Closed System Testing (Heating & Chilled Systems)

1

What’s the Issue?


How often do I need to undertake testing of my heating or chilled water system?

How many samples should I be taking and from what locations?

What type of inhibitor should I be using within my heating/chilled system?

2

What is your obligation?


The current British standard ‘BS 8552: 2012 Sampling and Monitoring of Water from Building Services Closed Systems’ states that sampling & testing of closed circuit heating & chilled systems should be undertaken on a quarterly basis. Closed system testing and analysis in line with the current guidelines outlined in BSRIA Closed Heating and Cooling System BG 50/2015 as highlighted in chapter 6.4: Management of the Water Treatment Program.

3

Risks


Untreated closed circuit systems can potentially be a breeding ground for pseudomonas, nitrifying and sulphate reducing bacteria. Heating systems can be become heavily scaled and chilled systems can become full with pseudomonas slime-forming bacteria. This can cause leaks to your system, impaired flows and heat transfer and control valves can become blocked and inoperative. Even though there is no actual risk to Legionella within these systems, fouling and non-existent or poor treatment regimes can still cause many difficulties and potentially result in unnecessary costs to those maintaining them.

4

How we can help?


Atom Water Treatment have an experienced team of specialists that are able to provide you with the correct advice and essential information of how to introduce and maintain an effective and efficient closed system water treatment regime. We can provide maintenance regimes, testing and sampling including full analysis reports with detailed recommendations of any remedial works required. We also offer a full range of extensive chemical treatments and advice on what is appropriate for your water systems.

Contact us for a free no obligation quote including any further advice and guidance you may require.

Book a Consultation

or call the office

0203 597 5035

The current British standard ‘BS 8552: 2012 Sampling and Monitoring of Water from Building Services Closed Systems’ states that sampling & testing of closed circuit heating & chilled systems should be undertaken on a quarterly basis. The implementation of regular sampling and testing within these systems is paramount to the condition of the system. The following risks and potential problems could occur within your systems if regular monitoring is not being undertaken: –

  • Low inhibitor levels leading to corrosion
  • High bacteria levels leading to biofilm formation; under deposit corrosion, and potential degradation of some inhibitors
  • High pH leading to corrosion, where Aluminium is present in the system
  • Degradation of glycol by bacteria, which can reduce the level of freeze protection required in chiller systems
  • Build-up of scale within the system due to low inhibitor levels
  • Acceleration of galvanic corrosion due to low inhibitor levels
  • Inefficient heat transfer due to build-up of debris, corrosion deposits or scale within a closed-circuit system – this can also lead to higher energy bills

Closed circuit heating & chilled systems should be subject to a regime of microbiological and chemistry testing to prevent any of the above from occurring. Atom Water Treatment are able to offer a full range of closed system testing and analysis in line with the current guidelines outlined in BSRIA Closed Heating and Cooling System BG 50/2015 as highlighted in chapter 6.4: Management of the Water Treatment Program.

Our services for closed systems covers:

  • Corrosion Monitoring & Preventative Maintenance Regimes
  • Microbiological & Chemistry Analysis
  • Pre-Commission Cleaning & Post Operational Flushing
  • Removal of Deposits & Solids
  • System Remedial Actions

Analysis of these systems can also help you to identify the correct and most suitable types of inhibitors and chemicals recommended for your systems. It will be able to tell you what chemical is currently being used within the system and will also help in identifying the current condition of your system.

Untreated systems can lead to a build-up of corrosion and this will attack any metal component of the system, including, tanks, pumps, valves, piping and controls. The implementation of a good water management programme will reduce the risk of this from happening and will reduce the rate of metal loss and thus extend the life of the piping and equipment.

Atom Water Treatment are not only able to offer a water treatment testing regime for these type of systems, but we can also provide an extensive range of chemicals suitable for your system at competitive rates.

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