Maintenance of the capillary tube mat network

I. Daily inspection
System operation parameter monitoring
Water temperature check: Use professional temperature measuring instruments to regularly measure the water supply temperature and return water temperature of the capillary network system. In summer cooling, the water supply temperature is usually around 16 - 18℃, and the return water temperature will be slightly higher; in winter heating, the water supply temperature is usually around 30 - 35℃, and the return water temperature is slightly lower. If the water temperature deviates from the normal range, it may mean that there is a fault in the system, such as refrigerant leakage (when cooling), faulty heating equipment (when heating) or poor water flow.

Water pressure check: monitor the system's water supply pressure and return pressure with a pressure gauge. Generally speaking, the working pressure of the system should be kept within the design range, e.g. 0.2 - 0.4 MPa. If the water pressure is too high, it may lead to the risk of pipeline rupture; if the water pressure is too low, it may affect the speed of water flow and the efficiency of heat exchange, resulting in poor indoor temperature regulation.

Appearance check
Piping inspection: Regularly check the wall, ceiling or floor surface where the capillary network is laid to observe whether there are any abnormalities such as water seepage, bulging and deformation. For example, if water stains are found on the wall surface, there may be a leakage point in the capillary network; if there is a bulging bag on the ceiling, there may be a gap or accumulation of water between the pipes and the base layer.

Inspection of connection parts: Carefully inspect the connections between capillary pipes and supply and return collector pipes, as well as the connections between collector pipes and other pipes and equipment, to see if there are any signs of looseness or leakage. Loose connection parts may lead to water leakage and affect the normal operation of the system.

Second, regular maintenance
Filter cleaning
Cleaning cycle: According to the water quality, it is generally recommended to clean the filter in the system every 3 - 6 months. If the water quality is poor, containing more impurities and particles, the cleaning cycle should be appropriately shortened.

Cleaning method: Close the water inlet and water return valves of the system, open the drain valve of the filter, and discharge the sewage in the filter. Then remove the filter's screen and rinse it with water to remove the impurities and dirt on the filter. If there is a lot of dirt on the filter, you can use a soft-bristle brush to gently scrub it, but be careful not to damage the filter. After cleaning, install the screen back into the filter, close the drain valve, open the water inlet and return valves, and resume system operation.

Water quality management
Water quality test: Regularly test the water quality in the system, the test items include acidity and alkalinity (pH), hardness, oxygen content, microbial content and so on. Generally speaking, the pH of the water used in the system should be kept between 7 - 9, and the hardness should not be too high to prevent scaling in the pipes.

Water quality treatment: If the water quality does not meet the requirements, appropriate treatment measures need to be taken. For example, if the water hardness is too high, you can install a water softener to soften the water; if the microbial content of the water exceeds the standard, you can add the appropriate amount of biocides for sterilization.

System flushing
Flushing cycle: It is recommended to carry out a comprehensive flushing of the capillary network system once a year to remove impurities, dirt and biofilm in the pipeline.

Flushing method: Turn off the system's heating or cooling equipment, open the system's water inlet and return valves, and connect the flushing pump to the system's water supply line. Start the flushing pump, the use of water to the system for cyclic flushing, flushing time is generally 2 - 3 hours. In the flushing process, you can periodically open the system's drain valve to discharge sewage and impurities. After flushing, turn off the flushing pump and drain valve, inject new water into the system that meets the water quality requirements, and resume system operation.

Troubleshooting
Water leakage troubleshooting
Locating the leak: When the system is found to be leaking, the first thing you need to do is to determine the location of the leak. You can locate the water leakage point by observing the water stains, listening to the sound of water leakage or using professional water leakage detection instruments.
Repair the water leakage point: According to the location and condition of the leakage point, take appropriate repair measures. If it is a leak in the pipe connection, you can re-tighten the connection bolts or replace the sealing gasket; if it is a pipe rupture, you need to cut down the pipe in the rupture area, replace it with a new one, and use special joints to make connections. After the repair is completed, a pressure test should be carried out to ensure that the system is no longer leaking.

Clogging troubleshooting
Judging the clogged part: When the system has problems such as poor water flow and decreased heat exchange efficiency, the pipes may be clogged. You can judge the clogged part by measuring the water pressure difference in different parts. If the water pressure difference of a section of piping increases significantly, it means that the section of piping may be clogged.
Unclogging clogged pipes: For clogged pipes, you can use a high-pressure water gun to flush out the impurities and dirt in the pipes. If the effect of high-pressure water gun flushing is not good, you can consider the use of chemical cleaning agent for cleaning. But the use of chemical cleaning agents, pay attention to the choice of non-corrosive cleaning agent on the pipeline material, and in accordance with the instructions for the use of cleaning agents to operate. After cleaning, use water to rinse the pipe cleaner.

Seasonal maintenance
Maintenance before use in summer
System inspection and commissioning: Before using the refrigeration function in summer, carry out a comprehensive inspection of the system, including the electrical system, refrigeration equipment, piping connections and so on. Check whether the electrical system is normal, whether the operating parameters of the refrigeration equipment meet the requirements, and whether the pipeline connection is firm. At the same time, debug the system, adjust the water supply temperature and flow rate to ensure that the system can operate normally and achieve the cooling effect required by the design.
Anti-insect and anti-rodent treatment: Check the area where the capillary network is laid to prevent insects, rats and other small animals from entering and destroying the pipeline. Insect and rodent prevention facilities can be set up around the pipeline, such as placing insect repellents and installing rodent-proof nets.

Maintenance before winter use
Anti-freezing measures check: Before using the heating function in winter, check whether the anti-freezing measures of the system are in place. For example, check whether the pipe insulation is intact, broken or peeled off. If the insulation is damaged, repair it in a timely manner to prevent the water inside the pipes from freezing at low temperatures and causing the pipes to rupture.
Equipment Inspection and Maintenance: Check and maintain the heating equipment, including cleaning the heat exchanger, checking the heating element, and replacing the lubricating oil. Ensure that the heat-making equipment can operate normally and provide sufficient heat.