To properly organize the heating of a private house, an expansion tank is needed. It accepts the excess volume of coolant formed during heating and returns the cooled liquid back to the system. A membrane tank (the second name is expansomat) from the German company Reflex is popular with homeowners. Before you buy equipment, you should find out how it works, study its advantages and disadvantages, calculate the volume, familiarize yourself with the installation rules.
The purpose of using the Reflex expansion tank is to prevent leaks and rupture of pipes due to the increase in water pressure when it is heated. The equipment is used in autonomous heating systems, ensuring their hydraulic stability and increasing the life of all components.
Tank design features
The membrane expansion tank is a hermetically sealed container. With the help of an elastic rubber membrane, the internal space is divided into two cavities: the first is intended for the coolant, the second is filled with nitrogen under pressure. In addition to the main nodes, it includes the following elements:
1. nipple for filling the upper chamber with air and relieving pressure;
2. fitting for bleeding air;
3. fitting for connecting the pipeline of the heating system;
4. connecting flange;
5. supports - for large models:
6. pneumomanometer - in models with a replaceable membrane;
7. Level control sensor.
The expansion tank works as follows. When the heating is turned on, the coolant heats up from 20 to 90 ° C and expands (by about 0.4%), rushing into the lower chamber of the tank. Water presses on the membrane, and it, in turn, compresses the gas in the upper chamber. When the temperature drops, the reverse process occurs: the coolant narrows, the gas presses on the membrane, and it pushes water out of the liquid chamber into the system. The membrane tank receives water not only during gradual heating, but also during sudden pressure surges, unscheduled shutdown of boiler equipment.
Reflex expansion tanks are made from steel sheet, coated with anti-corrosion polymer material. The membrane may be replaceable or non-replaceable. Models have a different shape, dimensions, volume. Operating pressure ranges vary from 3 to 10 bar. The maximum heat carrier temperature is up to 120°C.
Installation nuances
According to the method of placement, Reflex are divided into two types: wall-mounted and stationary (on supports). These features must be taken into account when choosing a room for the tank. Installation and connection of the expander can be entrusted to a plumber or carried out independently if you have practical skills in such work.
When installing an expansion tank, a number of requirements must be met.
1. In the room intended for installation, there must be a positive temperature.
2. The equipment is placed so that it is not difficult to approach it for periodic inspection and preventive maintenance. Free access to the air valve for pressure adjustment, connecting fittings and pressure gauge is required.
3. No structures should be supported on the tank so as not to create an unnecessary static load.
4. Reflex with a capacity of 8 to 25 liters is mounted on the wall, the mounting kit is purchased separately.
5. Additionally, it is worth buying a shut-off valve protected from accidental closing, equipped with a drain valve - it is needed for maintenance.
6. Connection to the system is carried out on the suction side of the circulation pump in the return pipe of the boiler.
7. The make-up circuit is connected to the circulation line and not to the expansion line.
Volume calculation
The working capacity of the expander depends on several parameters: the total volume of the system, the composition of the coolant, the efficiency of the membrane tank. The calculation formula looks like this:
V = (VL x E): D, where:
- VL - the sum of the volumes of all elements (boiler heat exchanger, radiators, pipelines);
- E is the expansion coefficient of the coolant, depends on its temperature and composition;
- D - tank efficiency.
Now more about how to find the quantities included in the formula.
1. The calculation of the total volume of the heating system is rather complicated. The volume of the heat exchanger is found in the boiler passport. If there are no instructions, take into account: a solid fuel boiler holds from 10 to 25 liters of water, a parapet gas boiler - from 3 to 7 liters.
The volume of water in the pipes depends on their diameter and length. According to the reference book, they find the internal volume (in liters) of a linear meter of the desired pipe, multiply the displacement by the length of the section, and summarize the products. The working volume of radiators is found in the instructions or from the manufacturer. On average, the specific volume of a convector is 7.0 l/kW, a radiator is 10.5 l/kW, and a warm floor is 17 l/kW. To speed up the calculation, the total volume is found using a simplified formula: multiply the power of the heating system in kilowatts by 15 liters.
2. The coefficient of expansion of the coolant E depends on the temperature and the content of ethylene glycol. For water without impurities at +95°C, this figure is 0.036 (about 4%). If 10% ethylene glycol is added to the working fluid, E \u003d (10-4) * 1.1 \u003d 4.4%. Expansion coefficient for a 20% solution: (20-4) * 1.2 \u003d 4.8% and so on.
