Water expansion tank. How to install a membrane tank. Stationary Diaphragm Device

18.10.2019

A very important element in heating is expansion tank, it helps to remove excess pressure in the heating system when the temperature rises in it. Tanks for the heating system are of closed and open type. open have whole line shortcomings, but membrane (closed) ones are more perfect and they do not have the disadvantages that open containers have.

Reflex V 1000 membrane expansion tanks are designed to compensate for the change in water volume that can occur when the water is heated. When choosing an expansion tank for your heating system, you need to pay special attention to the material and quality of the product with a durable and reliable body. One such reliable tank is the Reflex n 1000 model for closed heating systems.

Description of the design and principle of operation

All tanks German company Reflex are made from the highest quality sheet steel. A model such as the Reflex N 1000 is pressure expansion vessel with non-replaceable diaphragm. It is intended for use in closed heating systems, cooling systems and for systems with solar collector. It was created in order to compensate for the volume of the coolant during the heating or cooling of the liquid.

Tank with a membrane is made of high quality materials and has a polymer coating, this model is available in red and gray. Membrane tank Reflex N 1000 divided into two parts (chambers) membrane. In one of them there is a low-inert gas - nitrogen, it is specially pumped there under pressure, in the second chamber there is water.

When the water begins to heat up, the excess volume of liquid enters the membrane tank, this process leads to gas compression, which is contained in another part of the aggregate. A slight pressure begins to build up in the entire container so that the preliminary valve does not work. When the water cools down, it comes back again under the pressure of the gas.

Features and Specifications

Expansion membrane tanks found wide application. Most often they are installed in private homes, but they are also used in industrial complexes. The Reflex N 1000 tank model has the following specifications:

Heating + cooling
Membrane non-replaceable
Threaded connection
Modern attractive design
High quality polymer coating.

The expansion tank from the German manufacturer Reflex N 1000 has the following characteristics:

The membrane container has an important advantage - the tightness and mobility of the membrane creates in both chambers, where water and gas, the same pressure. This property protects the system as a whole from depressurization.

Assembly and care of the instrument

The expansion tank is connected through a shut-off valve, which provides protection against unexpected disconnection of the tank from the heating system. It can also be connected to a multi-boiler system for each individual boiler or for the entire system.

The Reflex expansion tank needs an annual preventive inspection. It is necessary to carry out initial pressure measurements first in the air chamber and then measure the pressure in the water chamber. Before servicing the tank, it must be disconnected from the system, water chamber must be empty, the water can be drained through the draining device.

The use of the Reflex membrane tank and its quality assurance

Reflex is a universal membrane expansion vessel with a membrane. The entire Reflex product line is characterized by robust construction and reliable operation, requiring no additional energy costs at work. Due to its distinctive properties and technical characteristics successfully used in individual construction e, as well as in industrial and residential facilities.

The protective polymer coating serves as a reliable protection against damage from the outside. The system is equipped with everything necessary to be convenient for specific operating conditions.

Conclusion

All expansion tanks of the manufacturer from Germany Reflex are of high quality, their coating is resistant to any environment, withstand various temperature fluctuations. The entire design is designed to provide compensation for the coolant in the event that the temperature in the Reflex N 1000 unit heats up or cools down during operation.

Given the German quality, the entire system has proven to be very reliable, this unit has already been appreciated by many citizens, so numerous reviews about the Reflex N 1000 tank are only positive. The products of the German company are confirmed by all the necessary certificates.

To ensure the normal uninterrupted functioning of centralized water supply systems, structures such as water towers or other types of storage are used.

Despite the fact that in autonomous systems the volumes and required water consumption are much smaller, this type of installation is also indispensable. The role of a kind of water tower is played by an expansion tank for water supply, which, thanks to its small size can be installed in any heated room.

The installation of this structural element of the water supply system allows solving several technical problems:

Creation of a certain reserve of water under pressure, providing supply to any point of water intake. The average volume of the expansion tank (25-30 liters) is able to provide flow at one point within 2-3 minutes.
Protection of network elements from possible hydraulic shocks, which can be triggered by air entering the system or significant drops in the power supply network that can cause unstable operation of pumping equipment.

Reducing the number of pump on-off cycles, which can significantly increase its working life.

The principle of operation and design of the expansion tank

For the installation of autonomous water supply systems, closed expansion tanks of the membrane type are mainly used. Structurally, such a tank is a sealed container, divided by a rubber membrane into two parts - water and air. The air in the chamber is under a certain pressure, providing the necessary water support.

