Paisuntasäiliötä

Paisuntasäiliötä, known in English as expansion vessels or expansion tanks, are essential components in closed-loop heating and cooling systems. Their primary function is to absorb the increased volume of water or other heat transfer fluid that occurs as the system's temperature rises. Without an expansion vessel, this pressure increase could lead to system damage or failure.

The principle of operation is straightforward. The vessel typically consists of a sealed metal tank divided into two compartments by a flexible diaphragm or bladder. One side contains the system fluid, while the other is pre-charged with air or an inert gas at a specific pressure. When the system heats up, the fluid expands, pushing the diaphragm and compressing the gas. This compression absorbs the excess volume and prevents a dangerous rise in system pressure. Conversely, as the system cools, the fluid contracts, and the pre-charged gas expands, pushing the diaphragm back and maintaining a minimum system pressure.

Expansion vessels are crucial for maintaining stable operating pressures, protecting system components from over-pressurization, and ensuring the efficient and safe operation of boilers, chillers, and associated pipework. They are sized based on the total volume of fluid in the system, the expected temperature range, and the maximum allowable system pressure. Regular inspection and maintenance, such as checking the gas pressure, are recommended to ensure their continued effectiveness.