Are Your Heat Meters Giving You the Correct RHI Payback? Water quality makes a big difference!

The Department of Energy and Climate Change mandated a report into why BIOMASS Heating Systems were underperforming.

Incorrect heat measurement could lead to under payment and hence loss of revenue for Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) participants.

Scope of the report This report covers the work carried out by AECOM and BSRIA, together with input from DECC and Ofgem, setting out:

• Actions that could be taken to reduce the occurrence of these errors.

Water quality Maintaining good water quality is important for all components of a heating system. Where water quality is poor, accelerated wear and corrosion are likely to lead to increased maintenance and reduced component life

Dirt Indications are that dirt or other deposits can cause very large measurement errors of over 10%. Other contaminants that could form deposits or alter water properties include Magnetite, a product of corrosion and therefore an indication of poor water quality.

System design and good practice

• Install a side stream filter within the heating circuit.

• Install a de-aerator and ensure that the system can be vented at all high points.

• Ensure the system water has been appropriately chemically treated.

All the quoted material above has been taken directly from the DECC report.

Biofilm removed on an X-POT filter. Biofilm is a greater thermal insulator vs magnetite and scale.

X-POT magnet grate capturing magnetite combined with biofilm.

For more information on how Vexo can support you using Patented and Award winning products, trusted throughout various industry sectors around the world, or even for a CIBSE approved CPD on Closed System Water Treatment, please get in touch at customerservices@vexoint.com or call 01767 500150.