Matrix Installation and Operation Instructions
29
Water Chemistry
– The installer of the Matrix boiler must consider the condition of the water in the heating
system. Ensure the condition of the boiler water falls within the following parameters:
PH – between 7.5 and 9.5.
Iron – less than 0.5mg/l.
Chloride – less than 125mg/l.
Copper – less than 0.1mg/l.
Conductivity – 100 to 300µS/cm (at 25ºC); [TDS 50 to 150ppm or Total Hardness 3 to 9grains/USgal.]
Treatment -
Boiler water that falls outside of the conditions listed above must be treated with a corrosion
inhibitor. Each Matrix boiler is provided with 1 bottle of “Fernox F1” corrosion inhibitor, adequate to treat a
26.4 gallon (100 liter) heating system to a minimum required concentration of 0.5%. Systems with greater
volume will require more inhibitor. For information on performing the treatment, follow the instructions
included with the Fernox F1 Protector. See Table 10-1 for a list of recommended boiler system cleansers and
corrosion inhibitors.
To maintain protection, the level of corrosion inhibitor must be monitored periodically
for the correct concentration.
Anti-freeze
- For systems requiring freeze protection, use only inhibited propylene glycol, specially formulated
for hydronic heating systems; use of other types of antifreeze may be harmful to the system and will void the
warranty. Note: the use of glycol may reduce the usable output capacity of the boiler, thus requiring the unit
to be “de-rated” by limiting the maximum operating capacity and/or the maximum water temperature. NTI
recommends against exceeding 35% concentration of glycol.
DO NOT use inhibited glycol with non-compatible boiler inhibitors. Non-compatible
inhibitors may counteract each other rendering them ineffective.
Near Boiler Plumbing
Pressure Relief Valve -
A Pressure Relief Valve is factory supplied with each unit and must be field installed at
the boiler outlet in the vertical position, as shown in Figure 10-2, with the drain pipe outlet exiting the side of
the pressure relief valve horizontally and elbowing down.
If installed with the incorrect orientation (horizontally with drain pipe out the bottom) the
relief valve may not function properly resulting in property damage or personal injury.
Ensure the discharge of the pressure relief is piped to a location where the steam or water
will not cause property damage or serious injury.
Pressure Gauge –
Matrix units come with a factory supplied Pressure Gauge. The pressure gauge must be
installed at the boiler outlet, prior to any circulators, and in the vicinity of the pressure relief valve. See
Figure 10-2.
Low Water Cutoff (LWCO)
– Matrix boilers are provided with a factory installed Water Pressure Switch; in
the event the pressure drops below 10 psi, the burner is inhibited from firing. In applications where the boiler
is located above the radiation, or where required by the Authority having jurisdiction, an external LWCO
must be installed; see Figure 10-2 for LWCO installation.
Operating the boiler without sufficient water level will result in overheating and may
result in property damage, fire, personal injury or loss of life.