3. The efficiency of the Reflex expansion tank for heating is a relative indicator determined by the formula: D = (P v - P s) : (P v +1). Here P v is the maximum operating pressure at which the safety valve is activated (for cottages, P v = 2.5 bar is accepted). P s is the pressure of the membrane tank charging, proportional to the static pressure in the system as 1:10. If the heating height in a 2-storey house is 5 m, the charging pressure should be 0.5 bar.
For example, the calculation of the minimum volume for a system with a power of 45 kW and a height of 5 m is given. A 20% aqueous solution of ethylene glycol is used as a heat carrier.
- VL \u003d 45 * 15 \u003d 675 l;
- E = 0.048;
- P v = 2.5 bar; PS = 0.5 bar;
- D \u003d (2.5 - 0.5): (2.5 + 1) \u003d 0.57.
The volume is V \u003d 675 * 0.048: 0.57 \u003d 56.84. You need to purchase the Reflex DE 60 model with a volume of 60 liters.
Advantages and disadvantages
Products from the German manufacturer have a lot of positive feedback, indicating the high strength of the case, the wear resistance of the membrane, and the reliable operation of the equipment. Other advantages of Reflex should be listed:
- no connection to the mains is required;
- ease of installation;
- it is used regardless of which coolant the heating works with;
- wide model range;
- possibility of connection to water supply;
- you can choose a model compatible with solar-collector heating systems;
- oxygen does not enter the pipes with the coolant (due to the fact that the chamber is isolated), therefore, the likelihood of corrosion is reduced;
- no need to add water to the system;
- no need for thermal insulation.
Despite a lot of advantages, a two-chamber expansion tank also has disadvantages. They are associated with certain difficulties in maintaining the equipment.
1. If the heating works on a closed principle, you need to constantly monitor the pressure, systematically pump up air.
2. A valve must be installed in the upper part to remove air, which sometimes still enters the system.
Sometimes, among the minuses, an irreplaceable shell is called, although it is designed for a long service life and rarely fails.
Price
The price depends on several factors: volume, availability of additional accessories, the ability to include an expander in solar heating. The cost of models of the last type (marking S) is the highest. Inexpensive expanders with a capacity of 8-140 liters are marked with the letters NG. The G series includes expansion tanks with a volume of 200-1000 liters with a replaceable membrane. The cost of equipment is shown in the table.
The German company Reflex offers the widest range of expansion tanks for water supply, water treatment and heating on the market. They are closed containers with a rubber membrane that separates the gas zone (nitrogen pad) from the liquid compartment.
Designed to accumulate and store a reserve supply of water (made from environmentally friendly materials that are safe for human health), maintain pressure in the circuit, and prevent water hammer. For the heating system, any Reflex expansion tank (expansomat) is equipped with an elastic heat-resistant membrane. Its main task is to serve as a damper, to maintain the necessary pressure. When heated, excess liquid is collected inside, which, cooling, returns to the circuit again. Also, it performs a protective function against water hammer.
Classification
Modern expansion membrane tanks manufactured by Reflex for cooling and heating systems are made of steel and coated with a polymer composition for corrosion protection; offered in red or white. The gas (nitrogen) chamber of many models is filled at the factory to a pressure of 1.5 bar. They are supplied with a replaceable shell or a non-replaceable membrane. The equipment differs in shape, nominal volume, dimensions and operates in different pressure ranges (from 3 to 10 bar). The maximum allowable temperature for most expansion mats is 120 °C. Small volume models, such as the Reflex NG8 expansion tanks, are mounted vertically on the wall. Large ones are installed on supports specially designed for this purpose.
All options for heating are presented in rows:
1. Welded NG tanks with a non-removable membrane, available in capacities from 8 to 140 liters, the maximum working pressure is 6 bar. Connection - carving. The price range is from 1,280 to 13,100 rubles.
2. N expansion machines have a nominal volume of 200-1000 liters and are equipped with a non-replaceable diaphragm, pressure - 6 bar. Reviews indicate that the non-replaceable membrane is highly wear resistant and designed for a long service life. The cost is 13,860–75,190 rubles.
