Frequently asked Questions / Glossary

What is power flushing ?

Power flushing forces water around the heating system in order to remove corrosion deposits. As deposits are loosened the water becomes dirty and gets pumped out and replaced with new clean water. To ensure the longevity of the system corrosion inhibitors are added to the heating system.

What are the benefits ?

  • Quicker warm up times.
  • Lower fuel bills. Up to 25% saving can be made.
  • "Minimises corrosion of the system and formation of scale and sludge.
  • Inhibits the growth of microbiological organisms.
  • Maintains the engineering design specifications of the heating system." Proflush

Part L

Building Regulations have a section called Part L which refers to what heating engineers have to do in order to meet the Domestic Heating Compliance Guide. It stipulates that at a minimum new and existing dwellings should have :

  • (a) Thorough cleaning and flushing out before installing a new boiler
  • (b) During final fill add the corrosion and scale formulation (Corrosion Inhibitor). Follow guidance given in BS 7593:2006
  • (c)Refer to boiler manufacturers instructions for appropriate treatment
  • (d) Where hardness > 200ppm, treat feed water to water heaters and hot water circuit of combi to reduce limescale accumulation

How long does it take ?

A professional power flush on an existing system can take up to eight hours. We use the latest in power flushing technology such as the VibraClean in conjunction with the MagnaClean power flushing filter to halve the eight-hour process without compromising the quality of the power flush.

What chemicals do you use ?

“Sentinel has an impressive product design and development programme which is focussed on introducing new, advanced and environmentally acceptable products to its range “

Typically we use X400 sludge remover, X100 inhibitor which provides protection against scale, corrosion and bacteria growth, X200 noise reducer, X300 universal cleaner and the X500 inhibited antifreeze.

Is it safe ?

The first thing we do with every power flush is to undertake a survey to ensure we know what type of circulation problems you have. We can then focus our efforts where it is needed and not use unnecessary chemicals and techniques. We then follow a check list as we power flush and take constant readings from our TDS meter and infra-red thermometer to carefully asses the state of the system.

We also take extra precautions with water proof dust sheets and bungs in case of spillage. When possible the power flushing machine is sited outside the property.

When chemically cleaning a heating system there is a possibility of exposing weak spots such as previously formed radiator pinholes. If we believe the system will result in leaks at radiators we will isolate that radiator and use more coverings to protect carpets and walls etc.

The type of chemicals we use are able to be neutralised of acids and disposed of down foul water drains. The sludge that accumulates in our MagnaClean power flushing filter is collected and disposed of safely.

What equipment do you use ?

The central device for cleaning your heating system is our Norstrom Pro Flush. It has the following benefits

  • High temperature operation helps speed up work rate
  • Multi functional operation – de scaling, full system cleaning, thermal storage, underfloor heating
  • Reversible flow and double-dump

Vibraclean

Gently pulsates against problem spots on radiators to help further dislodge stubborn sludge. It has been shown to remove more sludge in 20 seconds rather than 30 minutes of operation without VibraClean.

TDS 3 Meter

We use the TD 3 Meter to check for particulates of Iron, Aluminium, Copper, Chlorides and Phosphates that are invisible to the human eye. If these metals are left in the system they can cause further corrosion. Readings taken with the TDS 3 meter on the system water should be within 10% of the reading obtained on the mains water entering the system.

Magnaclean

The Magnaclean compliments our power flushing machine. As the water is forced around the system the Magnaclean uses magnets to trap iron oxide that would otherwise return into the system.

On average 3 kg of sludge and other deposits will be removed from the heating system. If the heating system is badly designed or where no inhibitor has been previously added, anything up to 7 kg of sludge can be removed.

Infrared thermometer Proflush TN2

Enables us to perform quick checks on radiator temperatures before and during the power flush to establish cold spots and the completion of cleaning.

Double dosing

Double dosing uses twice as much cleaning chemicals to remove sludge in very dirty systems.

Types of corrosion

Black Iron Oxide

Black magnetite sludge forms in heating systems. It clogs pumps, boilers, radiators and pipes and can significantly reduce the circulation of hot water.

Galvanic Action

Occurs when different metals are connected such as aluminium connected directly to copper or brass.

Red Iron Oxide

Red or brown oxide is caused in heating systems when they are letting in air.

Hydrogen Gas (highly flammable)

Hydrogen is a by-product of the above corrosion processes

Code of conduct

The heating industry has set out a set of benchmarks engineers should follow. You can view the benchmark here

Gas Safety Register

Gas Safe Register replaced CORGI gas regulation in Great Britain on April 1st 2009. To view their site click here




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