3.6. Collector and Tank Location
a) The collector should be positioned as close as possible to the storage tank to avoid long pipe runs.
b) The storage tank should be located as close as possible to the most frequent hot water draw off points in the
building.
3.7. Pipe Connections
a) Depending on your location the AP solar collector may be provided with one of the following port configurations:
• 22mm OD copper pipe, compatible with standard olive compression or o-ring fittings.
• Flared copper pipe with union-nut and brass connector provide a
¾
” M BSP thread.
3.8. Pipe Size and Flow Rates
a) As a general rule piping should be chosen to achieve a maximum flow speed of 1m/s / 3.3ft/s. The diagram
below shows recommended pipe diameter (DN nominal pipe size) and maximum flow rate per collector.
b) Maximum total flow-rate through any collector is 15L/min / 4gpm (~1m/s)
c) The pipe, pump, valve and fittings on the solar line must be rated to at least 110
o
C / 230
o
F, and if within 2m / 6ft
of the collector, rated for high temperatures of >200
o
C / 392
o
F.
d) A maximum of 3 x AP solar collectors may be connected in series with a straight (non-flexible) connector. For
more than 3 collectors in series a flexible connection must be used every 3 collectors.
e) As many as 10 x AP-30 solar collectors may be connected in series as long as flexible connectors are used and
maximum flowrate limit is adhered to, as outlined above.
g) Apricus does not warrant the collector against damage resulting from poorly managed header expansion and
contraction.
3.9. Heat Transfer Fluids
a) In regions where freeze protection is not a concern, water is the most appropriate heat transfer fluid. Water must
be potable rated (suitable for drinking) if the system is direct flow.
b) In all cases the water or other type of heat transfer fluid must meet the following quality requirements:
Total dissolved solids
< 600 p.p.m.
Total hardness
< 200 p.p.m.
Chloride
< 250 p.p.m.
Free Chlorine
< 5 p.p.m
Magnesium
< 10 p.p.m.
Sodium
< 150 p.p.m
Electrical conductivity
< 850 µS/cm
pH
6.5 - 8.5
c) When using a direct flow system is used in an area with hard water (high mineral content), scale may gradually
form in the solar collector loop, gradually reducing performance, increasing pressure drop, and ultimately rendering
the system inoperable (due to flow restriction). In such regions, a water treatment system should be installed, which
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
15
20
F
lo
w
R
a
te
L
/mi
n
# AP-30 Collectors
DN15
DN20
DN25
DN32
DN40
Apricus Solar Collector Installation and Operation Manual - International Edition
Copyright ©
2013 – Apricus Solar Co., Ltd A11-01.1.1-PB-V16 Page 6 of 27
