Apricus Installation Manual
54
For any insulation that has external exposure
to weather conditions ensure that the
protective cover is in good condition,
replacing if required.
Heat Transfer Fluid
Heat transfer fluids that are exposed to
stagnation temperature may break down
over time, which will cause the fluid to
become acidic and loose anti-freeze
properties.
The fluid will generally become “sludgy,”
which can reduce circulation efficiency.
Ideally, heat transfer fluid should be
inspected and tested annually, but least once
every 3 years. The following checks should
be completed on the Thermal Transfer Fluid :
Check for cloudiness or sludging that would
indicate fluid breakdown.
Check pH, should be within the range
specified by the manufacturer.
Use an Anti-Freeze tester to check freeze
protection level.
If the fluid shows signs of degradation it
should be replaced.
If the system is severely clogged up with
‘sludgy’ degraded glycol it may be necessary
to clean the system using a proprietary solar
cleaning fluid prior to re-filling the system.
Heat Transfer Fluid
–
Top Up
If there has been a drop / loss of pressure in
the solar loop it will need to be recharged /
re-pressurised.
The solar system should only be topped-up
with the SAME glycol fluid as was used to
originally fill the solar loop.
Water must NEVER be used to top-up the
system as this can result in the dilution of
the anti-freeze protection and leave the
system susceptible to freezing.
Draining the Collector
During system maintenance or in draining
the collector manifold may be required. If
the building is going to be vacant for longer
than 45 days at a time, the system must be
drained and the collectors covered with a
tarpaulin.
Any fluid drained for the system that is
intended for disposal should be disposed of
in line with local regulations.
Freezing
As freezing conditions are always a
possibility in the UK and Ireland (particularly
in the winter months) CoolSky always
recommend the use of a Solar Thermal Anti-
Freeze Fluid in the Solar Loop.
Whilst some system designs try to
accommodate for freezing conditions with
special functions in the system controllers, it
is not unusual for periods of heavy frost in
the UK and Ireland to be accompanied by
power outages. Hence, any Frost Protection
Functions in control units will not operate,
thereby exposing the collector to a freezing
risk.
