SEALED SYSTEMS
All you need to know about sealed systems SEALED SYSTEMS OFFER BETTER RUNNING COSTS, EASE IN INSTALLATION AND LONG-TERM SAVINGS. MARK MOGEY, HEAD OF OEM SALES AT ALTECNIC, EXPLAINS THESE AND OTHER ADVANTAGES OF THE SYSTEMS AND THEIR COMPONENTS…
Mark Mogey, Altecnic.
S ealed systems are now seen as the “norm” for domestic heating systems, with older heating systems usually having an open-vented boiler with a feed and expansion vessel. As a result, most systems will likely be converted to a sealed system one. They do offer better running costs, ease of installation, and long-term savings compared to an open- vented one. A sealed system is closed to the atmosphere. It eliminates the feed and expansion tank as well as associated pipework, reducing the risk of contamination, corrosion, and noise in the system. For a sealed system to operate, it must include an expansion vessel, a safety relief valve (or pressure relief valve), a pressure gauge and a filing loop. A COMPLETE SOLUTION Altecnic make converting from an open- vented to a sealed system of any size easy
by packaging all the key components an installer needs into the handy “Robokit Extra®”, available from 8 – 80 litres capacity. The Altecnic Robokit Extra® includes a nitrogen-filled Reflex expansion vessel with a 5-year warranty, WRAS approved ALT-ST0035 filling loop with gauge, WRAS approved safety relief valve, a mounting bracket, and Quattro 4-way manifold fitting. Each component has a significant role in ensuring that the sealed heating system functions in the most efficient way. But how? EXPANSION IN THE SYSTEM Lack of expansion leads to unnecessary wear on the pump and other components. Systems may reach critical pressures (usually 3 bar) and discharge via the safety valve. Not only is this a waste of water but also leads to homeowners calling out engineers or even topping up the system themselves. Constant introduction of fresh water also adds air to
the circuit, and this can cause corrosion. Expansion vessels allow for a higher volume of water to be stored. When water is cold, the pre-charge pressure forces the diaphragm against the tank towards the inlet. As the temperature increases, the expanded water volume pushes against the diaphragm, creating additional volume for the water to enter. When the temperature decreases, the pre-charge pressure forces the water from the tank and back into the main heating system. This maintains a constant pressure within the heating system, helping reduce energy consumption. Expansion vessels need to be sized correctly to operate adequately and avoid damage. More information on expansion vessel sizing can be found on the CIBSE Domestic Heating Guide.
THE IMPORTANCE OF A FILLING LOOP
Although filling loops are a key element to a sealed system, they are not to be
“Altecnic aim to make converting open vent systems to a sealed system easy.”
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