Air elimination in hydronic systems is an important requirement in terms of system efficiency and comfort. The presence of tiny air bubbles in system water causes noise and contributes to equipment degradation over time due to corrosion caused by bacteria growth. Purging the system repeatedly of un-wanted air requires many contractor call backs.
Montwood High School (part of the Socorro Independent School District) in El Paso, TX, was facing this exact problem with its hydronic heat pump system. The school’s heating system was installed nearly 17 years ago and the trouble began almost immediately. The school is a three-story building, which was built in stages – a contributing factor to the problem. According to Tony Regalado, maintenance engineer, the system never flushed properly and regularly “burped” as air built up in the 218 heat pumps. In addition, algae began to grow when the system’s water temperature dipped below 70 °F…..MORE
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