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Vacuum tubes 10 years old

  • 31-05-2017 2:37pm
    #1
    garyh3
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 700 ✭✭✭


    Hi Just a quick question. I have Vacuum solution up since 2007 By Solar Creations I think they were Allied Solar or part of that group. Glycol been changed 3 times now and new Heat pump. Its just on the hot days were getting now the tubes (which there are 70 on the roof!!!) dont seem to get above 80. Were still getting hot water but its slow.

    It it worth replacing some of the tubes. How do you tell if the tubes are gone is there a way to tell ?

    Thanks

    Gary


Comments

  • #2
    quentingargan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,627 ✭✭✭quentingargan


    Usually when they lose their vacuum, they will go white at the bottom like a blown valve. However, it is possible that the heat pipe in the tube is no longer functioning in the way it should (it also relies on a vacuum). I think on some Chinese tubes made with 0.6mm or 0.7mm copper, this part will fail first


  • #3
    garyh3
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 700 ✭✭✭garyh3


    quentingargan wrote: »
    Usually when they lose their vacuum, they will go white at the bottom like a blown valve. However, it is possible that the heat pipe in the tube is no longer functioning in the way it should (it also relies on a vacuum). I think on some Chinese tubes made with 0.6mm or 0.7mm copper, this part will fail first

    Thanks for that, I looked yesterday with binoculars and could not see any damage to the tubes. Will post a few pics to see if anyone here can see anything. also how easy are they to replace ?

    Gary


  • #4
    gooner99
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,056 ✭✭✭gooner99


    Sorry Gary can't help with your question.

    How do you think the solar panels have performed in the 10 years you have them in. Did you get a good return (payback) on the investment given that you have to replace the heat pump and glycol so far.


  • #5
    quentingargan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,627 ✭✭✭quentingargan


    They are easy enough to replace. I think if they are from Allied Solar, they would be a standard Chinese tube - 58mm diameter x 1.8m long tube. You should be able to buy replacements from anyone doing tubes still.


  • #6
    garyh3
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 700 ✭✭✭garyh3


    quentingargan wrote: »
    They are easy enough to replace. I think if they are from Allied Solar, they would be a standard Chinese tube - 58mm diameter x 1.8m long tube. You should be able to buy replacements from anyone doing tubes still.

    Thanks for that there Wimex panels which are 58 X 1800.

    Cheers


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