Water Quality Testing

Geothermal loop systems are constructed with high density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe and are typically connected to either copper or steel pipe inside a building. The fluid circulating through the system is either water or a water/antifreeze solution. Since either fluid circulating through copper or steel pipe will produce corrosion or scale over time, it is important to monitor the loop fluid chemistry and make adjustments as necessary to ensure problem free operation.

Water quality testing allows the loop fluid to be evaluated for levels of iron, silica, corrosion inhibitors, acidity and alkalinity (pH levels) as well as water hardness. Additional testing can also be performed to determine if iron bacteria is present in a closed loop system. Iron bacteria can produce a host of operational issues including clogged heat exchangers and pumping problems.
While initial commissioning of a geothermal loop system can eliminate most problems, regular water quality testing is critical to the long term operating efficiency of the system.