How the expansion tank works in the heating system

A functional heating system is crucial for keeping our homes warm and comfortable during the winter. However, have you ever wondered how your heating system’s various parts interact to keep the temperature at a comfortable level? The expansion tank is one important component.

So, what is an expansion tank and how does it improve your heating system’s efficiency? Consider your heating system as a closed loop that circulates steam or hot water to underfloor heating or radiators. The water expands when it gets hotter. In the event that the system cannot handle this expansion, pressure could build up and possibly cause damage or even failure.

The expansion tank is useful in this situation. Consider it as the heating system’s safety valve. By creating an area for the heated water to expand into, the expansion tank releases pressure and guards against system damage. It’s similar to allowing your heating system to breathe.

However, what is the expansion tank’s real mechanism? A rubber bladder or diaphragm inside the tank keeps the water and air cushion apart. The air in the tank is compressed as a result of the expanding water pushing against this diaphragm. By absorbing the extra water volume, this compression keeps the system’s pressure constant.

To maintain the efficiency of your heating system, it’s critical to make sure your expansion tank is sized and maintained appropriately. Adequate space for water expansion can be provided by an expansion tank that is the right size, preventing excessive pressure fluctuations. Future issues can be avoided with routine maintenance and inspection, such as replacing the air cushion or looking for leaks.

Aspect	Description
Function	The expansion tank absorbs excess pressure caused by heating water in the system.
Pressure Regulation	It helps maintain optimal pressure levels, preventing damage to the heating system components.

Closed heat supply system – what is it

As you are aware, an expansion tank is a part of every heating system in a private home. There is some coolant in this container. In order to account for thermal expansion in different operating modes, this tank is required. Design-wise, heating systems are referred to as open and closed, and expansion tanks as closed.

Closed-type two-pipe heating system

Closed heating schemes have grown in popularity in recent years. First of all, it is automated and operates for a considerable amount of time without human input. Second, any kind of coolant, including antifreeze (which evaporates from open tanks), can be used in it. Thirdly, you can use any household appliance in a private home because the pressure is consistently maintained. Additional benefits related to wiring and operation include:

• There is no direct contact of the coolant with air, therefore, there is no (or almost no) incoherent oxygen, which is a powerful oxidizing agent. So heating elements will not be oxidized, which will increase their service life.
• A closed expansion tank is placed anywhere, usually near the boiler (wall gas boilers go immediately with expanding tanks). Open -type tank should stand in the attic, and these are additional pipes, as well as insulation measures so that the heat does not “get drunk” through the roof.
• There are automatic air vents in the closed type system, so there is no emergence.

Closed heating systems are generally thought to be more practical. Energy dependence is its primary disadvantage. The circulation pump (forced circulation) is what moves the coolant, and it needs electricity to function. In closed systems, natural circulation can be arranged, but it’s challenging to do so; the pipe thickness must be used to control the flow. Because of the complexity of this computation, people frequently assume that the closed heating system solely relies on the pump.

They installed small generators that can supply power in an emergency or an uninterruptible power supply with batteries to increase heating reliability and decrease reliance on energy.

Components and their purpose

The components of a closed-type heating system

The closed heating system typically consists of the following components:

• Boiler with a security group. There are two options. The first – the security group is built into the boiler (gas wall boilers, pellet and some gas -generator on solid fuel). The second – there is no security group in the boiler, then it is installed at the output in the supply pipeline.
• Pipes, radiators, water warm floor. Convectors.
• Circulation pump. Provides the movement of the coolant. It is mainly placed on the reverse pipeline (here below the temperature and less overheating opportunities).
• Expansion tank. Compensates for changes in the volume of the coolant, maintaining stable pressure.

Now, more on every component.

Boiler – which one to choose

Installing an automated heating boiler makes sense because a private home’s closed heating system can function independently. You don’t need to go back to this in this instance because you’ve already set the parameters. There is no human intervention in any regime.

