Expansion Tank Placement for Thermal Fluid Heating System

Question

Expansion Tank Placement for Thermal Fluid Heating System

anoneeinche (Electrical)

(OP)

26 Sep 24 14:41

Hello

We are looking to install a closed-loop thermal fluid heating system. The heater will be outside of our building at ground level, and the consumer will be on the first story of the building a few meters away.

The expansion tank was quoted as a double leg design with a nitrogen purge and PSV.I'm told the expansion tank would need to be installed on the second story above the consumer of the thermal fluid to be the highest point in the system.

Is there anyway to put the expansion tank at ground level? Or are these always installed at the highest point? I see the reasoning behind mounting at the highest point for venting , etc but am wondering if there is a workaround?

Thanks!!!

Compositepro (Chemical) · Answer 1 · 2024-09-26 17:56:53

You can put it anywhere you want, really. But you also have to have adequate venting of gas at the high point to allow for filling the system and remove gasses released during operation. The high point is where dissolved gasses come out of solution because it is also the lowest pressure. An expansion tank is perfect place to vent gasses, but only if it is at the highest point. It is often also close to half-way between the pump suction and discharge, so it will have the least amount of pressure change when the pump starts or stops.

LittleInch (Petroleum) · Answer 2 · 2024-09-26 22:08:47

Yes you can put it anywhere.

Usually installed at the highest point as this is the lowest pressure location hence reduced cost for the tank and lower pressures.

You just need to calculate the pressure needed to maintain a positive pressure above atmospheric pressure or vapour pressure at the highest point.

This will cost more than the alternative at the high point.

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

georgeverghese (Chemical) · Answer 3 · 2024-09-26 23:58:17

RE: Expansion Tank Placement for Thermal Fluid Heating System

georgeverghese (Chemical) 26 Sep 24 23:58

What you were advised is correct.

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Expansion Tank Placement for Thermal Fluid Heating System