Combine but also separate the old from the new for an efficient heating system
New boiler, old system
Energy-efficient boilers are now the industry standard, but this can be an issue when integrating a new condensing boiler into an existing system and pipework. Challenges to consider are potential un-controlled leaks from existing systems causing raw oxygenated water to be constantly added to the system. This further adds to the corrosion of the system and boilers creating problems from blocking heat exchangers with suspended solids and corrosion problems from system metals. You can read more about deciding to refurb or replace a commercial heating system, here.
PHEX for hydraulic separation
When looking at installing new boilers on to older heating circuits you need to consider many things such as what the existing system is (open vented or sealed) and how you will protect the new equipment.
Plate heat exchangers separate the boiler from a secondary circuit (existing system). This prevents the risk of debris from entering the boiler which could result in expensive maintenance intervals or even operational failure. Furthermore, as limescale and system debris can block heat exchanger waterways by utilizing a plate exchanger, overall system efficiency is optimized and the investment of the new boiler is protected.
You can read about other methods of hydraulic separation for heating systems, here.
Stratton mk3 and PHEX
To bridge the gap between old and new systems the Stratton mk3 wall-hung condensing boiler is now available with a range of easy-to-install AHRI certified® plate heat exchangers to protect the new boilers from old systems.
Featuring a brazed design with no need for gaskets or supporting equipment, our latest range of plate heat exchangers compact solution to maximise valuable plant room space and keep the boilers operating at maximum efficiency helping to reduce the overall carbon footprint whilst protecting your investment. With a large surface area and thin plates to provide efficient heat transfer, these plates also help to reduce energy consumption, which in turn, can help to lower energy costs.
The Stratton mk3 boiler features a 5:1 turndown ratio, pre-mix burner technology for clean operation with ErP Class 6 NOx emissions, and up to 97% gross seasonal efficiency. Offering exceptional system tolerance, the Stratton mk3 is backed by a five-year heat exchanger warranty. Available in seven different outputs from 40 to 150kW, the Stratton mk3, which is available with a range of easy-to-install AHRI certified® plate heat exchangers, can be cascaded to meet building demands or larger installations more effectively. In these applications, plate heat exchangers can also be used as a pressure break, where heating, water service, or chilled water is being pumped up multiple storey heights or in the case of older tank fed systems allows for the hydraulic separation of new to old.
