System cleaning and flushing, Ground source loop system checkout, Cleaning and flushing – WaterFurnace Envisio Series Console User Manual

Page 18

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ENVISION CONSOLE - 50 HZ INSTALLATION MANUAL

System Cleaning and Flushing

Cleaning and Flushing

Prior to start up of any heat pump, the water circulating

system must be cleaned and flushed of all dirt and debris.

If the system is equipped with water shutoff valves, the

supply and return runouts must be connected together at

each unit location (This will prevent the introduction of dirt

into the unit, see Figure 7). The system should be filled

at the water make-up connection with all air vents open.

After filling, vents should be closed.

The contractor should start the main circulator with the

pressure reducing valve makeup open. Vents should be

checked in sequence to bleed off any trapped air and to

verify circulation through all components of the system.

As water circulates through the system, the contractor should

check and repair any leaks found in the piping system. Drain(s)

at the lowest point(s) in the system should be opened for

initial flush and blowdown, making sure water fill valves are

set at the same rate. Check the pressure gauge at the pump

suction and manually adjust the make-up water valve to hold

the same positive pressure both before and after opening the

drain valves. Flushing should continue for at least two hours, or

longer if required, until drain water is clean and clear.

The supplemental heater and/or circulator pump, if used,

should be shut off. All drains and vents should be opened

to completely drain the system. Short-circuited supply and

return runouts should now be connected to the unit supply

and return connections.

Refill the system with clean water. Test the system water

for acidity and treat as required to leave the water slightly

alkaline (pH 7.5 to 8.5). The specified percentage of

antifreeze may also be added at this time. Use commercial

grade antifreeze designed for HVAC systems only.

Environol™ brand antifreeze is recommended.

Once the system has been filled with clean water and

antifreeze (if used), precautions should be taken to protect

the system from dirty water conditions. Dirty water will

result in system-wide degradation of performance, and

solids may clog valves, strainers, flow regulators, etc.

Additionally, the heat exchanger may become clogged

which reduces compressor service life and can cause

premature unit failure.

In boiler/tower application, set the loop control panel

set points to desired temperatures. Supply power to all

motors and start the circulating pumps. After full flow has

been established through all components including the

heat rejector (regardless of season), air vented and loop

temperatures stabilized, each of the units will be ready for

check, test and start up and for air and water balancing.

Return Runout

Supply Runout

Mains

Rubber Hose

Runouts Initially
Connected Together

Figure 7: Flushing with Water

Shutoff Valve Equipped Systems

Ground Source Loop System Checkout

Once piping is completed between the unit pumping

system and ground loop, final purging and charging of

the loop is needed. A high pressure pump is needed to

achieve adequate flow velocity in the loop to purge air

and dirt particles from the loop itself. Antifreeze solution

is used in most areas to prevent freezing. Flush the

system adequately to remove as much air as possible;

then pressurize the loop to a static pressure of 275-345

kPa (summer) or 345-517 kPa (winter). This is normally

adequate for good system operation. Loop static pressure

may decrease soon after initial installation, due to pipe

expansion and loop temperature change. Running the

unit for at least 30 minutes after the system has been

completely purged of air will allow for the “break-in”

period. It may be necessary to adjust static loop pressure

(by adding water) after the unit has run for the first time.

Loop static pressure will also fluctuate with the seasons.

Pressures will be higher in the winter months than during

the cooling season. This fluctuation is normal and should

be considered when charging the system initially.

Ensure the pump provides adequate flow through the unit

by checking pressure drop across the heat exchanger.

Usually 33-45 ml/s of flow per kW of cooling capacity is

recommended in earth loop applications.

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