The principle of operation of the device is quite simple. Water supplied pumping unit, fills the container, while the stretching membrane reduces the volume of the air chamber, while the pressure in it increases significantly. After the pressure in the water supply expansion tank reaches the set limit, the automation stops the pump.

The backwater created by the air chamber makes it possible to ensure the flow of water at all points of consumption, while the pump automation turns it on when the pressure drops below the set value. Depending on the operating conditions, you can set the pressure parameters for switching on and off the pumping equipment. A membrane-type tank is able to provide a steady steady flow of water even in multi-storey residential buildings.

Types of expansion tanks

A membrane expansion tank for water supply is usually available in two versions (depending on the type of membrane used):

Models with a stationary membrane are considered cheaper. A diaphragm of this type is rigidly attached to the body of the unit, it is durable with significant elasticity. When choosing such a modification of the tank, it is worth remembering that if the diaphragm breaks, the entire installation will have to be changed, it cannot be repaired or restored. To protect the inner surface of the tank, its painting is used, its quality depends on the manufacturer, but you should not expect exceptional durability from products whose cost is low. On sale you can find models of vertical and horizontal type of installation.
Bucky co replaceable membrane considered to be the preferred option. Such a unit has a collapsible body (equipped with a screw-on flange), and the membrane has the shape of a bag, which ensures that water does not come into contact with the inner surfaces of the tank. This ensures a longer working life of the device. Expansion tank selection of this type should be based not only on total cost products, but also on the price of components (membranes). Quite often you can find inexpensive models, membranes for which it is very difficult to find or their cost is quite high. Therefore, when buying, pay attention to this moment.

How to choose an expansion tank without errors

The cost of the component is not the only criterion that you should pay attention to.

The main indicator is the volume of the device, which is selected depending on the following indicators:

The maximum possible number of start-up cycles for pumping equipment in operation. Remember that the smaller the tank capacity, the more often the pump will turn on, which can significantly affect its durability and performance.
The number of water intake points, while taking into account not only the bath, shower, washbasin, but also household appliances(washing or Dishwasher and other).
The total number of people living in the house.
Possibility of simultaneous selection of water from several points.

All these parameters have an impact on the optimal capacity of the expansion tank.

As an example, experts recommend using the following indicators:

If the pump capacity does not exceed 2000 liters per hour, while no more than 2-3 people live in the house, it is advisable to opt for a unit with a capacity of 20-24 liters, for example, the Reflex expansion tank.
If it is necessary to meet the needs of a larger family (up to 8 people), a unit with a capacity of 50 liters is installed. In this case, the pump capacity should not exceed 3500 liters per hour.
If more water is needed, expansion tanks are used, the volume of which reaches 100 liters.

advantage modern devices is that now it is possible to connect additional tanks to increase the volume of expansion devices. That is, in case of an increase in the number of family members or the need to increase water consumption due to other circumstances, it is possible to connect an additional tank without turning off the already installed one. In this case, the total capacity of installations will be equal to the total volume of all devices.

So to meet the needs big family you can purchase expansion tanks for water supply Gileks, with a capacity of 25 liters.

Experts do not advise giving preference to cheap installations of dubious manufacturers. Short-term savings can lead to cost overruns in the future. It is best to give preference to products from well-known companies, while making sure that you are not sold counterfeit products under the guise of products of popular brands.

Rules for installing expansion tanks

According to the type of installation, horizontal and vertical tanks are divided. Differences in specifications Ah, such models do not, just this category must be taken into account during installation and connection. Installing an expansion tank for water supply, in principle, does not have any particular difficulties; it can well be done independently (if you have experience in installing water supply networks).

But when installing it is necessary to take into account a number of rules:

The unit is installed in such a way that access to it is provided for repair and maintenance work. Therefore, when choosing, it is worth considering the size of the room in which the tank will be installed.
Connections to pipelines should be made using quick disconnect threaded fittings (American), this will provide the ability to disconnect from the network if necessary.
The pipeline to be connected must be equal to or greater than the cross section of the inlet pipe.
The body of the expansion tank must be grounded, this will avoid electrocorrosive processes that can significantly reduce the life of the device.
Between the pumping equipment and the tank there should not be any devices capable of increasing the hydraulic resistance of the network.

Installing an expansion tank can significantly increase the efficiency of autonomous water supply. But it is worth remembering that a competent choice and installation, in compliance with technological requirements, play a huge role.

