Solar pumping station

Paulb2337 · Apr 30, 2017

Seen this a couple of times any idea what causes it.

townfanjon · Apr 30, 2017

Is there HTF in the system ? Where are you based ?

Old Account · Apr 30, 2017

I've see few it times too. Its definitely glycol ( never seen it on any other heat transfer fluid) mixture which has leaked. The antifreeze fluids degrade over time therefore it should be changed every 3-5 years. I guess the ratio was 60/40 but not too sure though.

But good question of @townfanjon regarding the HTF

snowhead · Apr 30, 2017

Looks like 2 plain and simple leaks on joints.

Paulb2337 · Apr 30, 2017

Paulb2337 said:
Seen this a couple of times any idea what causes it.

View attachment 29645

View attachment 29646

Based in Gosport

Paulb2337 · Apr 30, 2017

townfanjon said:
Is there HTF in the system ? Where are you based ?

Don't know if HTF in system, asked to look at problem and refill but not willing to increase pressure with this problem. I am based in Gosport Hands.

townfanjon · Apr 30, 2017

If its a professionaly installed system I am sure it will , but knowing hardwater areas seem to be prone to crud it makes me wonder !! Pressure looks too low anyway so its going to need attention soon.

Paulb2337 · Apr 30, 2017

townfanjon said:
Is there HTF in the system ? Where are you based ?

Yes definitely HTF in system checked it.recommended to change pumping station, repressurise system and book in for service next year.

Thanks for your help

Worcester · May 4, 2017

We see it all the time, def leaking glycol, not necessarily a problem, and pump station could be fine - especially at the cost of replacement.
Not seen one quite that bad though.
Could be a simple case of stripping apart and re-doing the joints with proper joint sealant rather than jet blue / boss white which aren't rated for the temperature that solar systems get to.
Definitely should be drained, flushed and replenished with new glycol, purge and re-pressurised. - Als0 check the PRV and expansion vessel - they are often installed incorrectly - about 75% of system that aren't ours that we go to fix are not installed in accordance with the standards - and none of them have ever been serviced!

Paulb2337 · May 4, 2017

Worcester said:
We see it all the time, def leaking glycol, not necessarily a problem, and pump station could be fine - especially at the cost of replacement.
Not seen one quite that bad though.
Could be a simple case of stripping apart and re-doing the joints with proper joint sealant rather than jet blue / boss white which aren't rated for the temperature that solar systems get to.
Definitely should be drained, flushed and replenished with new glycol, purge and re-pressurised. - Als0 check the PRV and expansion vessel - they are often installed incorrectly - about 75% of system that aren't ours that we go to fix are not installed in accordance with the standards - and none of them have ever been serviced!

Thanks for that, what jointing compound do you recommend

Worcester · May 4, 2017

Paulb2337 said:
Thanks for that, what jointing compound do you recommend

I think it's this: Slic-Tite® Paste with PTFE - 240ml - 22886 | BES.co.uk
rated to 260°C I'll get the guys to check in the van tomorrow. If not then the tub looks very similar

Solar pumping station

Paulb2337

townfanjon

Old Account

snowhead

Paulb2337

Paulb2337

townfanjon

Paulb2337

Worcester

Paulb2337

Worcester

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