Laajenemissäiliö

A laajenemissäiliö, often translated as an expansion tank or expansion vessel, is a crucial component in closed-loop heating and cooling systems. Its primary function is to accommodate the natural expansion and contraction of water or other heat transfer fluids as their temperature changes. When a fluid is heated, it increases in volume. In a sealed system, this expansion would otherwise lead to a dangerous rise in pressure, potentially damaging pipes, boilers, or other system components. Conversely, when the fluid cools and contracts, it can lead to a pressure drop that may cause issues like pump cavitation.

The laajenemissäiliö contains a flexible diaphragm or bladder, typically made of rubber or a similar material, that separates the system fluid from a pre-charged volume of air or gas. As the system fluid expands, it exerts pressure on the diaphragm, pushing it into the air-filled chamber and compressing the air. This compression absorbs the excess volume of the expanding fluid, thereby stabilizing the system pressure. When the fluid contracts, the compressed air pushes the diaphragm back, maintaining adequate pressure within the system and preventing the formation of vacuum. This process ensures consistent and safe operating pressures throughout the heating or cooling cycle.