The easiest gas boilers to use in this context. They can be connected to a thermostat in a room. It maintains the temperature set on it to within one degree of accuracy. The house began to warm as the boiler came on and she dropped a degree. The work stops as soon as the thermostat operates (the desired temperature is reached). economical and incredibly comfortable.

Certain models allow for the connection of weather-dependent automation, which uses external sensors. The boiler modifies the burners’ power based on their indications. Gas boilers are a good piece of equipment that can be comfortable in closed systems heating. The lack of gas everywhere is merely unfortunate.

The house’s two floors have a two-pipe closed heating system (scheme)

Automation is the best that can be applied to electric boilers. Not too long ago, induction and electrode were added to the conventional units on the heating elements. Their low inertia and compact dimensions are different. A lot of people think that they use the heating elements more economically than boilers. However, not all places can use these video units because power outages during the winter are common in many parts of the nation. and supply the boiler with electricity. 8–12 kW from the generator—this is a very challenging situation.

Solid or liquid fuel boilers are, in this sense, more independent and universal. An important note: installing a liquid fuel boiler necessitates a separate room; this is a fire service requirement. Although solid fuel boilers can be placed inside the home, doing so is inconvenient because the fuel causes a lot of trash to fall into the firebox.

Contemporary solid fuel boilers still function as periodic action devices (heating via a firebox and cooling down when the laying is burned out), but they also feature automation that enables the system to maintain a set temperature and control the intensity of the burning. While it’s not as automated as gas or electric boilers, it’s still quite high.

An illustration of a closed-loop induction heating system

In our camp, pellet boilers are not very common. Though these boilers operate continuously, this kind of fuel is also solid. The furnace receives pellets automatically (until the supply in the bourker is completed). Ash cleaning is necessary once every few weeks with good fuel quality, and automation controls every aspect. The only thing stopping this equipment from spreading is its high cost; most of its manufacturers are in Europe, and their rates are reasonable.

A brief explanation of how to figure out the boiler’s power for closed heating systems. The general rule states that a 10 kV area with typical insulation requires 1 kW of boiler power. Simply take a "back." First off, there are times when it’s unusually cold and you might not have enough calculated power. Second, working at maximum power causes equipment to wear out quickly. Consequently, it is preferable to use a 30–50% margin when calculating the boiler’s power for the system.

Security Group

On the feeding pipeline at the boiler’s output, a security group is installed. She is in charge of the system settings and his work. includes a safety valve, an automated air vent, and a pressure gauge.

Prior to the first branch, the boiler security group is installed on the supply pipeline.

The pressure gauge makes it possible to control the pressure in the system. According to the recommendations, it should be in the range of 1.5-3 bar (in one-story houses it is 1.5-2 bar, in two-story ones up to 3 bar). If you deviate from these parameters, the appropriate measures must be taken. If the pressure falls below the norm, you need to check if there are some leaks, and then add a certain amount of coolant to the system. With increased pressure, everything is somewhat more complicated: it is necessary to check in what mode the boiler works, if it overheat the coolant. The operation of the circulation pump, the correct operation of the manometer and the safety valve are also checked. It is he who should dump the excess of the coolant when the threshold value is exceeded by pressure. A pipe/hose is connected to a free safety valve pipe, which is brought into the sewer or drainage system. It is better to make it so that it is possible to control whether the valve is triggered – with frequent discharge of water, you need to look for the causes and eliminate them.

The security group’s makeup

An automated air vent is the third component in the group. Through the system, air that enters is expelled. An extremely useful tool that helps you solve the issue of air traffic congestion in the network.

Security groups can be purchased as a set (as shown in the above photo) or you can purchase each device individually and connect them with the same pipes that were used to create the system wiring.

Expande tank for a closed heating system

The expansion tank is used to account for variations in coolant volume caused by temperature variations. This is a sealed container that is split into two sections by an elastic membrane in closed heating systems. Air or inert gas (in more expensive models) fills the upper section. The tank stays empty, the membrane is straightened, and the coolant temperature is low (see the image on the right).