3. The Reflex G series are membrane tanks with a replaceable diaphragm. They are offered in a wide variety of models, nominal capacities ranging from 100 to 1,000 liters or up to 5,000 in special versions. Working pressure 6 or 10 bar, preliminary - 3.5. Equipped with a pneumomanometer, available with threaded or flanged connection, only in red. The price, as in previous cases, depends directly on the volume. So, the cost of the G 100 models is 63,350 rubles, the tanks for Reflex G 1000 heating systems can really be purchased for 202,370, and the types of maximum capacity - for 782,570.
4. Models of the S series are designed specifically for solar systems, operate at pressures up to 10 bar, and can be used for refrigeration and heating. Capacity from 2 l to 600 l. Expansion tanks are completed with an irreplaceable membrane, connection - carving. Suitable for use in systems with antifreeze concentrations up to 50%. The price for them ranges from 2,250 (for S 2) to 89,120 rubles (S 600).
5. Reflex F have a flat shape, therefore, installation in heating boilers is acceptable. Nominal capacity 8–24 l. The initial pressure is 0.75 or 1 bar, depending on the model, the limit is 3 bar. The 8-liter version is round, the rest are rectangular. From F 18, there are mounting hooks on the housing. The cost is 3,690–6,130 rubles.
6. The C series expanders, thanks to the improved flat cylindrical shape, can be installed in boilers. A special loop is provided for placement on the wall. There are models with a non-replaceable butyl rubber membrane, with a volume of 8-80 liters, a pre-pressure of 1-1.5 bar. Maximum - 3 bars. Approved for use in systems with up to 50% glycol in the liquid. The cost is 2,840–8,070 rubles.
Reflex tanks are intensively used for technical and drinking water supply. Models of different volumes are used as vessels for water heaters or buffer and damper tanks in booster installations. All aquifers are protected by a special coating against corrosion. Water is stored in rubber bulbs that meet the hygienic and sanitary standards of drinking water products and are not susceptible to bacteria.
DD - hydraulic accumulators are designed for use in individual water supply systems with water heating mechanisms; they can be used as damper accumulators in booster installations. Often the scheme of Reflex membrane tanks of this series is complemented by Flowjet flow fittings. Available in white or green, from 8 l to 33 l. The preliminary pressure is 4 bar, the maximum allowable working pressure is 10, equipped with High-Flow (star insert). The price for them ranges from 5,040–12,190 rubles. Model Refix DD 8, 25 bar costs 11,220.
Refix DT5 green flow expansion tanks are designed for systems with high water consumption. Volumes from 80 to 3,000 liters, with a maximum working pressure of 10 or 16 bar. Equipped with threaded connection and flow fitting with Flowjet drain. The cost of hydropneumatic tanks for 10 bar ranges from 64,230 to 859,480 rubles, and you can buy Reflex expansion tanks of this series for 16 bar for 76,220–995,770.
Refix DE tanks are blue pneumatic hydraulic tanks without flow and drain fittings. They are used in household, individual, fire-fighting water supply systems or floor panel radiant heating. They are available in nominal volumes of 8–5,000 liters and are designed for pressures of 10, 16 or 25 bar. Models over 50 liters have a replaceable diaphragm. They are offered in the price range from 3,940 rubles (DE 8/10) to 201,440 rubles (DE 1000/10).
Refix HW includes blue horizontal tanks with volumes from 25 to 100 liters. They are used in individual water supply mechanisms as buffer tanks. Withstand pressure up to 10 bar. Equipped with feet and mounting hooks to accommodate an auxiliary pump. Prices for products in this series range from 2,380 to 9,060 rubles.
Buyer opinions
“I installed Reflex NG 18 on the return pipe of the heating system in front of the circulation pump. Took with a small margin. There were doubts about the non-replaceable membrane, but for about 3 years it has been working without problems.
Dmitry, Moscow.
“In the cottage, the water supply system was equipped as follows: a borehole pump supplies water to a 300-liter Reflex storage tank with a relay. Further on the coarse filter and at home. The relay is set to fluctuate from 2 to 4 atm. The volume of the tank is completely enough for all needs. It has been functioning without repair for more than 3.5 years, only once a year a specialist conducts a preventive examination.
Vasily, Nizhny Novgorod.
“There was a need to change the heating in the house, the system was about 180 liters. Installed a circulation pump and a membrane tank. I wanted it with a replaceable diaphragm - I didn’t find it for the right volume. I decided to trust the German quality - I bought Reflex N 18 white. I have worked only 2 heating seasons so far, I have no complaints.”
Timur Kireev, Chelyabinsk.
