VHX SERIES STEAMERS - GENERAL
F24700 (October 2001) Page 6 of 68
WATER CONDITIONING
Furnishing the boiler with treated water t o reduce
scale formation is im por tant. Scale formati on wil l
reduce steam output, cause premature com ponent
failure, and shorten equipment l ife. Most water
supplies contain scale producing mineral s such as
Calcium and Magnesium. As steam i s generated,
the minerals remain and dissolv e into the water. As
the concentration of these miner al s increases past a
certain point, they precipi t ate from the water and
coat the inside of the boiler, heat ing elements, and
water level sensors. Because of the high
temperature of these surfaces, the preci pitated
minerals bake onto them and become v ery difficul t
to remove.
This may cause several problem s:
1. Reduced heat transfer efficiency.
2. Premature heating element failures.
3. False readings from water level sensors.
These problems are common to any manuf acturer's
steamer regardless of design, but they can all be
minimized by fur ni shing the boiler with treated
water.
Other factors affect i ng steam generation are iron
content, amount of chlori nation and dissolved
gases.
The desired water properties can best be achieved
by using a properly maintained water t reat men t
system.
The water level probes in the boil er 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 f rom the water.
Water supplies vary f rom state to state and from
locations within a state. Therefor e, a water
treatment specialist should be consulted before
the installation of any steam generating equipment.
Steamers that operate over a long per i od of time
without the benefit of a water treat ment system,
which have developed a heav y scal e build up,
should be cleaned before using the system.
SPECIFICATIONS
Water Supply
The fact that a water supply is potable i s 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 cool ing only,
an “untreated“ water supply connection should be
used.
Supply pressure should be 20-60 psig
In line strainer for supply li ne (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