I understand the recommend PH of boiler systems is anywhere from neutral to 8.5 or even higher for some systems (see quote/source below).
My question is, for a mostly ferrous system, why the need? I understand there will be an initial oxidation when the system is new, but once all the oxygen is depleted, how can it continue without any new (feed water is shut off) water? Is there other corrosion issues besides oxidation that I'm unaware of?
I'm going on 8th year of my system shown here: https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads...iler-with-1000-gallon-thermal-storage.138501/
That was filled with acidic (PH 5.6) well water. Every year I tell myself to neutralize and add inhibitors, but then again there is no signs of rust or corrosion. The y strainer is clean and water is not rusty looking. Treating over 1000 gallons isn't cheap, so I will do it if necessary but I'm trying to understand the science and not just repeated statements from companies that sell this stuff.
"The ideal pH range for a system that contains Aluminum is 7.0 to 8.5. The current recommended pH for a closed loop system utilizing ferrous components (i.e. primarily steel or cast iron heat exchangers, piping and fittings., pump housings, etc.) is 9.0 to 10.5." https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/83255/water-chemistry-w-aluminum-boilers-iron-radiators
My question is, for a mostly ferrous system, why the need? I understand there will be an initial oxidation when the system is new, but once all the oxygen is depleted, how can it continue without any new (feed water is shut off) water? Is there other corrosion issues besides oxidation that I'm unaware of?
I'm going on 8th year of my system shown here: https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads...iler-with-1000-gallon-thermal-storage.138501/
That was filled with acidic (PH 5.6) well water. Every year I tell myself to neutralize and add inhibitors, but then again there is no signs of rust or corrosion. The y strainer is clean and water is not rusty looking. Treating over 1000 gallons isn't cheap, so I will do it if necessary but I'm trying to understand the science and not just repeated statements from companies that sell this stuff.
"The ideal pH range for a system that contains Aluminum is 7.0 to 8.5. The current recommended pH for a closed loop system utilizing ferrous components (i.e. primarily steel or cast iron heat exchangers, piping and fittings., pump housings, etc.) is 9.0 to 10.5." https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/83255/water-chemistry-w-aluminum-boilers-iron-radiators
