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A Comprehensive Guide to Sizing Heating Expansion Vessels

A variety of different size Heating Expansion Vessels in red.
A variety of different size Heating Expansion Vessels in red.

A Comprehensive Guide to Sizing Heating Expansion Vessels

The guide provided is to assist with the sizing of a Heating Vessel and we would always recommend if unsure then refer to the system manufacturers guidelines to correctly size the Expansion Vessel.

Vessel KitStatic HeadSystem VolumeBTUKW
(Metres)(Litres)
5 Litre58730,3668.9
106922,5597.18
8 Litre513945,02414.33
1011136,13311.5
12 Litre520867,80421.58
1016754,19917.25
18 Litre5313102,11532.5
1025081,15725.83
1518860,48319.25
24 Litre5435135,32143.07
10348105,33134.48
1526181,35625.9
35 Litre5696197,92563
10557158,02050.3
15417117,71637.5

This chart is to be used when sizing a Heating Expansion Vessel and not for Potable Water Applications.

Heating expansion vessels are crucial components in maintaining the safety and efficiency of your heating system. To ensure optimal performance, it’s essential to select the right size for your expansion vessel. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of sizing heating expansion vessels and provide helpful tips to make an informed decision.

What is a Heating Expansion Vessel?

A heating expansion vessel, also known as an expansion tank, is a crucial component of a central heating system. Its primary purpose is to accommodate the expansion of water as it heats up and prevent potential damage to the system due to increased pressure. A properly sized expansion vessel ensures the system operates safely and efficiently.

Factors to Consider When Sizing Heating Expansion Vessels

  1. System Volume – The total volume of water in your heating system is a significant factor when determining the size of your expansion vessel. To calculate the system volume, you’ll need to consider the capacity of the boiler, radiators, pipework, and any other components that may contain water. Accurate system volume measurement is essential for selecting the right expansion vessel.
  1. Maximum Operating Pressure – Each heating system has a maximum operating pressure, which is the highest pressure it can safely withstand. This value is typically provided by the boiler manufacturer. It’s crucial to ensure that the expansion vessel’s capacity matches or exceeds the maximum operating pressure to prevent system damage or failure.
  1. Initial System Pressure – The initial system pressure is the pressure of the heating system when it’s cold and not in operation. This value is typically between 1 and 1.5 bar. To ensure the expansion vessel functions correctly, it must accommodate the pressure increase as the system heats up.
  1. Expansion Ratio – The expansion ratio is the amount of expansion the water undergoes when heated. Water expands by approximately 4% when heated from 10°C to 100°C. For central heating systems operating at lower temperatures (such as 70°C), the expansion ratio will be slightly lower. Accurate calculation of the expansion ratio is crucial for selecting the right vessel size.

The Formula for Sizing Heating Expansion Vessels

To calculate the required size of your expansion vessel, you can use the following formula:

Expansion Vessel Size = (System Volume x Expansion Ratio) / (Initial System Pressure – Maximum Operating Pressure)

By applying this formula, you can determine the ideal size for your heating expansion vessel. Keep in mind that it’s always better to choose a slightly larger vessel than the calculated value to ensure adequate capacity.

Conclusion

Sizing a heating expansion vessel correctly is essential for the safety and efficiency of your central heating system. By considering factors like system volume, maximum operating pressure, initial system pressure, and expansion ratio, you can confidently choose the right expansion vessel for your needs. Use the provided formula to calculate the ideal size and consult with professionals if you need further guidance.

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