Geothermal Maintenance Made Easy

April 2, 2019

As warm weather returns, it’s time for your spring geothermal maintenance check-up!

At CORECHEM, we recommend you inspect your geothermal system at least once a year. Spring and fall are the most common times to do this. Test in the spring to look for post-winter issues; test in the fall to make sure your fluid concentration is high enough to prevent freezing.

Either way, it’s important to perform a check to detect any small issues your system may be having before they become big – and expensive.

First things first! Do an annual fluids test. A spring fluids test will help detect:

  • the presence of / potential for algae or mold growth (bio-fouling) prior to summer weather
  • the presence of /potential for corrosion
  • whether or not your fluid is ‘spent’
  • underground leaks (One good indicator of leaks is if you have red clay or excessive dirt in your geothermal fluid.)

CORECHEM is making is easy – and fast – to test the health of your geothermal system this spring! Call us today to have a geothermal maintenance test kit mailed to you. Your fluid will be tested for concentration, pH, and reserve alkalinity. Additional testing is performed as needed to further diagnose the health of your geothermal fluid. You should receive your results within 2 days of our receiving your sample!

It is also important to check:

      1. Filters. Clogged filters in your heat exchanger increase wear and tear on your pumps. (Ideally, we recommend checking these at least once a quarter.)
      2. Condensate drain. A clogged condensate drain will impede water flow – causing your pumps to work extra hard.
      3. For visible leaks.
      4. All of your heat pumps, fans, thermostat and other equipment. These should be tested to ensure they are working properly.
      5. Foliage overgrowth. Remove foliage to ensure nothing is obstructing your air intake.

At CORECHEM, we look forward to helping you bring your geothermal fluid up to speed. Call us today to discuss our geothermal fluid products including: glycols, alcohol-based fluids, and corrosion inhibitors.

Flu Shots … and Closed Loop System Checks

We all know that fall is a time to think about our flu shots, and that it is critical to maintain our health during the flu season. Have you considered checking the health of your customers’ closed loop HVAC and geothermal equipment, to ensure that it too stays healthy all season long? CORECHEM Inc. is your resource for analyzing thermal fluids, to give your customer the peace of mind that their systems contain enough antifreeze to protect from a freeze up flu.

Closed Loop System

Why Is It Important to Treat Your System with the Burst Protection Flu Shot?

Winter is once again on the brink, and just like humans, the health of your closed loops systems might suffer. CORECHEM’s GlycoChill+™ and Exo Endosol™ products provide both the freeze and corrosion resistance that your clients’ systems need to stay well all winter long.

From now until November 30, CORECHEM is offering thermal fluid analysis for any system, at no charge! Simply reach out to us at sales@corecheminc.com or call 800-258-5829 to have a sample kit shipped to you today. You should get your results within 2 days of the receipt of your sample!

Request a sample test

Geothermal Fluids – Is your system protected from biofouling and corrosion?

Geothermal Fluid Pump – Biofouling & Corrosion (photo courtesy of Ambient Geothermal)

While a system may contain a sufficient level of heat transfer fluid to prevent the system from freezing, what is often overlooked is the protection of the system from corrosion and biofouling.  When glycol-based heat transfer fluids are used in closed-loop geothermal systems, the risk of biofouling and corrosion is much higher than the risk of the fluid freezing.  To prevent system biofouling and corrosion the following recommendations should be taken into consideration.

  • Glycol-based heat transfer fluid concentrations above 20% will inhibit the growth of most microorganisms and fungi, the source of biofouling.
  • Inhibitors buffer the effects of organic acids that form due to the degradation of glycol. When using concentrated glycol-based heat transfer fluids ensure that the inhibitors are adequate at the dilution used.
  • Ensure that the system is properly flushed and purged of air before introducing the heat transfer fluids.
  • The use of deionized water will reduce the risk of bio-contamination from water.
  • After completing the installation of the heat transfer fluid allow the system to circulate for complete mixing and purge all air from the system.

CORECHEM Inc. is a manufacturer of glycol and alcohol based heat transfer fluids for commercial closed-loop HVAC and geothermal systems, our products provide protection, comfort and efficiency, for you and your clients.  Call us today at 1-800-258-5829 for further information on preventing corrosion and biofouling.

Matthew Werle