Air Circulation; Maintaining The Heating System; Bleeding The System - Alde Compact 3010 Manuel

SYSTEM TEMPERATURE
The boiler is set to a system temperature
of max 175°F/80°C, i.e. the temperature
of the glycol fluid/antifreeze as it circulates
in the heating system.

AIR CIRCULATION

In order to achieve the best possible result
from the principle of convected heat, it is
important to allow air to circulate freely
under bunks, and behind backrests and
wall-mounted cabinets. If the vehicle has
a fitted carpet, ensure that the carpet does
not obstruct the air supply to the radiators.
It is just as important that cushions or
blankets do not interrupt the flow of air
behind backrests and wall cabinets.
Air stream
Convectors
MAINTAINING THE HEATING
SYSTEM
Wintercamping
While camping during the winter, ensure
that the flue is kept clear of snow and ice,
since the inlet air to the LPG boiler enters
through the flue. Do not start the LPG
boiler until the flue is completely free of
snow.
The LPG system
The LPG system should be checked
regularly by a professional, to ensure that
there are no leaks from connections or
hoses.
LPG hoses should be changed according
to national regulations, maximum of five
years. Check the date stamp on the hose.
Rubber hose has a propensity to dry out
and crack.
The heating system
Regularly check the heating system's
fluid level in the expansion tank. The level
should be about .5In/1cm above the mini-
mum indicator in a cold tank.
The heating system should be filled with a
mixture of water and glycol.
For preference, use high quality ready-
mixed glycol (with inhibitor) intended for
use in aluminium heating systems.
If using concentrated glycol, the mix-
ture should consist of 60% water and
40% glycol. If the heating system will
be exposed to temperatures below
-15°F/-25°C, the glycol content must be
increased, but not to more than 50%.
4
Please contact Alde to inquire of approved
antifreeze suppliers.
Any vessels used for the liquid must be
spotlessly clean, and the pipes in the
heating system must be free of con-
tamination. This will prevent the growth of
bacteria in the system.
The glycol mixture should be changed
every second year to insure maximum
corrosion inhibitor effectiveness.
The glycol content should be checked
before topping up with new liquid. This will
ensure that the concentration of glycol in
the mixture is not too high.
If the fluid level in the expansion tank falls
for reasons other than evaporation, please
check all joints, drain cocks and bleeder
screws to ensure that they are not leaking.
If the glycol-water mixture leaks out, rinse
with water and wipe up.
Never allow the heating system to stand
empty of glycol.
FILLING THE SYSTEM WITH
GLYCOL FLUID
ATTENTION! Any vessels used to carry
the fluid must be spotlessly clean and the
pipes in the system must be free of con-
tamination. This will prevent the growth of
bacteria in the system.
The system is filled through the expansion
tank, either manually or using the Alde fill-
ing pump which both tops up and bleeds
the system. For manual filling, remove nut
(R) from the tank. Slowly pour the glycol
mixture into the tank. Bleed the system.
Top up with more liquid if the level has
fallen after bleeding. Bleed a newly-filled
system regularly during the first days the
heating system is in operation.

BLEEDING THE SYSTEM

Depending on how the pipes have been
fitted, air pockets may form when the
system is filled with glycol fluid.
A sign that there is air trapped in the
system is that the heat released into the
pipes only extends 2-3 feet or so from the
boiler even though the circulation pump is
operating.
In newly-filled systems, small air bubbles
can form in the expansion tank, creating
a gurgling sound. If the circulation pump
is stopped for a few seconds, the bubbles
will disappear.
Bleeding
If a bleeder screw is fitted to the outgoing
pipe, open this bleeder screw and leave
it open until it starts to discharge water.
However, if the boiler is equipped with
an automatic air vent, bleeding the boiler
takes place automatically.
Start the LPG boiler. The circulation
pump should be switched off.
Open the remaining bleeder screws in
the system (please refer to the instruction
manual of the vehicle for their locations).
Leave the bleeder screws open until they
start discharging fluid, and then close
them. Start the circulation pump and let it
run for a while. Check that the pipes and
radiators around the vehicle are heating
up.
Never open the bleeders while the pump
is running as this will induce air into the
system.
If the system is still air-locked, try
the following:
Single-axle trailers: Stop the circulation
pump. Lower the front of the trailer as far
as possible. Leave it in this position for
a few minutes to allow the air to travel
upwards in the system. Open the bleeder
screw at the highest point. Leave it open
until it discharges glycol fluid. Raise the
front of the trailer as far as possible and
repeat the procedure in this position. Then
position the trailer horizontally and start
the circulation pump. Check that the pipes
and radiators around the vehicle are heat-
ing up.
Motorhome or twin-axle trailer: The
easiest way to bleed the heating system is
to place the vehicle on a sloping surface
R
or to raise one end of the vehicle using
a jack. Bleed the system as described
above.
Alternatively the system can be bled by an
approved filling pump from Alde.