“For an autonomous water supply system, we bought a pump with a capacity of 3.5 m3 / h and an expansion tank of the Reflex DE 100 model about a year ago. We chose it for a removable membrane with antibacterial properties. There is enough for our family (4 people), although we like to splash in the shower. The equipment functions properly, everyone is happy.”
Kirill, Volgograd.
“The length of the wiring around the house is about 40 m of a 2-inch pipe, 50 sections of cast-iron radiators. I installed a closed tank of the German Reflex at 18 liters. The system works like clockwork, without failures.
Mark, Yekaterinburg.
Overview of benefits
Some users consider the non-removable shell to be a minus of certain models, although numerous positive reviews about Reflex tanks indicate the significant wear resistance and durability of this part. Other benefits include:
- high strength, reliability and long service life;
- significant hydraulic stability;
- no need for additional power supply;
- ease of installation and operation;
- possibility of use in systems with different heat carriers;
- a variety of capacities of size ranges;
- wide areas of application - heating, water supply and more;
- availability of equipment with a removable membrane;
- use in solar-collector systems is admissible;
- equipment with an alarm that is triggered when the shell breaks on Refix DT5 and DE models, with a volume of 60 liters or more;
- the presence of manometers;
- high quality at an affordable price.
Excessive pressure in the water supply system negatively affects durability, so compensating devices have been developed. The Reflex membrane expansion vessel has excellent performance characteristics, including ease of installation and durability. Each presented vessel complies with the current GOST, so it is perfect for pipelines even in large-scale heating and water supply systems.
Construction work
Before buying a membrane tank from the manufacturer Reflex, you need to consider the general features of the work.
The division is carried out in 4 stages:
- normal conditions exclude increased pressure in the network;
- an increase in temperature in the system provokes an increase in pressure;
- an increase in the indicator becomes the reason for the spontaneous connection of the Reflex tank to the water supply;
- when the liquid cools, the vessel pushes it back into the pipeline.
Ordering Reflex products allows you to be sure of the durability and stable operation of the system.
The use of membrane elements
There are many areas for which you need to buy Reflex products with delivery. The metal case is resistant to most influences and can be installed in almost any room. The diaphragm is made from butyl, making it ideal for use in unstable environments.
Contact our company in Moscow and purchase Reflex expansion tanks at affordable prices for everyone. The catalog contains dozens of options that have special operational features.
Membrane expansion tanks from Reflex Winkelmann GmbH are used in water supply and heating systems. They are distinguished by a reliable design, which is confirmed by laboratory tests and feedback from technical experts. Tanks meet international quality standards (DIN 1988), characterized by a long service life and impeccable strength membranes. Features of these tanks:
- Increased wear resistance;
- Corrosion resistance;
- Large selection of models for any needs;
- Affordable cost.
Reflex expansion tanks are represented by dozens of models. They are divided into two categories - for water supply and heating. Tanks for heating systems are produced in the form of several model lines. They are resistant to increased pressure of the coolant due to the uniform distribution of the load over the entire surface of the membranes. Some of them are designed in welded cases, the membranes in them are non-removable.
One of the most popular lines in the world is Reflex N. These tanks are equipped with non-removable membranes and are resistant to wear. Due to their small volume, they are used in small heating systems, including domestic ones. They are characterized by floor execution, for which metal legs are provided here. The manufacturer also presented to consumers larger tanks designed for operation in large-volume heating systems - many of them are equipped with removable membranes. A line of tanks for systems with solar collectors and a line of tanks for wall-mounted gas boilers are presented separately (the latter are distinguished by their compact design and flat body shape).
Reflex membrane tanks for water supply are presented in separate model ranges. They are used in conjunction with pumping and water heating installations, as well as with hydropneumatic accumulators. Customers can choose from models with replaceable and non-replaceable membranes that can withstand high loads. Another type of membrane tanks from Reflex is hydrodynamic shock compensators. They are designed to absorb water hammer in water pipes. Their installation is carried out directly in front of connected consumers - these are washing machines and dishwashers, water heaters and indirect heating boilers.
You can buy Reflex membrane tanks in the Teplodvor online store. Customers can choose from models for heating and water supply systems. Tanks are distinguished by the highest level of reliability, they are supplied with an official guarantee from the manufacturer. We will deliver your purchases in Moscow and Russia, we will offer additional equipment for the installation of heating and water supply systems.