The membrane expansion tank’s operating principle

The coolant expands in volume when heated, and any excess rises into the tank where it pushes the membrane aside and squeezes the gas uploaded to the upper portion (left picture). This is shown as an increase in pressure on the pressure gauge, which can be used as a warning to lessen the intensity of combustion. Some models have a safety valve that releases extra air or gas when the pressure reaches a certain threshold.

The manometer indicators return to normal as the coolant cools down and the pressure in the upper portion of the tank squeezes out the coolant from the container into the system. That is the membrane type expansion tank’s entire working principle. It should be noted that there are two different kinds of membranes: plate and pear-shaped. Regarding the principle of operation, the membrane’s form is irrelevant.

Types of expansion tanks membranes used in closed systems

Calculation of volume

Generally speaking, the expansion tank’s volume should make up 10% of the coolant’s total volume. This means that you need to figure out how much water can fit in your system’s pipes and radiators (this can be done by counting the volume of the pipes or by consulting the radiators’ technical data). The required expansion tank volume will be represented by a fraction of 1/10 of this amount. However, this figure only applies if water is used as the coolant. The tank size increases by 50% of the calculated volume if non-freezing fluid is used.

This is an illustration of how to figure out a membrane tank’s volume for a closed heating system:

• the volume of the heating system is 28 liters;
• the size of the expansion tank for a system filled with water of 2.8 liters;
• The size of the membrane tank for a system with non -freezing liquid is 2.8 + 0.5*2.8 = 4.2 liters.

Choose the nearest larger volume when making a purchase. Don’t take less; a small stock is preferable.

What to pay attention to when buying

Stores carry blue and red tanks. You can use red tanks for heating. Although they are made for cold water and cannot withstand high temperatures, blue is structurally identical.

What else should I focus on? There are two kinds of tanks: those with an irreplaceable membrane and those with a replaceable membrane (called a flange). The second option is significantly less expensive, but you will have to buy everything new if the membrane gets damaged. In models with flanges, only a membrane is purchased.

Place for installing an expansion tank of a membrane type

If you look in the direction of the coolant, you should typically place an expansion tank on the reverse pipeline in front of the circulation pump. The pipeline has a tee installed in it, a small section of pipe connected to one end, and the expander connected to the end through the fittings. In order to prevent pressure drops, it is preferable to position it a specific distance away from the pump. A crucial point: a membrane tank’s strapping should be simple in some areas.

The expansion tank installation plan for the heating membrane type

Following the tee, a ball crane was installed. It is imperative that the tank can be removed without the need for drainage. The ability to connect with an American (a rug nut) is more convenient in and of itself. This makes installation and disassembly easier once more.

Please be aware that expansion tanks are present in certain boilers. It is not necessary to install the second one if its volume is sufficient.

The water-filled device has a solid mass, but the empty device weighs less. As a result, extra supports or a way to fasten to the wall must be provided.

The expansion heating tank can be installed on the floor by hanging it from the bracket to create a tank supporting platform with legs.

Circulation pump

The closed heating system’s functionality is guaranteed by the circulation pump. Numerous factors affect its power, including the pipes’ material and diameter, the number and kind of radiators, the presence of thermoregulatory and shut-off reinforcement, the length of the pipes, the equipment’s mode of operation, etc. To avoid getting bogged down in the nuances of power calculations, the circulation pump can be chosen using the table. Select the closest value for the system’s planned thermal power or heated area, and then locate the necessary characteristics in the corresponding line in the first column.

You can choose the circulation pump’s parameters based on the table.

The coolant’s power, or the volume it can pump in an hour, is found in the second column.Its system resistance, or pressure, is found in the third column.

When selecting a circulation pump at a store, it’s best to not skimp. The way it performs affects the entire system. Thus, it is best to choose a reputable manufacturer rather than trying to save money. You must find a way to measure the equipment’s noise level before purchasing any unknown items. If the heating node is situated in the living room, then this indicator is extremely important.

