One of the most important parts of maintaining a boiler system is ensuring that the water that’s being used inside the boiler is of high quality. Miura offers a number of accessories to help ensure your boiler is always using quality water. Of course, this still requires taking samples so you can test the water your boiler is using and make any necessary adjustments.
Before you start to take water samples, it’s important to have all your equipment gathered ahead of time. In addition to having sampling bottles, you will also need QR code labels to place on each filled sampling bottle. These labels need to have the date of the sample, the water type, and the serial number of your boiler. Pre-filled labels may be available, although blank ones can be filled out manually if necessary. You will also need a pitcher or large container on hand, as well as a pair of channel-lock pliers just in case the water port is difficult to reach.
Miura suggests taking water samples from up to five different locations if possible. They are as follows:
- City Water - This is the tap water that comes out of your sink or faucet. It should be tested if it’s the same water that will eventually be fed into your boiler.
- Make Up Water - This is water from equipment that takes care of pre-treatment for your boiler, most notably reverse osmosis systems and water softeners.
- Feed Water - This is water that’s collected from either your boiler’s piping or feed water tank. Just keep in mind that the bottom of your tank may accumulate sludge or other sediments at the bottom. This makes the piping the better option for a water sample if it’s available.
- Boiler Water - This is the water straight from your boiler. The sampling port on your Miura boiler is at the surface blow down valve. The location of this valve is different on different models of boilers, so consult your manual if you have trouble finding it.
- Condensate Water - This water can be found by following the piping that leads into your boiler room.
Before you start taking water samples from those sources, keep in mind that boiler, feed, and condensate water will all be pressurized and taken at high temperatures, so be sure to exercise caution when taking them. Also, never collect water samples while your feed water pump is on; always turn it off before taking samples.
When you’re ready to take samples, place your container under the sample port and open the valve. If you have trouble reaching the valve, this is why you have pliers on hand. Be sure to let the water run for five seconds in order to clear out the piping before filling and rinsing your large pitcher three times. At that point, you will be able to fill your sampling bottles. Be sure to always fill them to the top so there is absolutely no air inside them, as this can interfere with the testing.
Once the bottle is full, attach the appropriate label to the bottle, always double checking that the bottle and the label match. Before shipping the samples to the designated water lab, make sure the tops of each bottle are tight and that there’s room in the box to make sure they don’t crack during shipping. Then you’ll be ready to ship your water samples and wait for the results. Contact Us
