Copper Cricket SHW Convert [RE-wrenches]

[Dana Orzel]

Save yourself the long term vacuum problems and convert to a pressure
system. Use a Differential Temperature Controller [ like a Heliodyne DTT or
Goldline DTT controller] and a pair of circulation pumps, one for the solar
loop and one on the  domestic storage tank to heat exchanger loop. Works
quite well and much more reliable. Don't forget to add a pressure relief
valve and a gauge on the solar loop and a drain and fill set of valves.

Dana
Responsible Technologies for Responsible People.
Great Solar Works, Inc.
dana at solarwork.com - 970.626.5253
Ridgway, CO, USA


----- Original Message -----
From: "Randy Brooks" <Randy at BrooksSolar.com>
To: <RE-wrenches at topica.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 03, 2003 11:40 AM
Subject: Copper Cricket SHW [RE-wrenches]


Wrenches,

I'm working to get a Copper Cricket solar hot water system back on line for
a customer.  I have an identical unit on my house and I still have the fill
kit and manuals (including MSDS), but have not been able to determine the
methyl alcohol:water dilution ratio to use for the collector fluid.  The
installation manual just says to pour the methyl alcohol provided (I think
it was 32 fl. oz. but recycled the can years ago) in the mixing container
provided and add four gallons of water.  Anyone have any idea what the
dilution ratio should be?  I found a source for methyl alcohol on the web
(www.jtbaker.com) and a regional distributor in Portland, OR.

The fuse plug was melted and open on this system (indicating the collector
exceeded 285°F while stagnant for about two years!) and the collector fluid
mostly evaporated.  I temporarily repaired the fuse plug by melting pipe
solder in it, but suspect this solder melts at a higher temperature than the
original 285°F.  Can anyone confirm whether it does or not?  Any source for
similar 1/2" NPT 285°F fuse plugs?  I didn't have any luck finding a source
on the web.

I've drained, flushed and pressure tested the solar loop and it seems fine.

I've left a voice mail for Mike Tierney at Aspen Solar Systems, who I was
told is the remaining authority on Copper Cricket systems.

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

Randy Brooks
Brooks Solar, Inc.
Solar Power for People
140 Columbia View
Chelan, WA  98816
509-682-9646
Randy at BrooksSolar.com
www.BrooksSolar.com


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