Heat Exchanger Service¶

Heat Exchanger Flushing¶

This instruction demonstrates how to connect city water to the compressor and measure flow and pressure across the heat exchanger. This process is also performed to flush out Rydlyme descaling agent from the heat exchanger prior to charging it with coolant.

Connecting Inlet and Outlet Lines¶

Make sure that the helium compressor is outfitted with the appropriate inlet and outlet Snap-Tite fitting adapters for that model.

Warning

Make sure the work station water supply valve is closed before continuing to the next step or spillage may occur.

Warning

Make sure the lever on the flush/purge manifold is rotated clockwise to allow water to pass through the flow meter and to the compressor water inlet. This is the flushing position of the valve lever.

The flushing three way valve rotated clockwise in the flushing position

Connect the water return line on the water return outlet. Connect the water supply line on the water supply inlet.

A proper connection of the water supply and return to the compressor inlet and outlet.

Flushing the Heat Exchanger¶

Open the water supply valve to allow water to enter the unit. Allow the water to flow for 10 seconds before taking the reading of the Water Flow and the Water Pressure. Note the Water Flow and Pressure on your CM Test Paperwork.

The water flow meter reading is taken at the top of the float.

The pressure gauge must be read head on to get an accurate reading from the needle.

Note

Make sure the pneumatic line is connected to the pressure regulator valve on the flush/purge manifold before proceeding to the next step.

The pneumatic line connected to the pressure regulator on the flush/purge manifold.

Once readings are taken, turn off the water supply valve.

The water supply valve in the off position.

Purging the Heat Exchanger¶

Rotate the valve handle counter clockwise on the flush/purge manifold into the purge position.

The flush/purge manifold in the purge position.

Allow the air to purge through the unit until no more water is coming out of the water outlet. This takes about 2-3 minutes. Once complete disconnect water supply and return lines from the unit.

Note

It is best to keep the pneumatic line disconnected to limit leak points in the system.

Acid Wash¶

Acid Wash is the process of running acid/water mix through the unit water lines to help dissolve any sediment buildup in the water lines.

Connecting Acid Wash Lines¶

Begin by connecting the Acid/Water mix Return Line to the Return Outlet on the unit. Then connect the Acid/Water mix Supply Line to the Water Inlet on the unit.

Connected supply and return acid water mix.

Running the Acid Wash¶

Run the sump pump of the acid wash system by plugging in the power cord of the sump pump to an electrical outlet.

Let the sump pump run for 15 minutes. Once the 15 minutes have elapsed, unplug the sump pump power cord. Disconnect the acid wash supply and return lines from the unit and reverse the connections. Re-plug in the acid wash sump pump power cord to an electrical outlet and run it for an additional 15 minutes. Once the additional 15 minutes have elapsed, unplug the sump pump power cord and disconnect the acid wash supply line from the Water Outlet port on the unit.