If you do not have enough experience in these matters, then you should entrust their solution to a professional who can take into account all the nuances and mount the most optimal expansion tank model. At the same time, do not try to save on this unit, only high-quality certified installations will be able to serve you for a long time without breakdowns and expensive repairs.

A membrane tank is needed for protection engineering system from water hammer and full ensuring its high-quality work. After purchasing equipment, you need to carefully consider , how to install a membrane tank so that it works without failures. The hydraulic accumulator in the water supply performs several functions: it accumulates a supply of water, maintains the necessary pressure in the system, and serves as a reserve to reduce the frequency of turning the pump on and off.

Without installation membrane tank pump life is greatly reduced. In a system provided with a hydraulic accumulator, water can be collected even when the electricity is turned off. During the first start of the pump, the water chamber of the tank is filled with water. The larger the volume of water in the tank, the smaller the air volume and the higher the pressure. Having reached the set pressure indicator, which is necessary to turn off the pump, it automatic shutdown. As soon as the pressure in the system drops to acceptable level, the water supply will turn on immediately. A pressure gauge is installed on the accumulator to check the pressure. It is also necessary to set the required range of operation of the equipment.

Before you start connecting the accumulator to the water supply system, you should:

Carefully study the instructions supplied with the equipment.
Carry out technical pressure calculations and compare with those indicated in the regulatory manual for operation.
In order to carry out the installation with high quality, you need a wrench for detachable connections and plastic pipes, a wrench of the right size.
Special brackets will be needed to mount large volume equipment.

Measurements and calculations of the operated equipment should be carried out by a highly qualified specialist. The quality of the water supply system depends on the accuracy of the calculations and measurements performed.

Many years of experience in using membrane tanks for water supply has shown that horizontal models are the best option. If you have connected submersible pump, purchase and install vertical hydraulic accumulators.

The tank must be installed in an accessible Maintenance place.
During installation, it is necessary to provide for the possibility of dismantling the pipes of the system, if necessary.
The diameters of the pipeline and the connecting pipe must match.
Be sure to install a pressure gauge to monitor system pressure.
It is also necessary to calculate and install shut-off valves.

Elements affecting the hydraulic resistance must not be connected between the pump and the accumulator.

Mount the membrane tank only at positive temperatures. For ease of pressure regulation air valve installed in an accessible area. The same rule applies to connecting a drain tap, a shield and both types of fittings.

To avoid unnecessary stress on the unit, the pressure reducer should be mounted after connecting the measuring meter. The safety valve must be installed in front of the flow pipe.

Two shut-off valves installed in the system on both sides of the tank will help to avoid unforeseen situations. Install a drain valve in front of the accumulator.

Setting the operation of the membrane tank

When installation work carried out according to the recommendations, it is necessary to adjust the operation of the mechanism:

When pumping air, select the desired pressure shown on the pressure gauge.
Turn on the water supply pump.
Equalize the pressure and float the membrane.
Setup completed. Now the water supply system with the installed membrane tank is ready for operation.

If you purchased a tank with a removable membrane, after a while it can be replaced. To install a new membrane, first unscrew the flange connection bolts, and then remove the flange and obsolete diaphragm. Install a new one and tighten everything carefully again.

Mounting errors to avoid

Do not use seals that are not designed for such work. They very often lead to water leakage.
The location of the tank must be chosen correctly.
Inconsistency of the volume of the tank with the water supply system.
The wrong tools for the job.
The membrane tank must not be opened or drilled with force.

An autonomous water supply system today no longer surprises anyone. Such designs are very convenient and practical, however, their operation often requires devices that a person using only centralized water supply may simply not know about. For example, an autonomous water supply system will work uninterruptedly for a long time only if it includes an expansion tank for water supply. Modern industry produces many of the most different models such devices. To choose the best option for yourself, you need to navigate the types of equipment and have a good idea of the principle of its operation.

The device and functions of this equipment

Types of membrane tanks

There are two main types of expansion membrane equipment.

Membrane instrument

home distinguishing feature- the possibility of replacing the membrane. It is removed through a special flange, which is held on by several bolts. In this case, it should be taken into account that in large-volume devices, in order to stabilize the membrane, it is additionally fixed with the back part to the nipple. Another feature of the device is that the water filling the tank remains inside the membrane and does not come into contact with inside tank. That protects metal surfaces from corrosion, and the water itself from possible contamination and significantly extends the life of the equipment. Models are available in both horizontal and vertical versions.

