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The difference between a steel expansion tank and a bladder type expansion tank.
How Expansion Tanks Work: What is an expansion, and how does it work? I get that question all the time even though I have written an extensive article on expansion tanks. The two most common expansion tanks you will see in HVAC applications include the bladder-type expansion tank and the steel-type expansion tank. Additionally, the steel-type expansion tank needs some basic maintenance from time to time to ensure it doesn’t become waterlogged or overfilled, which would defeat the purpose of having an expansion tank. Furthermore, for more on the basic maintenance of a steel expansion tank and how to properly fill it check out this article.
How Expansion Tanks Work
How does an expansion tank work, or how expansion tanks work, and why do you need one in your boiler or chilled water system? Furthermore, if you have a hot water boiler system (not a low-pressure steam boiler - there is a huge difference between the two) or a chilled water system (not many chilled water systems in residential but I have seen them) then you have a closed-loop piping system that runs to either convector, radiators, or a coil or two somewhere in the system where the main heat exchange process takes place.
That is a closed loop where the water runs to these convectors or coils to provide heating or cooling. Furthermore, it is important to maintain the proper pressure inside that closed-loop piping system — an expansion tank helps to maintain the proper pressures in the loop.
Inside this piping is water (sometimes a water/glycol mix but that is mainly in commercial applications), and when water heats and cools down, it expands and contracts. Furthermore, the piping system, along with the parts of the boiler or chiller that has water, cannot handle this expansion and contraction with breaking or busting open. Therefore in every hydronic system, there is an expansion tank to handle this expansion and contraction. Furthermore, an expansion tank is a shock absorber that absorbs this expansion and contraction of the volume of the water.
Expansion Tank Maintenance
How Expansion Tanks Work
It is critical that expansion tanks receive periodic maintenance. Furthermore, for bladder-type expansion tanks maintenance, should include:
- Test the pressure charge on an annual basis. As the system ages, more frequently. That should be done by a professional as there are certain procedures to follow when checking the charge and recharging the pressure if it is not at the proper charge.
- Check the tank for rust or corrosion.
- Lastly, ensure tanks are properly mounted and installed at the proper location. Additionally, the tank should be supported to prevent stress on connecting piping.
Steel-Type Expansion Tank maintenance should include:
- Test the level in the tank to ensure it is not waterlogged or overfilled. Additionally, this can cause problems with the loop and cause the pressure relief valve to vent unnecessarily.
- Check the tank for rust and corrosion.
- Lastly, ensure tanks are properly mounted and installed at the proper location. Furthermore, the tank should be supported to prevent stress on connecting piping.
Conclusion
How Expansion Tanks Work
Again, these checks should be done by a professional to ensure proper procedures. In conclusion, by performing periodic maintenance, your system will offer you reliable heat throughout the heating season.
How Expansion Tanks Work
