WATER TREATMENT

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WHAT PART L MEANS FOR WATER TREATMENT - EXPLAINED

Changes to Building Regulations Approved Document Part L, which came into force on the 15th June 2022, included a number of updates that relate to the commissioning and maintenance of central heating systems. Here, Richard Crisp, Head of Chemistry at Fernox, provides a quick overview.

> WHAT ARE THE BUILDING REGULATIONS?

Building regulations were established to ensure that any new buildings and major renovations are safe, healthy and high performing. Approved Documents range from A to S, covering areas such as fire safety, ventilation and electrical safety.

> WHAT DOES PART L COVER?

Approved Document Part L covers the Conservation of Fuel and Power and is concerned with the thermal performance and energy efficiency of buildings. First established in 1985, the Approved Document has had several updates, driven by pressures both nationally and internationally for countries to reduce their CO2 emissions. > WHAT DO HEATING INSTALLERS NEED TO KNOW?

▸ Every heating system installation, service and repair must now be undertaken in accordance with

BS 7593:2019.

▸ The maximum flow temperature for new and replacement heating systems has been reduced to 55°C and for heat pump applications 45°C, increasing the risk of microbiological fouling.

▸ In hard water areas which exceed 200ppm, provision must be made to reduce the rate of limescale formation as well as limiting its harmful effects on energy efficiency.

“Every heating system installation, service and repair must now be undertaken in accordance with BS 7593:2019”

FIVE STEPS TO PART L COMPLIANCE

Now mandatory under Part L, Fernox offers a useful guide to meeting BS 7593:2019.

STEP 1

STEP 2

STEP 3

STEP 4

STEP 5

A system must be chemically cleaned if it is heavily contaminated, a new radiator / extra pipework is added, or a new boiler is installed. Using a recognised cleaning method like powerflushing is recommended to ensure the best results.

Once a system is cleaned an in-line filter must be installed to provide continued protection and maintain efficiency.

To protect against corrosion, scale and microbial fouling for low temperature heating systems, installers should dose the system with the correct quantity of chemical water treatment products.

Servicing of in-line filters is recommended as part of the re-commissioning process, ideally as part of the annual boiler service, to remove any sludge or debris that has been captured.

To ensure full system protection, inhibitor levels should be checked throughout its life cycle, with an annual water test of inhibitor levels and system cleanliness - and the re-dosing of inhibitor, or a full system water test, every five years.

> POWERFLUSHING

To accelerate the Powerflushing process, use a high performance, pH neutral - but strong - cleaner like Fernox Power Cleaner F8 to remove contaminants quickly, even in heavily sludged central heating systems.

Opt for sealed, lidless filters such as the Fernox TF1 Sigma Filter, for a reliable, watertight solution that is easy to clean and service. A sealed design means that there is no need to replace ‘O’ rings when emptying the unit at the annual boiler service, so it’s hassle free.

> ANNUAL CHECKS

For those annual checks, handy dip test kits like the Fernox Express Inhibitor Test will instantly reveal whether the system water has the correct levels of inhibitor present. If a full laboratory analysis is required at the five-year mark, check a sample with a Fernox Water Quality Test, which you send to the lab for analysis. Get your results fast – and permanently stored – using the Fernox Water Test App. > GOOD QUALITY INHIBITOR

Remember – a good quality inhibitor like Protector F1 prevents corrosion and limescale formation, for long-term protection from all angles.

Use a biocide to prevent and control bacterial and microbiological contamination in low temperature systems. For example, Fernox Biocide F7 should be used in conjunction with Fernox Protector F1 to offer full system protection and maintain energy levels.

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THE FUTURE IS SEALED

Fernox has pioneered a number of industry firsts – including the TF1 Sigma Filter, the first sealed, composite plastic filter available with either slip socket or valved connections.

>THE TF1 SIGMA FILTER

The TF1 Sigma Filter is a precisionengineered, sealed unit with no removable lid, so it is reliable, watertight, easy to clean and service. The sealed design means that there is no need to replace ‘O’ rings when emptying the unit at annual boiler service (in accordance with BS 7593:2019 regulations and manufacturer’s instructions), so there is minimal hassle for the installer - and no ongoing maintenance or parts costs for the homeowner. > EASY INSTALLATION

It can be installed horizontally, vertically or in any orientation in both flow directions and can be positioned at an angle up to 45° - making it ideal for installing in small, tight or awkward to reach areas.

Users can choose from 22mm and 28mm versions with either high-quality valves or slip-socket connections. All valves can be operated easily by hand and they provide a secure connection to the system and a robust service point for dosing via the drain valve.

> GREAT EFFICIENCY

This high-performance filter also uses

Fernox’s unique Hydronic Particle Separation (HPS) technology and magnetic filtration to remove non-magnetic as well as magnetic debris fast and efficiently from the system.

10 YEAR WARRANTY

Made from glass fibre reinforced polymer plastic, this strong unit has a market leading warranty of 10 years.

TF1 Sigma Filter

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