What causes biological contamination in systems?
Algae in feed and expansion cisterns
Leathery skins or films of algae on the surface of expansion cisterns in open vented systems are caused by fungal mould growths. It occurs if the expansion cistern is not properly covered and dust, insects and spores enter the water.
If the dose of Central Heating Protector F1 , MB-1 or AF-10 Biocide in the tank is too low to maintain sterility, mould will grow. The slime film may smell foul, but as long as it does not enter the pipe work it will cause few problems.
Gas in the system
Microbiological fermentation in a system could result in flammable gas. Methane gas, which burns with a blue flame, is most often found. Hydrogen sulphide (emitting a ‘bad egg’ smell) may also occur, and is associated with the presence of corrosive sulphate- reducing bacteria.
Bacterial or yeast infestations caused by organisms entering the system from the supply water, debris in new systems or through air contact in open expansion cisterns, can also occur.
What should be done?
To combat algae in open vented systems, empty the cistern and disinfect with a 0.1% solution of Fernox AF-10 biocide, or Fernox LP Sterox . Refill the tank, adding the correct dose of AF-10 (see the instructions on the container) and top up the Protector F1 concentration. Ensure the tank is fitted with a purpose-made lid equivalent to Byelaw 30 standard to prevent future contamination of the tank.
When there is gas in a system, use Fernox AF-10 biocide to control microbiological growths and prevent gas build-up. Where contamination is significant, several repeat doses of biocide may be required: in such situations, it may be appropriate to drain and retreat the entire system.
Bacterial contamination in air and ground source heat pumps
When there is bacterial contamination in air and ground source heat pumps, Fernox HP Cleaner or Fernox HP Fill can be used. Both can treat up to 600 metres of 40mm pipe work.Fernox HP Cleaner is designed to clean and disinfect GSHP closed loop systems.
Before use, it should be diluted using no more than 600 litres of mains water per one litre of HP Cleaner. The ground collector must be flushed out with fresh mains water before being filled with the diluted product. Having circulated the HP Cleaner for at least one hour, after which it should be flushed out until the water runs clear. Fill the ground collector with Fernox HP-15 or Fernox HP-15c .
Fernox HP Fill is a concentrated biocidal additive designed to provide long term protection for ground source collectors against microbiological fouling. After diluting with mains water using no more than 600 litres of water per one litre of HP Fill, flush out the ground collector with fresh mains water before filling with the diluted product. Seal and leave until ready to install and commission the heat pump. After commissioning, fill the ground collector with either Fernox HP-15 or HP-15c.
Algae in feed and expansion cisterns
Leathery skins or films of algae on the surface of expansion cisterns in open vented systems are caused by fungal mould growths. It occurs if the expansion cistern is not properly covered and dust, insects and spores enter the water.
If the dose of Central Heating Protector F1 , MB-1 or AF-10 Biocide in the tank is too low to maintain sterility, mould will grow. The slime film may smell foul, but as long as it does not enter the pipe work it will cause few problems.
Gas in the system
Microbiological fermentation in a system could result in flammable gas. Methane gas, which burns with a blue flame, is most often found. Hydrogen sulphide (emitting a ‘bad egg’ smell) may also occur, and is associated with the presence of corrosive sulphate- reducing bacteria.
Bacterial or yeast infestations caused by organisms entering the system from the supply water, debris in new systems or through air contact in open expansion cisterns, can also occur.
What should be done?
To combat algae in open vented systems, empty the cistern and disinfect with a 0.1% solution of Fernox AF-10 biocide, or Fernox LP Sterox . Refill the tank, adding the correct dose of AF-10 (see the instructions on the container) and top up the Protector F1 concentration. Ensure the tank is fitted with a purpose-made lid equivalent to Byelaw 30 standard to prevent future contamination of the tank.
When there is gas in a system, use Fernox AF-10 biocide to control microbiological growths and prevent gas build-up. Where contamination is significant, several repeat doses of biocide may be required: in such situations, it may be appropriate to drain and retreat the entire system.
Bacterial contamination in air and ground source heat pumps
When there is bacterial contamination in air and ground source heat pumps, Fernox HP Cleaner or Fernox HP Fill can be used. Both can treat up to 600 metres of 40mm pipe work.Fernox HP Cleaner is designed to clean and disinfect GSHP closed loop systems.
Before use, it should be diluted using no more than 600 litres of mains water per one litre of HP Cleaner. The ground collector must be flushed out with fresh mains water before being filled with the diluted product. Having circulated the HP Cleaner for at least one hour, after which it should be flushed out until the water runs clear. Fill the ground collector with Fernox HP-15 or Fernox HP-15c .
Fernox HP Fill is a concentrated biocidal additive designed to provide long term protection for ground source collectors against microbiological fouling. After diluting with mains water using no more than 600 litres of water per one litre of HP Fill, flush out the ground collector with fresh mains water before filling with the diluted product. Seal and leave until ready to install and commission the heat pump. After commissioning, fill the ground collector with either Fernox HP-15 or HP-15c.