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VHX SERIES STEAMERS - GENERAL
F24700 (October 2001) Page 6 of 68
WATER CONDITIONING
Furnishing the boiler with treated water to reduce
scale formation is important. Scale formation will
reduce steam output, cause premature component
failure, and shorten equipment life. Most water
supplies contain scale producing minerals such as
Calcium and Magnesium. As steam is generated,
the minerals remain and dissolve into the water. As
the concentration of these minerals increases past a
certain point, they precipitate from the water and
coat the inside of the boiler, heating elements, and
water level sensors. Because of the high
temperature of these surfaces, the precipitated
minerals bake onto them and become very difficult
to remove.
This may cause several problems:
1. Reduced heat transfer efficiency.
2. Premature heating element failures.
3. False readings from water level sensors.
These problems are common to any manufacturer's
steamer regardless of design, but they can all be
minimized by furnishing the boiler with treated
water.
Other factors affecting steam generation are iron
content, amount of chlorination and dissolved
gases.
The desired water properties can best be achieved
by using a
properly maintained water treatment
system.
The water level probes in the boiler use ions in the
water to detect the water level.
Do not use fully
demineralized or de-ionized water since it is
"non conductive" and the water level can not be
detected.
The use of strainers or
non approved
filters will not
remove minerals from the water.
Water supplies vary from state to state and from
locations within a state. Therefore, a
water
treatment specialist should be consulted
before
the installation of any steam generating equipment.
Steamers that operate over a long period of time
without the benefit of a water treatment system,
which have developed a heavy scale build up,
should be cleaned before using the system.
SPECIFICATIONS
Water Supply
The fact that a water supply is potable is no
guarantee that it is suitable for steam generation.
The supply connection to the steam generator
should be “treated” water and must be within the
guidelines listed below. For drain water cooling only,
an “untreated“ water supply connection should be
used.
Supply pressure should be 20-60 psig
In line strainer for supply line (Not Supplied)
Supply connection cold
Total dissolved solids (TDS)* less than 60 ppm
Total alkalinity less than 20 ppm
Silica less than 13 ppm
Chloride less than 30 ppm
PH factor 7 to 8
(*17.1 ppm = 1 grain of hardness)
Electrical
Voltage - 120/60/1
Amps - 3.0 (max)
Boiler Pressure
Operating - 8 to 10 psi
Maximum - 15 psi