Binding scheme

Circulation pumps are primarily installed on the reverse pipeline, as was previously mentioned. While it was required in the past, it is now only a wish. Even though the materials used in production can tolerate temperatures as high as 90 °C, it is still preferable to avoid risk.

It is imperative to incorporate features during installation that allow for the removal or replacement of the pump without requiring the coolant to be drained and the ability for the system to function without a pump in natural circulation systems. In order to do this, a bypass is installed, which allows coolant to flow through it when needed. This circulation pump’s installation diagram is shown in the picture below.

The installation of a bypass circulator pump

In closed systems with forced circulation, a bypass is not necessary because the system cannot function without a pump. However, the filter at the entrance and two ball valves on either side are required. Ball valves enable the device to be removed for maintenance, repair, or replacement if necessary. A filter-gryazevik keeps things from clogging. A check valve is sometimes inserted between the filter and the ball valve to add an extra layer of reliability. This prevents the coolant from moving in the opposite direction.

The circulation pump’s connection diagram (strapping) to the closed-type heating system

How to fill in a closed -type heating system

An additional valve is typically installed for the system’s signing and draining at the lowest point on the reverse pipeline. In the most basic setup, a ball valve is connected to a tee that is placed in the pipeline via a short segment of pipe.

The most basic device for baying or draining coolant into the system

In this scenario, you will need to use a different container or connect the hose in order to drain the system. The manual pump hose is connected once the coolant has been filled up to the ball. Plumbing supply stores rent out this simple gadget.

Another choice is in the case where the coolant is just water supply. Here, the water supply is either linked to the boiler’s special input (for wall gas boilers) or to a ball crane that is similarly situated at the return. However, in this instance, a distinct point is needed to empty the system. This may be one of the final radiators in the branch of the two-pipe system, connected to the lower free entrance where the ball valve is situated. The following scheme presents an additional option. This is an example of a closed type single-pipe heating system.

Diagram showing the systemof a closed one-pipe heating systemwith the system

Expressive tank for heating closed type: device and principle of action

Being a sophisticated engineering system, the heating system is made up of numerous components, each of which serves a distinct functional role. One of the most crucial components of the heating system’s design is the expanded heating tank.

Why is an expansion tank necessary in the heating system?

The pressure in the boiler and heating system circuit rises dramatically when the coolant gets heated. Because the heating system is sealed and the liquid is an almost incompetent medium, this physical phenomenon may cause the boiler or pipelines to burst. If there were one significant factor that prevented the excessive amount of hot coolant from entering the external environment from shaking the installation of a basic valve, the problem might be resolved.

Air will enter the cooling circuit where the coolant was disposed of after the fluid has been compressed during cooling. Any heating system’s worst enemy is air traffic jams, which make network circulation impossible. As a result, the air coming from the heating radiators must be lowered. Heating cold water is far more expensive than heating the heat-unit fluid that traveled via the opposite pipe to reach the boiler, and replacing the coolant in the system on a regular basis is also highly expensive.

Installing the so-called expansion tank, a reservoir with a single pipe connecting it to the system, solves this issue. The expansion heating tank’s volume balances out the excess pressure inside, enabling the contour to operate steadily. The tanks are expanding externally for the heating system; their size and shape vary according to the type of heating circuit and the computation results. There are now tanks available in a variety of shapes, from traditional cylindrical tanks to what are known as "tablets."

Types of heating systems

The building’s heating networks are divided into two schemes: open and closed. In centralized heating networks, open (self-set) heating systems are utilized to enable direct water pickup for hot water supply requirements. This is not feasible in private housing construction. This kind of device is positioned at the peak of the heating system’s curve. Because it can communicate with the outside atmosphere, the expansion heating tank not only levels pressure drops but also acts as a natural air separator for the system.

Therefore, this device can be thought of structurally as the heating system’s non-pressurized compensation tank. Erroneously, the system may occasionally be referred to as having a gravitational (natural) circulation of the heat-growing fluid, but this is essentially false.

An expansion tank of a closed heating system with an integrated internal membrane is used with a more contemporary closed scheme.

