Sentinel Performance Solutions Ltd, The Heath Business & Technical Park
Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 4QX T: +44 (0) 1928 588330 F: +44 (0) 01928 588368
Page 1 of 4 june-10
Sentinel SolarCheck Test Kit Instructions
Test Kit Components
•Compass
•Radiator key
•Pack of pH Papers (Range 6.0 – 10.0)
•Infrared Thermometer
•Refractometer
•Plastic Dropper
•Sample Bottle
Introduction
The SolarCheck Test Kit has been designed
specifically for use, either when installing a solar
heating system, or when subsequently
performing routine checks. After the initial
installation the test kit will allow you to check the
orientation of the solar panels to ensure
maximum solar energy collection and also to
confirm the level of antifreeze present in the
thermal fluid.
During routine service visits it is important to
continue to monitor the condition of the
antifreeze/thermal fluid. After a number of years
in the system, the thermal fluid will need to be
replaced. The test kit allows you to determine
exactly when the replacement is required.
Recommended Service Visit
Procedures
1. If access is available measure the
temperatures at the top and bottom of the
solar plate collector using the Infrared
Thermometer as described in the following
instructions. The temperatures should then
be recorded on the “SolarCheck Survey
Sheet”.
2. Measure the temperatures of the inlet and
outlet thermal fluid pipework as it enters and
leaves the hot water storage tank and again
record on the “SolarCheck Survey Sheet”.
3. Using the radiator key, take a sample of the
thermal fluid from a suitable drain valve on
the system. Discard the first bottleful and
refill the bottle. Take appropriate care to
avoid burns by using heat resistant gloves if
it is appropriate to do so.
4. Record the appearance of the thermal fluid
on the “SolarCheck Survey Sheet”. Ideally it
will be a clear liquid with the viscosity of
water. If Sentinel R100 Solar Thermal Fluid
has been used it will be pale blue in colour.
After a period of operating at extreme
temperatures or under stagnant conditions
the thermal fluid can become cloudy and the
colour changes to dark brown. The viscosity
also increases.
5. Measure the antifreeze content using the
refractometer as described in the following
instructions and record on the “SolarCheck
Survey Sheet”. Ideally the antifreeze content
will be 35 - 40% that will provide frost
protection down to at least –25oC*. If the
antifreeze content is less than 35% it
indicates that some dilution has occurred
with mains water and a leak has occurred
into the system diluting the thermal fluid.
Dilution of the thermal fluid with water must
NEVER take place. The recommendation
would be to check for the leak, repair and
then replace the thermal fluid using Sentinel
R100 Solar Thermal Fluid.
6. Measure the pH of the thermal fluid using the
pH papers as described in the following
instructions. The recommendations for
different pH levels are as follows:
