Annual inhibitor concentration testing

[steadyon]

Sounds to me like a manufacturer's wheeze to get out of the ridiculously long warranties being offered at the moment. How can anyone offer a ten year guarantee on a device running at high temperatures with lots of moving parts, lots of electronics and no control over how it is used? Easy, just find any excuse not to honour it.

 

[Ric2013]

Just found this:

BES.co.uk | Next Day Delivery On 15,000 + Plumbing Supplies

Order inhibitor test kits and other central heating testing products online at BES.co.uk. Low Prices, Free Next Day Delivery Available, 15k Plus Products in stock. P/N: 24768

www.bes.co.uk

Universal! That might solve the ‘how’ for testing. Still leaves the compatibility of chemicals as a potential issue, although I suspect that’s not really an issue more like a method to get people to stick to a specific brand. Only option is drain, flush and refill with preferred choice.

Although it says it tests the alkalynity, which makes me wonder whether it is just universal indicator solution?

 

[Jonnyjambo]

Although it says it tests the alkalynity, which makes me wonder whether it is just universal indicator solution?

Probably yes. Below is a quote from the article in the link in my original post that implies testing the alkalinity is the generic approach being look at.

The HHIC wishes to help develop a solution which works for both the installer and their customer. As such, we have been actively working on an initiative with our water treatment group members to enable an annual test of various inhibitor products to be undertaken with a single test kit, focused on a single common element of all inhibitors – alkalinity.

 

[Jonnyjambo]

Saw this in the gas engineer monthly mag.

Says all chemicals! And it’s by scakemaster so a reputable brand.

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Saw this in the gas engineer monthly mag.

Says all chemicals! And it’s by scakemaster so a reputable brand.

i-Test on-site testing kit.

i-Test - Scalemaster

i-TEST® IMPROVES HEATING SYSTEM RELIABILITY – SAVES TIME AND MONEY The addition of a chemical corrosion inhibitor to a wet central heating system is mandatory through Part L of the Building Regulations, but how do you check if any inhibitor added is doing a good job once it is in the system...

scalemaster.co.uk

 

[Scott_D]

I have just got the Fernox test strips. Says it should work with most brands.
I will try it on my own system this weekend.

 

[Jonnyjambo]

I have just got the Fernox test strips. Says it should work with most brands.
I will try it on my own system this weekend.

Let’s us know. Silly question does your system have fernox in it or will you be testing it against another chemical brand.

 

[Scott_D]

Let’s us know. Silly question does your system have fernox in it or will you be testing it against another chemical brand.

It has Adey mc1 or at least I’d did 5 years ago

 

[Jones82]

Litmus paper does the same thing? I think most manufactures recommend a ph of around 8, slightly alkaline which is all inhibitor does I think? Where as central heating cleaner, flux etc makes the water acidic.

 

[fixitflav]

Whilst filling out the new benchmark during the commissioning of a boiler I noticed on the servicing section that there is now a requirement to annually test the concentration of the inhibitor in the system.

Why is fairly obvious, but it’s more the real world how?

Great if you fitted the boiler and always use a particular inhibitor eg Fernox then it’s easy you just get the Fernox test kit and away you go.

However, day to day we attend boilers that we’ve previously had nothing do with so have no idea what inhibitor is in there.

Is there a generic inhibitor testing kit available that isn’t brand specific? I found this article below:

HVP Magazine - https://www.hvpmag.co.uk/Annual-inhibitor-checks-are-vital-for-system-protection-explains-the-HHIC/11131

Now to the real world! If a generic kit isn’t available. What is expected of us as service engineers. Are we expected to either carry multiple test kits which still won’t cover all cases or drain down and refill with your referred inhibitor? Baring in mind they often says not to mix the brand of chemicals.

Seems to me a little impractical in the real world.

I bought a Sentinel test kit, but found the colour chart hard to tell whether it was OK or not. Nowadays I take a sample of the water, about 50ml in a jam jar, when checking the Magnaclean. Drop in a few bright wire nails. They'll go rusty in 2-3 weeks if the inhibitor is low.

 

[Ric2013]

I bought a Sentinel test kit, but found the colour chart hard to tell whether it was OK or not. Nowadays I take a sample of the water, about 50ml in a jam jar, when checking the Magnaclean. Drop in a few bright wire nails. They'll go rusty in 2-3 weeks if the inhibitor is low.

We're back to the old ways then . Though I admit that is often my method, not being a boiler installer myself and not having to complete the Benchmark. I have some jars that are over a year old and it's very reassuring to know I definitely put enough inhibitor in those systems.