It’s also reasonable to refer to such a device as a vacuum expansion tank for heating at times. This system forces the coolant to circulate, and it does so by allocating circuit air through unique cranes, or valves, that are mounted atop the system’s pipelines and on the heating devices.

Device and principle of operation

The heating system’s structurally closed expansion tank is a cylindrical vessel with a rubber membrane installed inside that separates the vessel’s internal volume into liquid and air chambers.

The following categories comprise members:

• the cylinder, while inside the rubber cylinder there is a coolant, outside – air or nitrogen under pressure;
• in the form of a diaphragm dividing the internal volume of the expansion tank for a closed heating system into two parts – with water and uploaded air or gas.

The appliances connected to such an expansion tank for heating a closed type are described by the gas pressure that is adjusted specifically for each system. Certain manufacturers include a membrane replacement option in the design of their expansion tanks. This method slightly raises the device’s initial cost, but if the membrane is destroyed or damaged, replacing it will be less expensive than buying a new expansion tank.

Practically speaking, the instruments’ efficiency is unaffected by the membrane’s shape; the only thing to be concerned about is that the cylinder expansion tank’s capacity to hold heat is slightly increased due to the presence of heat-growing fluid.

The same principle governs both of them: as the water pressure rises as a result of heated expansion, the membrane stretches, compressing the gas on the other side and enabling you to access the excess coolant inside the tank. The process occurs in reverse order when cooling and, consequently, when the network’s pressure drops. As a result, the network’s continuous pressure is controlled automatically.

It is important to remember that the stability of the heating network will be severely hampered if you purchase the expansion tank of the heating system at random without doing the required calculations. The tank will not generate the necessary pressure for the system if it is much larger than needed. The excessive volume of heat-growing fluid will not be able to be accommodated in a tank that is smaller than necessary, which could lead to an emergency.

The calculation of expansion tanks

The volume of the circuit pipelines, heating boiler, and heating devices must first be calculated to determine the overall volume of the system folding in order to determine the expansion tank for heating a closed type. The passports of the boiler and heating radiators show their respective volumes, and the length of the pipes multiplied by the area of their internal cross section yields the volume of the pipelines. If the system contains pipelines with varying diameters, each pipeline’s volume should be calculated independently before folding.

Moreover, the calculation is done using the formula V = (VC x K) / D for devices like an expansion tank for a closed heating system, where:

Whatever the situation, it is reasonable to assume that expansion tanks for heating should guarantee a 10% rise in the network’s coolant volume, or 500 liters of heat-unit fluid. There should be 550 liters in the tank. As a result, the expansion heating system requires a tank that holds at least 50 liters. The cost of purchasing an expansion tank with a larger capacity may increase due to the imprecise nature of this method of volume calculation.

Online expansion tank calculators have recently surfaced on the Internet. To find out how accurate the calculation algorithm for a specific Internet calculator is, it is required to perform calculations on at least three different websites when utilizing these services for equipment selection.

Manufacturers and prices

Right now, the only issues with purchasing an expansion tank for heating are with the type and volume of the device, as well as the buyer’s financial situation. A large variety of devices from both domestic and foreign manufacturers are available on the market. It should be mentioned, though, that in the event that the cost of purchasing a device—like a closed-type expansion tank for heating—is significantly less than that of its primary rivals, it is preferable to pass on the purchase.

The low price suggests that the manufacturer was reckless and that the materials used to make it were of poor quality. Such Chinese products are frequently. A high-quality heating expansion tank will not significantly change in price from two to three times, similar to other goods. About the same materials are used by ethical manufacturers, and the only factors influencing the 10-15% price difference between similar models are the location of production and the sellers’ pricing strategies.

The performance of domestic manufacturers has been demonstrated in this market segment. By implementing cutting-edge technological processes into their manufacturing process, they were able to produce goods at a lower cost while maintaining a level of quality comparable to the leading global brands.

Remember that purchasing an extensor tank for heating a closed type is crucial, but so is making sure it is installed correctly.

