calcium removal in horizontal closed loop

Discussion in 'Vertical and Horizontal Loops' started by new2geo, May 21, 2010.

  1. new2geo

    new2geo New Member

    Can anyone tell me the best way to remove calcium scale that has formed in a 3 year old system?
     
  2. Palace GeoThermal

    Palace GeoThermal Well-Known Member Industry Professional Forum Leader

    where is the scale forming?
     
  3. new2geo

    new2geo New Member

    I found the scaling on the inside of the 3 way valve while investigating what could have caused one of the flow control pumps to fail. I won't know for sure how extensive the scaling is until I go back and take the system down to change the pump. Thanks, GH
     
  4. Palace GeoThermal

    Palace GeoThermal Well-Known Member Industry Professional Forum Leader

    Not sure what to tell you.

    This is the first I have heard of calcium build up in a closed loop.
     
  5. Bergy

    Bergy Member Industry Professional Forum Leader

    Is there a make-up water system on the loop?
    I too, have never heard of build up in a closed loop.

    Bergy
     
  6. waterpirate

    waterpirate Well-Known Member Industry Professional Forum Leader

    I have read where the original make up water for the system was so offensive that it caused a scaling, ph, and corrosion problem by design:eek:. A case of gigo may be the culprit here.
     
  7. Most antifreeze manufacturers request mix-water that is less than 100 ppm total hardness. However, even at a moderately hard water of 500 ppm this is about 500 mg of solids per Liter of water---which just isn't a whole lot of solid to precipitate out.

    There is a possibility that it could be corrosion due to an improper antifreeze mix and/or the use of steel piping/valves. The following website provides some commercial and residential jobsite claims of similar problems, although I definitely wouldn't use their recommended deionized water without adjusting the pH and adding corrosive inhibitors.

    Increase Profits and Reduce Warranty Returns with Proper Antifreeze Mix
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 26, 2010

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