Monday, J anuary 23, 2012, 3:00 PM-4:30 PM

AHR Expo Session 1 (Basic)

Selection, Operation & Maintenance and Water Treatment for Multi-Metal Boilers
Track: Installation, Operation & Maintenance of HVAC Systems
Room: S106A
Sponsor: 03.06 Water Treatment, 06.01 Hydronic and Steam Equipment and Systems
Chair: Reid Alan Spence, P.E., Member, Emcor Facilities Services, Arlington, VA
Modern boilers made from Aluminum may make them lighter to carry and obtain higher efficiencies,
especially when under less than full load. Incorporating different metals into multi-metal systems requires
selection and specification of system components and water treatment specific to the desired system
metallurgy. This seminar explores why ASHRAE membership should recommend aluminum, condensing
boilers to increase hydronic system efficiency, special commissioning considerations, how to address
multi-metal systems from a water treatment approach and assist ASHRAE membership with specifying
both of the aforementioned system components.

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe and identify metallurgies and systems that are suspect to severe corrosion;
2. Explain which boilers will need to be treated differently than before and why;
3. Design the pre-treatment requirements for mixed metal aluminum boilers and be able to
describe and explain the same;
4. Identify and describe the basic differences between water treatment for new age mixed
metallurgy aluminum boilers and metallurgies used previously;
5. Describe how to monitor the success of the water treatment program;
6. Identify water heaters with experience and expertise with treating aluminum boilers
1. Aluminum Condensing Boiler Efficiencies When Used in Conjunction with Multi-Metal,
Hydronic Heating Systems
Alfred H. Lyon, Member, Harsco Industrial / Patterson-Kelley, East Stroudsburg, PA
Modern hydronic heating systems are being driven to provide higher efficiencies to achieve energy
reduction. As many Green strategies have been implemented, one mechanism to reduce energy costs
through increased efficiencies is the use of aluminum condensing boilers. Each facet of the equation
brings enhanced efficiency potential and the combination yields exponential possibilities. The
enhancements by each are discussed with examples.
2. Commissioning Aluminum Boilers in HVAC Systems
Dan Weimar, Member, NCH, Charlotte, NC
Special precautions are required when commissioning new aluminum boilers. Any dirt, oil, corrosion
byproducts and other debris present in carbon steel piping will contribute to corrosion concerns on
aluminum metallurgy. Both new and retrofitted systems must be effectively cleaned with the aluminum
boiler bypassed before new water treatment chemistry can be instituted. Special emphasis must be placed
on bypassing the aluminum components during cleaning when alkaline cleaners and inhibitors for the
steel components are used. Aluminum boilers and their associated piping must not be treated as in the past
with traditional programs that may exceed a system water pH of >10.0.
3. Components of a Proper Water Treatment Specification for Any MultiMetal System
Jon J. Cohen, H-O-H Water Technology, Inc, Palatine, IL
Writing a proper specification for water treatment of closed hydronic systems is often overlooked in the
process of building design. Specifications benefit the engineer by providing proper design parameters,
contractors by providing bid information and owners by providing the proper equipment and treatment for
asset protection. Considerations for equipment and chemicals requisite for hydronic system maintenance
and asset protection when writing specifications are detailed. Considerations for varying system
metallurgies are also presented.