operation, Maintenance 9
Installation, Operation & Maintenance - HEW Compact Series