COLLECTOR PIPING DETAIL
The outlets of the collector are 1” copper pipe nipples | Sensor Wire | |
(To Collector) | ||
(Figure 19). They should be piped as shown with | ||
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provisions for an automatic air vent. The air vent must be |
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oriented vertically as this must be the highest point in the |
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system in order for air to escape. This will prevent air lock |
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and subsequent loss of system efficiency. Teflon tape |
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or high temperature, high quality pipe sealant should be |
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used when making threaded connections. |
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The collector inlets should be piped similarly but without |
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the automatic air vent. | Figure 21 | |
SENSOR MOUNTING AT COLLECTOR | ||
PIPE INSULATION | ||
The angled collector heat sensor is mounted to the | ||
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outlet of the collector (Figure 20). The stainless steel | The collector loop piping (exterior and interior) must be | |
screw clamp should be used. The entire sensor should | well insulated with a high quality flexible EPDM closed | |
be wrapped thoroughly with the insulating stretch tape | cell insulation to minimize heat loss. The wall thickness | |
so that the sensor is isolated from the outside air. If | of the pipe insulation should not be less than ¾”. A 1” wall | |
possible route the sensor wire through the roof flashing | thickness is required in all areas prone to annual hard | |
and connect the sensor wire to the sensor extension wire | freeze conditions. When it comes to pipe insulation the | |
provided with wire nuts. | rule is simple: thicker is better. The specified insulation | |
| material is Armacell UT Solaflex or equivalent. | |
| To the extent possible, slide the insulation material over | |
| the pipe without cutting or taping. All butt joints must be | |
| sealed with high temperature contact adhesive. The use | |
| of rigid polyethylene pipe insulation is prohibited. All | |
| outdoor insulation should be protected from moisture | |
| and Ultraviolet deterioration by either paint or foil | |
| tape. Insulation to complete the outdoor portion of the | |
| installation has been provided. | |
| PREPARATION OF THE HEAT TRANSFER FLUID |
Figure 20
PIPING THROUGH THE ROOF
Piping through the roof should be weatherproofed as shown in Figure 21.
Pour 100% Propylene Glycol into a large clean bucket. Add an equivalent amount of distilled or
The use of regular tap water as a mixing agent is prohibited. Distilled or
Use of
19