Worcester Heatslave - whattype of heat eschanger(s)?

[steveharman]

Hello!

Is anyone able to confirm the material used for the primary / secondary heat exchangers in a Worcester Greenstar Heatslave 25/32 combi boiler please? (internal version, oil-fired)

I found the following in a Worcester brochure which I **think** answers the question, but I'd feel more comfortable hearing it from a member of this forum than marketing bumph!

"The Greenstar Heatslave floor standing boiler has at least
a 5mm mild steel inner primary heat exchanger surface
and a 3mm outer. This, combined with a stainless steel
secondary heat exchanger"

Incidentally the reason for asking is that we're considering a water-softener (Kinetico 2020c HF) and I believe aluminium heat-exchangers are a no-no.

Thanks in advance,

Steve

 

[Boilerman2]

You'll be fine there are not any UK Oil Boilers with Alluminium in them there are some Blue flame oil boilers on the continent but are rare here

Your green star is steel & Stainless - unfortunately plastic as well

 

[steveharman]

Ah, many thanks!

Your observation about 'plastic' - is that something I should be concerned about with regard to the water softener....?

Thanks again,

Steve

 

[Boilerman2]

Don't worry the plastic is on the flue components !

 

[Agile]

The household softened water only contacts the secondary heat exchanger. These are normally stainless steel or copper.

In theory the fill water should be from an unsoftened supply but in practice its unlikely to cause any noticeable problem if softened water was used.

The fear seems to be that if the softener is faulty or badly set up then there may be significant amounts of NaCl which could corrode steel or aluminium components.

Tony

 

[oilhead]

The main thing to watch is the seals on the mains water feed to the secondary heat exchanger. If the softened water is a bit'strong', it can degrade these causing leaks. Fix any signs of seepage immediately.

 

[Agile]

Whilst chlorine, and perhaps NaCl to a lesser extent, would degrade rubber type seals, I have yet to see any that have failed in the several customers homes where they have fitted a water softener.

The reaction between NaCl and aluminium is however very severe!

Tony