If one has the requisite abilities and follows the instructions, installing it independently is feasible. It is best to get in touch with experts if the master is unsure of his level of expertise in order to ensure stable heating network operation and rule out any potential issues.

In a home heating system, the expansion tank plays a crucial role in maintaining safe and efficient operation. Essentially, it acts as a buffer to accommodate the expansion and contraction of water within the system as it heats up and cools down. When water heats up, it expands, and without an expansion tank, this pressure increase could lead to damage or leaks in the system. The expansion tank allows the heated water to expand into it, relieving pressure and preventing potential issues. As the water cools down, the tank releases the stored water back into the system. This simple yet vital component helps to protect the integrity of the heating system, ensuring it operates smoothly and safely throughout its lifespan.

Proper connection and installation of an expansion tank

We can guarantee the heating system’s dependability and efficiency by installing an expansion tank. These kinds of devices are utilized in both open and closed systems, where the coolant is forced or circulated by gravity.

The functions of the expansion tank

What is the expansion tank mount used for? A fixed volume of thermally expandable liquid, such as antifreeze or water, is used in the heating system. This indicates that an increase in coolant temperature will always result in an increase in system pressure. Increased pressure will cause the system to depressurize because pipes, radiators, and other inelastic engineering structure components are weak, causing a breakthrough to occur in the weakest area.

Due to the low compressibility indicators of water, the system incorporates a membrane or open tank as a special device. Its purpose is to compress air due to the fact that pressure increases. This allows for the provision of protection from a hydraulic jacket. The expansion tank that was installed shields the system from an unwarranted pressure spike.

The primary responsibility is to install a tank in a reliable manner.

Membrane tanks are designed for closed-type heating systems; they are essentially a container with an elastic waterproof membrane inside that splits the internal volume into two sections. To keep the air from coming into contact with the coolant, a membrane is required. If not, it is not to prevent a network from bulging and to raise the possibility of the system’s steel components corroding.

The air from the pipes is drawn out of them because the open-type system is in communication with the atmosphere. Because of this, the location of an open tank installation is strictly regulated; it must be situated at the system’s highest point.

How to connect an expansion tank

How to connect the expansion tank in an open system in a dependable manner. Convection ensures the coolant’s movement, which is what distinguishes an open-type heating system.

The working principle is as follows: the coolant heated in the boiler room is sent directly to the system’s highest point, where it is gravitationally forced into heating radiators before cooing its way back to the boiler via the "Reverse" pipeline. Water always contains dissolved oxygen, which is released during convection, causing air bubbles to rise.

It is clear from looking at this plan that the upper point of the system is the only location where the expansion tank can be installed. This is the upper portion of the accelerated manifold for a single-pipe system.

The open-type heating system’s membrane tank connection diagram

You can use any capacity, suitably sized, heat-resistant material as a tank. Its cover (which isn’t sealed) is the only thing keeping the system safe from trash. The tank is welded from sheet steel that is 3–4 mm thick if there isn’t a small metal barrel available.

Certain guidelines should be followed when installing the tank, specifically:

• The tank needs to be placed above the boiler unit and connect them with a vertical riser along which heated water is supplied;
• It is recommended to thermal casing of the tank to reduce heat loss, especially if the reservoir is in the not -insulated attic of the house.

The water in the tank evaporates over time and needs to be replenished on a regular basis. Any old bucket will work for this. The water supply pipe is cut to the location of the tank installation if it is situated in the attic, where access is difficult. An emergency overflow system is set up to prevent hot water from flooding the house in the event of an emergency. Although private property owners frequently simplify the process by removing the emergency overflow pipe through the wall or roof, it is typically connected to the sewage network.

Expande tank in a closed heating system

The plumbing system’s equipment is chosen during the design phase, with consideration given to the boiler unit’s performance specifications, pipeline lengths, and coolant volume. A plan is being created that shows where each system component, including the expansion tank, should be installed. A membrane device must be used in the closed-type heating system.

