After noticing that input/output temperature difference through my plate hx was getting narrower under similar conditions, and that the boiler was idling more frequently and for longer periods than before, I removed the hx and back flushed both sides. The boiler side was clean with no particulates flushing out. The system side flushed out quite a bit of material. After cleaning, I achieved a maximum 25F increase in the differential - great increase in heat transfer.
I have a 50 micron filter on the system supply side of the hx, but after some replumbing in early fall, I had the filter disabled for a short while. I suspect that was the cause of the particulate buildup.
Others may want to pay attention to input/output differential changes and/or changes in idling frequency and duration and consider similar issues with their hx's.
I have a 50 micron filter on the system supply side of the hx, but after some replumbing in early fall, I had the filter disabled for a short while. I suspect that was the cause of the particulate buildup.
Others may want to pay attention to input/output differential changes and/or changes in idling frequency and duration and consider similar issues with their hx's.
