SEALED SYSTEMS
AS WE MOVE INTO HEATING SEASON, MARK MOGEY, HEAD OF OEM SALES AT ALTECNIC, DISCUSSES EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SEALED SYSTEMS... Back tobasicswith ‘SealedSystems’
Mark Mogey, Head of OEM Sales at Altecnic.
I n the past, and by modern standards, high heat losses, inefficient pump control and large volume systems were the norm. Domestically, open vent systems were common practice out of necessity. However, with the introduction of sealed systems the number of open vent system installations started to fall. OPEN VENTED OR SEALED? When working on an older property it is likely that you will be faced with an open vent style system with a feed and expansions tank. However, converting to a sealed system offers better running costs, is easy to install and offers long-term savings over open vent style systems. THE DRAW BACKS TO OPEN VENTED SYSTEMS ARE SIMPLE: • They typically cannot get to high pressures, • They can allow pollutants to enter the system water, • Feed and expansion tanks require cleaning and enable oxygen to enter the system that can contribute to corrosion.
• The pipe work run from the tank location to the boiler can sometimes be challenging and can require additional insulation to protect against freezing. A sealed system is closed to the atmosphere, eliminates the feed and expansion tank as well as associated pipework, thus reducing the risk of contamination, corrosion, and noise in the system. 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 a handy ‘Robokit Extra®’ available from 8–80 litres capacity. THE KEY COMPONENTS OF AN ALTECNIC ROBOKIT EXTRA® ARE: • Nitrogen-filled Reflex expansion vessel with 5-year warranty • WRAS approved ALT-ST0035 filling loop with gauge • WRAS approved safety relief valve • Mounting bracket • Quattro 4-way manifold fitting
Each component plays a significant role in ensuring that the sealed heating system functions in the most efficient way. But how does each component work to ensure the system runs efficiently?
THE IMPORTANCE OF EXPANSION
Lack of expansion leads to unnecessary wear on the pump and other components. Systems may reach critical pressures (usually 3bar) and discharge via the safety valve. Not only is this a waste of water but it also leads to home-owners 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
“Each component has a significant role in ensuring that the sealed heating system functions in the most efficient way.”
FOLLOW US ON:
www.plumbingmag.com
80 | PLUMBING & HEATING MAGAZINE
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online