How Rinnai minimises the problems of scale
According to Rinnai’s Scott Humphries, its continuous-flow hot-water systems are easy to keep free of scale. He says, ‘When quoting for big installations, for example, multiple showers and numerous wash hand basins — continuous-flow systems save 30 to 35% on install and around the same on gas costs. And there is no costly messing around with salt-based conditioners.’
He adds, ‘Even where a “turnkey pack” system such as the Rinnai Infinity Plus Storage is fitted and a booster tank added, the water is unlikely to be held for 24 hours. These systems are commonly used in hotels, for example, to deal with peak demand times, and because these recover in minutes, scale is never likely to be a problem.’
Rinnai heaters also incorporate a scale-warning device that continually monitors appliances for lime-scale deposits around the heat exchanger. Once lime scale has been identified, a message is sent to the built-in interface panel on the front of the appliance to alert the end user that it is time to call a Rinnai service agent to perform a lime-scale flush.
A continuous-flow system can also be combined with zinc treatment to virtually eliminate scaling. The process gives up zinc ions that stay in the flow for a longer conditioning cycle.
The cost is as little as £200, depending on the diameter of the pipe.
Unlike calcium water softeners, zinc treatments only need attention every two to three years, which could simply be built into the maintenance contract, thereby keeping costs down.
