Aquaflex Expansion Vessels
Protecting closed-loop systems from pressure build-ups as fluid expands because of temperature changes within the system.
Expansion tanks use a bladder to provide a flexible barrier between the system fluid and the pre-charged air in the vessel. This gives your system flexibility and protection against unforeseen pressure fluctuations.
As system water expands, the bladder inside the tank fills to accommodate the expansion of the fluid. This prevents the system from exceeding its pressure limits.
Features
The Aquaflex range is constructed from cold-press carbon steel with a natural rubber or EPDM membrane.
Their engineered durability makes them ideal for a wide range of system pressures, fluids and temperatures. The bladder is replaceable, and the tank is pre-set to a pressure fo 400kPa, which is variable.
A stainless steel shell construction is available upon request, though this increases the lead time and doesn’t affect the operation of the tank, as this is up to the bladder. A relief valve will be supplied loose to suit your system pressure.
Models:
- Pipe-mounted, 10bar-rated, 8-35L
- Floor-mounted, 10bar-rated, 35-750L
- Floor-mounted Monster series, 10bar-rated, 1000-10,000L
- Floor-mounted, 16bar-rated, 35-750L
- Floor-mounted, 25bar-rated, 35-750L
Options include:
- Working pressures from 6bar-10bar
- Higher pressure ratings of 16 and 25bar are available if required
- Temperature boundaries between 4 – 99 degrees Celsius
- Stainless Steel construction available upon request
Frequently asked Questions
- Where is the best location in a closed-loop HVAC system to install an expansion vessel?
The ideal location for an expansion vessel is on the return loop of the system, where the pressure is at its minimum.
- What should the air pressure be inside the expansion vessel?
It should equal the water pressure in the system, so 150kPa water pressure should mean you insert 150kPa air pressure so air is not greater than water, otherwise the water will be forced back into the system. The pre-charge pressure for our standard tanks is 200kPa for 8-80L, and 400kPa for 100+L.
- What else should I install with my expansion vessel?
A relief valve to protect the tank from being subjected to pressures in excess of the tank rating.
- What is the difference between a bladder series expansion tank and a diaphragm-type expansion tank?
A diaphragm-type tank has air in the diaphragm and water between it and the vessel. A bladder tank is in the reverse of this because it is used in water systems, not air systems. The bladder series means there is no contact between the water and the steel tank, eliminating the threat of rust. The expansion capacity of a diaphragm tank is only 50% of the tank volume, whereas for the bladder series it’s 65-80%, depending on the model.
- Are Aquaflex tanks with EPDM bladders suitable for a Propylene Glycol mixture of 30%?
Yes. Aquaflex tanks with EPDM bladders are suitable for a Propylene Glycol mixture of up to 50%.
Relevant Resources for Aquaflex Expansion Vessels
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