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TSM/TSL Vertical Stack
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T H E S M A R T S O L U T I O N F O R E N E R G Y E F F I C I E N C Y
Water-Loop Heat Pump Applications
Commercial Water Loop Applications -
Commercial
systems typically include a number of units connected to
a common piping system with a cooling tower and boiler.
Any unit plumbing maintenance work can introduce air
into the piping system; therefore air elimination equipment
is a major portion of the mechanical room plumbing. In
piping systems expected to utilize water temperatures
below 50°F [10°C] or above 105°F [40.6°C], 1/2” (13mm)
closed cell insulation is required on all piping surfaces to
eliminate condensation (extended range units required).
Metal to plastic threaded joints should never be used due
to their tendency to leak over time.
Teflon tape thread sealant is recommended to minimize
internal fouling of the heat exchanger. Do not over tighten
connections and route piping so as not to interfere with
service or maintenance access. Hose kits are available
from ClimateMaster. The piping system should be
flushed to remove dirt, piping chips, and other foreign
material prior to operation (see “Piping System Cleaning
and Flushing Procedures” in this manual). The flow rate
is usually set between 2.25 and 3.5 gpm per ton [2.9
and 4.5 l/m per kW] of cooling capacity. ClimateMaster
recommends 3 gpm per ton [3.9 l/m per kW] for most
applications of water loop heat pumps.
Water loop heat pump (cooling tower/boiler) systems
typically utilize a common loop, maintained between
60 and 90°F [16 - 32°C]. The use of a closed circuit
evaporative cooling tower with a secondary heat
exchanger between the tower and the water loop is
recommended. If an open type cooling tower is used
continuously, chemical treatment and filtering will be
necessary. Water temperature may be viewed on the
iGate communicating thermostat or service tool.
Water Quality Standards -
Table 3 should be consulted
for water quality requirements. Scaling potential should
be assessed using the pH/Calcium hardness method.
If the pH <7.5 and the calcium hardness is less than
100 ppm, scaling potential is low. If this method yields
numbers out of range of those listed, the Ryznar Stability
and Langelier Saturation indecies should be calculated.
Use the appropriate scaling surface temperature for the
application, 150°F [66°C] for direct use (well water/open
loop) and DHW (desuperheater); 90°F [32°F] for indirect
use. A monitoring plan should be implemented in these
probable scaling situations. Other water quality issues
such as iron fouling, corrosion prevention and erosion and
clogging should be referenced in Table 3.
