Heating systems today are a prerequisite for a comfortable life. Over time, heating equipment undergoes positive functional changes, and one of these innovations was the appearance of an expansion tank for the boiler.
Where is it used? An expansion tank is used to prevent equipment breakdown by accumulating excess water. When the boiler is running, the water heats up and increases in volume. In this case, the density of the liquid decreases. The expansion tank allows you to collect excess moisture instead of leaving it in the pipes. Thus, it protects both equipment and the premises.
Varieties
There are only two types of expansion tanks: open and closed.
If your house is open, it must be located higher than the heating system. Most often, tanks of this type are placed in attics, covering them with thermal insulation. The open tank has a rectangular shape and is made, as a rule, of steel. The dimensions of such containers do not allow putting them in a small room, as they are rather bulky. The tank also does not have tightness. The expansion tank of the heating boiler is connected to the heating system using a long pipe.
The open type provides such a complete set:
- branch pipe for the main pipe;
- inspection hatch;
- a pipe nozzle, through which water is supplied to the tank;
- discharge pipe, due to which water goes into the sewer;
- branch pipe for the pipe providing water circulation.
The closed expansion tank, unlike the open, is sealed. It is available in the form of a capsule, inside which is a special membrane. The material for the manufacture of the membrane is heat-resistant rubber. The tank is divided by a membrane into two chambers: liquid and air.
The first chamber, by analogy with the name, serves for the accumulation and storage of water. The air one is equipped with a valve that releases accumulated air when the pressure in the tank becomes too high. Capacities of closed and open types are distinguished by location, by basic technical characteristics and operating principle.
Features
Depending on how and in what place the expansion tank for gas boilers is going to be used, the right choice is made. It is important to know the advantages of each type of tank. The main advantages of open products:
- simplicity in operation;
- standard form;
- a small number of items in the configuration;
- affordable price;
- strength, reliability and durability.
Closed Type Pros
An expansion tank for a closed boiler is more expensive than tanks of the previous type.
Accordingly, it is smaller and somewhat more intricate in application. But the advantages of such tanks are obvious:
- due to the closed design, contact with air does not occur, which avoids corrosion and unnecessary fumes; in addition, when using a tank of this type, it is not necessary to refill the heating system;
- closed tank capacity can be installed anywhere, unlike open type products; if you place it directly near the boiler, you do not have to use a long pipe to connect it;
- the use of a closed model extends the life of the boiler or radiator.
The only drawback of this type of tanks is their price. They are much more expensive, but at the same time more convenient to use. As a rule, owners of private houses opt for this type of tank.
The need for expansion tanks
There are cases in which the use of this tank becomes not a luxury, but a direct necessity. If the heated room is large enough, the heating system undergoes a significant load. In order to prevent an excessive increase in pressure in the pipes, an expansion tank is used for the boiler. The pressure in the system becomes lower, and the room and equipment will thus be reliably protected. Also, the tank helps reduce pressure inside the pipes.
How to choose an expansion tank for the boiler?
Choosing this product, do not forget to consider the features of your heating system. Pay attention to weight and design. In addition, if you choose a closed tank, check the material used to make the inner membrane. It must be heat resistant rubber. Only it will ensure tightness. When choosing, give preference to well-known and trusted companies, since when buying such important equipment it is definitely not worth saving on quality. When buying a tank, look at the indicators of minimum and maximum pressure, volume and type of coolant (antifreeze or water), as well as the coefficient of increase in liquid volume when heated.
Knowing these rules, you can easily choose a high-quality expansion tank, which will reliably protect the heating system from excessive pressure.