In a closed heating system, expand

When referencing the project to the current boiler room, it is crucial to consider the following factors:

• The tank should be placed in such a way as to provide normal access for installation and further maintenance. Floor models are not recommended to install close to the wall.
• If the device is mounted on the wall, it is advisable to place it at such a level that you can freely reach the air spool and a cutting tap. Usually the tank is placed under the ceiling of the room only if it is not possible to mount it at a convenient height.
• The supply pipe should not be located on the floor across the passage or suspended at the height of human height.
• Pipelines connected to the expansion tank must be attached to the wall. It is important to avoid the situation when the load from them and on the shut -off valves falls on the tank nozzles. The fastening of pipes and cranes separately simplifies the replacement of the expansion device in case of failure.

The expansion tank’s required volume must be determined during the equipment selection process. This parameter’s lowest value is one-tenth of the total volume of liquid that is flowing through the system. Using a larger capacity tank is acceptable. However, because it cannot adjust for the increased pressure in the system, an inadequately sized tank may cause issues.

Guidelines for the installation of an expansion tank

You can use the boiler unit’s thermal power as a starting point for approximations of the coolant volume in the system. For every kilowatt, 15 liters of fluid are used on average. Precise computations are performed considering the radiator volume, pipeline length, etc.D.

Crucial! Numerous gas and electric boiler models are mini-boiling, meaning they come pre-installed with an expansion tank and a pump for the coolant’s forced circulation. If the built-in membrane tank’s specifications are adequate to guarantee the operation and security of the current heating system, there is no need to buy a separate tank.

When buying a membrane expansion tank, be sure the model you choose has a safety valve installed so that high pressure is released automatically. In the event that the device’s design does not include this, you should purchase and install a safety valve in close proximity to the tank.

Where is it better to put a tank

An untwisted section of pipeline with laminar water flow—that is, minimal or nonexistent twist—is the ideal location for the installation of a membrane container. A spill zone by the circulation pump is a handy location.

Note: You can install an expansion tank at any convenient height for a closed heating system. Since it only serves as a fuse from hydraulic units, there is no need to dispose of it at the highest point. In contrast to an open-type heating system, air cranes—special valves—are used to remove the air that has accumulated in the pipeline.

Hydraulically speaking, it makes the most sense to place the membrane tank on the reverse highway with the circulation pump positioned between it and the boiler. Pumping apparatus will perform at peak efficiency in this scenario.

Diagram showing potential tank location

The heating system’s operational characteristics won’t be impacted if the tank is placed on the supply line, if that is what is preferred. However, because the polymer membrane will be in constant contact with the coolant—which has only been heated to 90 degrees—rather than the water that has been cooled to 45 to 60 degrees and then returned through the pipeline, the membrane tank itself will not last very long.

Take note! If the heating boiler runs on solid fuel, installing a membrane tank on the supply mainstone is not advised. There’s a chance that in an emergency, the boiler’s water will boil and steam will enter the tank. Since water steam and air are both compressed environments, the membrane cannot account for the thermal expansion of water.

Maintaining the longevity and efficiency of your heating system depends on your understanding of how the expansion tank works. An essential part of the system, the expansion tank helps control the pressure variations that arise from the heating and expansion of the water.

The expansion tank’s ability to hold the rising water volume as it heats up is one of its main functions. In the absence of this accommodation, the system’s pressure would increase to potentially dangerous levels, which could cause component damage or even system failure.

The pressure in the system stays steady and within safe bounds by letting the heated water expand into the expansion tank. This lessens the possibility of leaks, bursts, and other damage brought on by high pressure.

The diaphragm and bladder tanks, the two primary types of expansion tanks, work on the same principle of offering a space for the water to expand into. The end effect is the same whether air is compressed in a diaphragm tank or separated from air by a bladder in a bladder tank: a buffer against pressure changes.

To guarantee the expansion tank’s continuous efficacy, routine maintenance is required. This entails looking for damage indicators, making sure the pressure is at the right levels, and taking quick action to fix any problems. You can help your heating system last longer and save money on repairs by taking good care of your expansion tank.