Step by step using Alde on winterized 2018 T@b with wetbath

ScottG

Something I recall (and keep in mind just because I "recall" it doesn't make it fact--again, I can't locate the original source...) was that the heat from using the Alde might volatilize chemicals in the antifreeze creating fumes, pressure, whatever. However, ethanol doesn't boil until 173F--well above the max 150F the Alde heats water to--so this seems a little far fetched. 

xbooooo

Here is some text from the Alde manual that mentions antifreeze:

STORAGE AND WINTERIZING

For this reason it is advisable to follow the

recommendation(s) below if the boiler is to be stored in

a freezing environment or for long periods of time. At the

start of the winter season or before traveling to a location

where freezing conditions are likely, the boiler must be

winterized. Winterization can be accomplished using one

of the two common methods of winterization used for RV

water systems:

• Drain the boiler, refer to “Draining the boiler using the

combined safety/drain valve:” on page 6.

• Antifreeze method: Follow the recommendations of

the Recreational Vehicle manufacturer and fll the

water system with a non-toxic antifreeze.

Also:

• Turn off the main power for the boiler. The main

power should always be switched off when the vehicle is not being used.

• Turn OFF LP Gas supply tank.

• When washing the vehicle, take care not to get water

in the vent.

Make sure that the antifreeze flows from each tap to complete the process.

ScottG

I've noted that part of the manual. It seems to imply that it is okay to fill the Alde with antifreeze.

I did find this in the nuCamp 2017 T@B owner's manual--still not sure of the original source, or specifically why the unit should not be used for heat if it has antifreeze in it:

"Please NOTE: If you have properly drained the Alde heater from any RV winterizing fluids you are safe use the Alde heater for winter camping while the system has been winterized and you will not damage the Alde heater or any of its components. The proper winterization for the Alde heater so that is it safe to use is “if you did not use RV anti-freeze to winterize the camper but instead used air to blow out the system” then there is nothing you need to do to use the Alde heater for heat. If you did use RV anti-freeze to winterize you will need to open the Alde relieve valve to drain the anti-freeze out from the tank."

Photomom

 I looked up the MSDS for RV antifreeze. The boiling point is 216F and there is a warning to avoid high temperatures. I imagine there might be concerns about the Alde boiler getting the antifreeze too hot. I’ve seen my heater temp as high as 185F. Maybe there is some bad thing that happens to the antifreeze if gets that hot, even if it doesn’t boil? Pure conjecture. 

Photomom

Photomom said:

 I looked up the MSDS for RV antifreeze. The boiling point is 216F and there is a warning to avoid high temperatures. I imagine there might be concerns about the Alde boiler getting the antifreeze too hot. I’ve seen my heater temp as high as 185F. Maybe there is some bad thing that happens to the antifreeze if gets that hot, even if it doesn’t boil? Pure conjecture. 

Although the info about the Century glycol fluid is almost exactly the same, so who knows...

ColoradoJon

It is possible that it is not a good idea to heat the boiler when it is full of RV antifreeze.  From a winterizing standpoint, though, it appears that it can be used to winterize without any ill effects.  If it wasn't I'm sure the Alde manual would indicate as much.  Maybe this started with the standard RV hot water heaters that have the sacrificial anode rods?

Certainly bleach is more destructive as it reacts and corrodes stainless steel.  Don't sanitize your brew pot with bleach either

ScottG

Never! I prefer to sanitize my brew pot with boiling wort!  :-)

JimEngel

This comes up so much, and for my own memory, I have a set of notes:
http://www.angelplace.net/tab/Winterization.pdf

ChanW

Good points @ColoradoJon. That's why it made sense to me that running it with it winterized,,with antifreeze in the 'tank', was ok.

ScottG

I found this in a document posted online:

"You can use the Alde once the unit has been winterized and the hot water tank has been drained. Be sure to follow the correct steps to winterization. Alde does not recommend using RV anti-freeze in your Alde unit. Newer T@bs have by-pass lines that allow you to safely use the T@b once you have winterized."

However, the author of the document wasn't clear, and it appears to be compiled from information gleaned from a T@B forum. It also included other bits of information that were less than correct...

My point is, I wonder how many of these ideas are just things that get repeated over and over again, eventually get written down in an official-looking document, and then just become accepted as fact as original sources fade from memory.

Photomom

ScottG said:

I found this in a document posted online:

"You can use the Alde once the unit has been winterized and the hot water tank has been drained. Be sure to follow the correct steps to winterization. Alde does not recommend using RV anti-freeze in your Alde unit. Newer T@bs have by-pass lines that allow you to safely use the T@b once you have winterized."

However, the author of the document wasn't clear, and it appears to be compiled from information gleaned from a T@B forum. It also included other bits of information that were less than correct...

My point is, I wonder how many of these ideas are just things that get repeated over and over again, eventually get written down in an official-looking document, and then just become accepted as fact as original sources fade from memory.

I just emailed Alde to ask.