Outdoor Wood Furnace Info
All-Purpose OWF Discussions => Plumbing => Topic started by: skyking on September 19, 2011, 06:44:31 AM
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I'm in the process of hooking up my new Portage and Main Optimizer 250 and have a question. I have a 20 plate heat exchanger for my domestic hw. Does it matter if you install the the exchanger in the upright position or can you lay in on its side with the outlets sticking toward you?(long ways horizontal). Also does it matter which port if inlet and outlet? It would plumb in a lot easier to lay it on it's side. Thanks for any feedback.
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It doesn't matter so long as you do not hang it with the outlets down, in that position it has a higher chance of getting air locked in the top. Make sure you install with the water from the boiler running the opposite way from the domestic water, it will make your domestic water hotter.
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Welcome to the site Skyking
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Thanks for the replies and the good information. Will get a picture or two on here when I get it completed. Should get it fired up in a week or two.
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If at all possible, I would put it vertical. It is a lot easier to get the air out.
Do you get much air in your pipes from the well? If you do, you will want to make sure you put the boiler fittings on the bottom. Otherwise air will get trapped in it and cut the efficiency way down.
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RSI is correct, the biggest problems with plate heat exchangers is air lock. Anything you can do to avoid this is good.
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Might be a dumb question but; how do you clear an air lock from a plate exchanger?