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[ptt811]

 I have a 10 plate exchanger I used to heat my water going into the water heater. I have discovered it is full of lime.  I have been told that the 10 plate is to restrictive for use in the loop. Question...what size do most people on here use ? AND...has anyone ever had there Water to air heat exchangers in there furnace lime up??  I just wonder if cycling a CLR mix or something like that through the exchangers would be a good idea once a year ??

[Scott7m]

A 20 plate with 1" ports is the way to go!!   

[RSI]

Scott, mine is a 20 plate w/1" ports, most people do have to back flush regardless, correct? More plate surface means more exchange of heat with same amount of flow?

It depends on what your water is like. I have had a 10 plate for 8 or 9 years and see no sign of it plugging.
All plates are in parallel so the more you have the less restriction and longer it will take to plug up. If it is plugging up fairly fast I would get a water softener. It will help avoid problems with all the plumbing in the house.
The water to air heat exchangers will take a lot longer to plug because they have much larger passages for the water.

[ptt811]

The CLR web site says it will take the finish off copper and Aluminum   I have both copper and Aluminum heat exchangers in my loop...  Will it harm the metal or the solder joints ??  And when you use it how much do you dilute it ??

I have Farm water ...LOL...Hard well water. What can I add to the water in the boiler to soften it ?