Outdoor Wood Furnace Info

Outdoor Furnaces - Manufacturers WITH EPA-Certified Models => Central Boiler => Topic started by: Chugger4030 on January 22, 2012, 10:41:30 AM

Title: Water change
Post by: Chugger4030 on January 22, 2012, 10:41:30 AM
I have been running my 4030 classic for 6 years & have always checked the water level and have only added a few gallons over this time at the most. I also check the nitrite and ph levels quarterly.  Its always a little over the 30 drops they reccomend. Is this a problem? Also i have never changed my water in the boiler but i was reading my owners manual and it says to change it every 3 years but my dealer said as long as the water still tests out ok not to change it? I have also pulled a few quarts off the drain valve in the summer when it has been shut down for a few weeks and its always clear of any sediment so i pour it back in through the vent pipe.   
Title: Re: Water change
Post by: pwdiver on January 23, 2012, 03:00:31 AM
My boiler has been running since Feb of 2009 I checked my water a month ago and it was still with in spec's, I think the gallon of water treatment is 30-40 dollar's. ???
Title: Re: Water change
Post by: homelite on January 23, 2012, 06:11:12 AM
I put glycol propolene in my 4030 this year 50/50. I havent noticed a difference in wood usage at all. Gives me a good feeling when we go to u.p. of mich. for 3 or 4 days snowmobiling and don't have to get the neigbor to keep wood in it.
Title: Re: Water change
Post by: afab4 on January 25, 2012, 11:56:04 AM
I am trying to find out what product would be recommended to raise the pH of the water in my 6048 without increasing the Nitrites.
My well water tests at 7.8 pH.  My test yesterday indicated 8.3 pH and 28 drops of permanganate in my boiler.  This is fine but my initial test at installation 4 months ago was 8.3 pH and 23 drops of permanganate.
CB recommends a "maintenance level of 15-20 drops of permanganate but up to 30 is "acceptable".
I would like to see a pH closer to 9.0 and get that Nitrite level closer to 20 drops.  I know I can drain some water out and refill to reduce the Nitrite level but that would only serve to lower the pH further.
Any ideas or recommendations?
Title: Re: Water change
Post by: BoilerHouse on January 25, 2012, 09:37:25 PM
I am trying to find out what product would be recommended to raise the pH of the water in my 6048 without increasing the Nitrites.
My well water tests at 7.8 pH.  My test yesterday indicated 8.3 pH and 28 drops of permanganate in my boiler.  This is fine but my initial test at installation 4 months ago was 8.3 pH and 23 drops of permanganate.
CB recommends a "maintenance level of 15-20 drops of permanganate but up to 30 is "acceptable".
I would like to see a pH closer to 9.0 and get that Nitrite level closer to 20 drops.  I know I can drain some water out and refill to reduce the Nitrite level but that would only serve to lower the pH further.
Any ideas or recommendations?

Your nitrate level is only slightly over ideal and still well within acceptable - I probably would not worry about it.  You can raise your pH with NaOH; sodium hydroxide.  It won't do any harm and it is fairly standard treatment for pH and alkalinity control in the boiler world.  A small amount goes a long way.  I used 50 grams for 600 gallons, but other's results may vary.  Also it is better to inch up to 9.0 and try to avoid overshooting.  Also, this is nasty stuff, it is the principle incredient in some of the drano products so use care.
Title: Re: Water change
Post by: dirtryder on January 26, 2012, 07:18:07 AM
To raise PH in my hot tub and pool I use standard store bought arm and hammer baking soda. Don't see why it won't work in the boiler too.