Loading... 20 view(s) 1 min read

Can I Have a High Iron Count in an Open Loop Geothermal System? - Ask the Expert Episode 232

Today's question comes from Steve. "Hey Dan, we're buying a house with an open loop geothermal system, but the water is very high in iron. Can anything be done about it or should we reconsider?" So, typically a manufacturer is going to say they don't want anything more than one part per million (PPM) going through the open loop geothermal system. Some might even say you need less than that, so if there is more than one PPM going through the water that's going to be a problem. You probably shouldn't have an open loop geothermal system. You could probably have a closed loop because it doesn't matter, you aren't using ground water. The water quality doesn't play a role. You can get a water analysis done to make sure. Any more questions? Just ask in the comments below.

7 comments

Leave your comment

Your email address will not be published

Naseem Aziz

Try installing a plate heat exchanger between the ground water loop and the cooling/heating water loop. Or consult a water treatment expert.

JON STEVENSON

Why? What effect does a high iron content have on the system?

Liss

We have an open loop 3ton geothermal unit. It quit working after the power went out in a winter storm for several days. First they said our exiting piping was closed and we needed to replace it. When I asked are you sure that if I replace the line it will solve the problem, they returned and did a flush with water. Now they want to replace the loop to the tune of almost $4000. It is a 3 ton unit and was installed in 2014. Should we replace the coils, get a new unit, flush with an acid wash, or get another company to look at it. It runs off a well with high iron content. Just a month before this happened , the water flow through the loop was decreased by the same company.