Owners of gas boilers have repeatedly thought about the fact that they would like the unit to work for a long time, be reliable and not create any serious problems during operation. These dreams can be turned into reality if one minor condition is observed during operation - it is imperative to carry out periodic inspections and minor scheduled repairs if necessary. One of these planned activities is the flushing and cleaning of the gas heat exchanger.
This operation will return the unit to its nominal efficiency. Clean this part once every 2-3 years.
Why do heat exchangers need periodic cleaning?
During operation, soot settles on this element. Sometimes the soot layer is so thick that the efficiency of the boiler drops by almost half. As a result, the unit does not heat up and the owner has to bring the device to full power. Preventive measures can remove this soot. Butscale is also formed inside the gas heat exchanger. Due to this scale, the passage channel is significantly narrowed, the coolant warms up much more slowly. This negatively affects the efficiency of the heating system and increases the load. In addition, energy costs are rising.
To avoid problems with the equipment, it is recommended to clean the heat exchangers of gas boilers every three years. This process is a set of works that you can do yourself without special skills. The whole complex of events will take from one and a half to four hours.
How gas boiler heat exchangers are cleaned
It is worth noting that this element is a pipe system, through the internal channels of which the coolant moves. Often, water is used as a coolant, and it is rarely of high quality. S alts of various metals quickly accumulate on the walls of the heat exchanger, which eventually turn into scale. In addition to the fact that scale is a barrier to the passage of water, it can cause a sharp decrease in the temperature of the coolant.
Among all the existing methods to clean this part, we can distinguish mechanical cleaning, chemical methods, as well as washing with water. The latter is supplied under high pressure.
Let's consider washing the heat exchangers of gas boilers with our own hands, which means that the third option will have to be discarded. To implement it, you will needthe presence of a special powerful compressor. It is with the help of high pressure that dense deposits of metal s alts can be broken up and removed. The other two methods are fine. Everything for them can be found at home or purchased at the appropriate stores.
Mechanical cleaning
When choosing this option, it is worth remembering that the element itself in the boiler body takes up quite a lot of space. It is located in most cases above the combustion chamber. Getting to him is not easy. To gain access to the gas heat exchanger, it is necessary to dismantle the outer parts of the housing. To do this, disconnect the gas hoses and electrical cords, if any. Next, the element itself is directly disconnected from the pipes. Finally, at the last stage, the fasteners are removed.
After that, the part can be removed from the case and start cleaning it. Immediately after dismantling, you can see that the internal cavities of the device are literally clogged with various deposits. Often these are metal s alts (sodium and calcium), as well as elements of the so-called ferric iron. They are cleaned with a metal tool - scrapers, pins are suitable. You need to work very carefully so as not to break the inner walls.
The device itself can be soaked in a tub or basin. A solution of hydrochloric or sulfuric acid is added to the water. When deposits begin to soften under the action of acids, they can be removed mechanically. Experts recommend flushing the heat exchanger at the end of the procedureinside by water pressure. A mass of dirt will come out of the outlet. It is necessary to wait until clean water comes out of the heat exchanger. You can supplement this flush with light taps on the body.
Chemical flush
This procedure is quite complicated, but doable at home. To do this, you need special equipment called a booster. Before carrying out, you need to know the nuances of the procedure. They are, despite the simplicity of the process.
The process is simplified, and this simplicity lies in the complete absence of any need to dismantle the heat exchanger. Also, you do not need to disassemble the boiler. To implement chemical flushing, it is enough just to disconnect the pipes from the heat exchanger. A hose is connected to one, which will pump the flushing fluid. A hose is also connected to the second. Liquid will come out of it. Inside the system of the heat exchanger and booster, the flushing composition will move in a closed circuit. You also need to know how to flush the gas boiler heat exchanger. We will look at possible tools that you can make yourself or purchase in the market or in the store.
What is a booster
It is a special reservoir that can withstand the aggressive effects of chemicals. Also, the device consists of a pump and a heating element. This heater is not available on all models, but experts recommend choosing them for greater efficiency. This will heat the chemical reagent, which, when hot,will be much more efficient.
Flushing products
In today's chemical market, there are many products suitable for cleaning and flushing boilers. The choice must be approached carefully. It is made based on two factors - the level of pollution, as well as how the reagent will affect the metal from which the heat exchanger is made.
You can wash the gas heat exchanger with citric acid with your own hands. It effectively copes with the removal of minor deposits and scale. Sulfamic and adipic acid are also suitable. They are practical when flushing is regular and the contamination is low. Hydrochloric acid is also designed to remove scale - it removes even complex thick layers of scale. However, here it is necessary to take into account the materials from which the heat exchanger is made. Even on the modern market there are special gels that need to be dissolved in water. They, unlike acid, are not so aggressive, and their effectiveness is at a high level, as the reviews say.
Experts recommend using brine to flush heat exchangers for gas boilers. It is effective, but you have to be very careful with it. It will cope well with scale and deposits, but in itself is quite aggressive. In addition to these funds, such branded compositions as Sanaks, Sillit, Dketex and others are suitable for gas heat exchangers.
Features of cleaning plate heat exchangers
These products also detach and cleanexternal as well as internal surfaces. It will be better and faster if you start cleaning from the outside. First of all, the device must be filled with warm water with the addition of a scale and rust remover. Then, after a while, the liquid is washed off with clean water. This activity is best done outdoors using a pressure washer.
After the outer surface is thoroughly cleaned, wash the inside of this element. This operation differs from the usual one in that there is a thick layer of scale on the wall surface, which is larger than in conventional heat exchangers. Therefore, for this work, you need to make maximum efforts. It is important to descale completely for better heat transfer.
Conclusion
Cleaning the heat exchanger of a gas boiler is only half the battle. Be sure to clean the soot from the boiler itself and the chimney. Only after this can we say that a complete prevention was carried out. This operation will significantly extend the life of the heating system.