Devices with a replaceable membrane have a longer service life, since the most vulnerable element of the system can be replaced and water does not come into contact with the metal case of the device

Stationary Diaphragm Device

In such devices, the inside of the tank is divided into two parts by a rigidly fixed membrane. It cannot be replaced, therefore, if it fails, the equipment will have to be changed. One part of the device contains air, the other contains water, which is in direct contact with the internal metal surface device, which can provoke its rapid corrosion. To prevent metal destruction and water pollution, the inner surface of the water part of the tank is covered with a special paint. However, this protection is not always durable. Devices of horizontal and vertical types are issued.

A type of device with a rigidly fixed membrane. The design assumes that water is in contact with the walls of the equipment

Our next article provides expert advice on choosing a membrane tank:

How to choose the right device?

The main characteristic on the basis of which equipment is selected is its volume. In this case, the following factors must be taken into account:

Number of people using the water supply system.
The number of water points, which include not only showers and taps, but also household appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers.
The probability that water will be consumed by several consumers at the same time.
The maximum number of start-stop cycles per hour for installed pumping equipment.

If the number of consumers does not exceed three people, and the installed pump has a capacity of up to 2 cubic meters. m per hour, a tank with a volume of 20 to 24 liters is selected.
If the number of consumers is from four to eight people and the pump capacity is within 3.5 cubic meters. m per hour, a tank with a volume of 50 liters is installed.
If the number of consumers is more than ten people and the performance of pumping equipment is 5 cubic meters. m per hour, choose an expansion tank of 100 liters.

When choosing the right model of the device, it should be borne in mind that the smaller the volume of the tank, the more often the pump will turn on. As well as the fact that the smaller the volume, the greater the likelihood of pressure surges in the system. In addition, the equipment is also a reservoir for storing a certain supply of water. Based on this, the volume of the expansion tank is also adjusted. You should be aware that the design of the device allows the installation of an additional tank. Moreover, this can be done during the operation of the main equipment without labor-intensive dismantling. After installation of a new device, the volume of the tank will be determined by the total volume of the tanks installed in the system.

In addition to technical characteristics, when choosing an expansion tank, special attention should be paid to its manufacturer. The pursuit of cheapness can result in much more significant costs. Most often, the cheapest materials are used for the production of models that attract with their cost, and, as practice shows, they are not always of high quality. The quality of the rubber from which the membrane is made is especially important. Not only the service life of the tank directly depends on this, but also the safety of the water that comes from it.

When buying a tank with a replaceable membrane, be sure to clarify the cost of the consumable item. Very often, in the pursuit of profit, not always conscientious manufacturers significantly overestimate the price of a replacement membrane. In this case, it would be more appropriate to choose a model from another company. Most often, a large manufacturer is ready to be responsible for the quality of its products, since it values its reputation. Thus, it is worth considering the models of just such brands in the first place. These are Dzhileks and Elbi (Russia) and Reflex, Zilmet, Aquasystem (Germany).

The volume of the expansion tank for water supply can be different, it is selected based on the needs of users. If a larger volume is subsequently required, an additional device can be installed

Features of self-installation

All expansion tanks can be divided into two groups, determined by the connection method. There are vertical and horizontal models. There are no particular differences between them. When choosing, they are guided by the parameters of the room where the equipment will be placed. During the installation process, the following recommendations should be followed:

The expansion tank is installed in such a way that it can be easily accessed for maintenance.
It is necessary to provide for the possible subsequent dismantling of the connecting pipeline for the replacement or repair of equipment.
The diameter of the connected water supply can not be less than the diameter of the branch pipe.
It is necessary to ground the device, so electrolytic corrosion can be avoided.

The device is mounted on the suction side of the pump. In the segment between the pumping equipment and the connection point, all elements that are capable of introducing significant hydraulic resistance into the system must be excluded. We connect the make-up line to the circulation circuit of the entire system.

According to the type of installation, expansion tanks of horizontal and vertical connection are distinguished

Also pay attention to the material on what malfunctions most often occur in pumping stations, and how to fix them yourself:

An expansion tank is an integral part of an autonomous water supply system. It supports, prevents premature damage to the pump and retains a certain supply of water. However, all these functions are performed only under the condition of competent selection and proper installation of the structure. Therefore, in the absence of experience, it is better not to get involved in amateur performances, but to find qualified specialists who will install any device with high quality.

expansion tank, being integral part hot water systems, designed to receive excess water resulting from the expansion of the liquid due to heating.

Refers to an auxiliary type of equipment. It helps to stabilize the pressure in the system and its safety.

This equipment, especially when purchased from authorized dealers, removes a number of problems from the residents of a private house, makes life more comfortable and enjoyable.

Functions and types of expansion tanks

The equipment technically performs two functions:

liquid expansion compensation in the system to reduce the pressure in the system;
compensation of water hammer due to excessive pressure.

Two types of expansion tanks are used for the hot water supply system.

open type

Open type equipment, which is connected using a threaded connector and is located at the highest point of the system.

Open type tanks are almost never used due to a large number flaws that significantly affect the safety of the hot water supply system and its operation:

not tightness and the resulting corrosion;
excessively large dimensions;
inability to work in conditions high pressure systems;
The water level in the tank depends on its volume in the system.

closed type

The second type of auxiliary equipment is a closed or membrane expansion tank. Today it is the most common.

Expansion tank installation

According to the connection method, all tanks are conditionally divided into two groups - vertical and horizontal. When choosing, you should focus on the parameters of the room. Technically correct installation requires strict adherence to the following recommendations:

installation is recommended in a place that provides easy access for subsequent maintenance;
provide for the possibility of dismantling the connecting pipeline in order to replace / repair equipment;
the diameter of the water supply must be equal to the diameter of the pipe;
to avoid electrolytic corrosion, the device is grounded.

In general, the connection diagram will require:

shut-off shut-off valve - used to drain the tank, as well as check the pressure level;
drain valve - with its help water pours out of the tank;
pressure gauge - allows you to control the pressure in the place where the expansion tank is connected;
safety valve - protects the heating system from a critical increase in pressure.

Unlike open-type tanks, which are installed at the top or peak point of the water supply system, closed-type devices can be mounted almost anywhere.

Exception - tie-in in the immediate vicinity of the pump to avoid surges in the system. The best option- the location of the expansion tank next to the heating element of the hot water system.

membrane tank

This equipment is a sealed, closed container. Accordingly, it is not subject to corrosion. It has the shape of an oval or a ball, the cavity is divided by a heat-resistant rubber membrane.

The membrane tank has a number of functions:

maintaining pressure when the pump is off;
protection of the system against hydraulic shock;
protection of pumping equipment;
maintaining a certain volume of water under pressure.

Membrane tanks are divided into two types.

Replaceable membrane

The first is with a replaceable membrane. This part of the device can be dismantled through the flange. Another feature of the tank is that they exclude contact with its inside.

Accordingly, the likelihood of corrosion is reduced, and the service life is extended. Manufacturers offer both vertical and horizontal versions.

Choose suitable model you can at your own discretion, based on where the equipment will be installed. Convenience and personal aesthetic preferences play a decisive role when choosing the shape of a membrane-type expansion tank.

This does not affect functionality in any way.

Stationary diaphragm

The second type is with a stationary diaphragm. Accordingly, if the part ceases to perform its functions, the functioning is disrupted, the entire tank must be replaced.

In addition, due to internal device the device is subject to corrosion.

To avoid this, the inside is covered with a special protective one.

But even in this case, corrosion is not completely excluded.

Tank setting

In general, the actions before setting up the tank should go in the following sequence:

disconnecting the device from the system, it will also be enough to turn off the tap;
relieve pressure in the system.

Last action is essential for proper tuning as system pressure can affect other readings.

The next step is to install the tank in the system or open shut-off valves if it has been installed. Then the make-up valve is unscrewed and the pressure Pnach is set according to the following formula:

Pini > or = P0 + 0.3 bar.
Having fixed and installed the received data, you can start the water. In this case, it is important to read the readings of the pressure gauge relative to the pressure Pexp. The last one is reactivation of the make-up and bringing the pressure up to Pcon. Its size is calculated by the formula:
Pcon< или = Pкл – 0,5 бар.
In this case, Pcl is the pressure safety valve. For private households, this figure is 3 bars.

Do not forget that in the event of a complete breakdown, you can.

Correct setting tank is the prerogative of specialists. What are the above calculations for? This data will help the user to independently configure the tank in such cases:

pressure has dropped to critical levels or is completely absent;
membrane needs to be replaced.
setting up a tank for an object of a non-standard plan.

The principle of operation of the membrane expansion tank

As a result of heating the water, the coolant expands, the membrane gradually stretches, displacing air from the chamber. Thus, there is an increase in pressure in the entire system as a whole. When the temperature drops, the water that is in the expansion tank is pushed back into the system. And this will happen exactly until the moment when the indicators of air and water pressure are balanced.