buffer tank

kevin

but prob. tues.I can wait until tomorrow.Thanks Mark. Kpc

kevin

buffer tank controling

when using an electric water heater as a buffer tank(say a 20 gal) what is the better way to control the water temp?
1. use the surface mount aquastat on the heater or 2. use a 4080b in a well in one of the element ports? tia KPC

Mark A. Custis

What is the purpose of the buffer tank?

I usually just set them. Had one I used to buffer city potable with geo-thermal reheat. No hook up at all just a place to keep slightly warmer thatn ground tempurature water.

Mark

To Learn More About This Contractor, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"

kevin

i am using it...

to act as a buffer for a radiant slab. The boiler is a Thermodynamics LMdv boiler. Low mass, <5 gallons, steel piped w/ a bypass. Slab is 19,000btu,800 sq. ft.,design temp about 125f.I dont to have it run constantly using a 3 way mix valve. Boiler now has 2 zones of HWBB and an indirect. I would run another zone using a zone valve going to the buffer tank and then run a circ.off the buffer tank.what do you think? Sound ok to you? kpc

Mark A. Custis

Kevin: Why

would you want to add heat to the buffer tank using electrical resistance hear when you have a fossel fuel boiler. Control the three way valve with a thinking control and mod motor and save the cost of the tank and its plumbing. Pipe it with a small wet pump as a secondary loop and let it run.
Did I miss something?

Mark

To Learn More About This Contractor, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"

kevin

Mark..

I am only using the tank for storage.(It cheaper than a superstor/stainless style and does the same thing) The elements won't be used.Heat will be supplied by way of a zone valve off the boiler.(in the bottom return the top) I am asking how do i best accurately/simply sence the buffer tank temp. to tell the zone valve to open up for more heat from the boiler to the buffer. Sorry for the confusion. kpc

Mark A. Custis

Is this job going down tomarrow?

Kevin:

I have a few ideas, but it is too late into the day for me to start drawing diagrams. I don't think you need the tank.

Put a sensor someplace you are comfortable with and use it to power a motorized three way with a small wet pump, and pull what you need for the floor off the main loop.

Mark

To Learn More About This Contractor, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"

Mark A. Custis

See my add

Cell phone is in my pocket. which of dan's books do you have?

M

To Learn More About This Contractor, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"

kevin

i have

hydronic radiant heating,pumpin away,and a few others...

Mark A. Custis

Draw a quickie

of what you have in mind. I will do the same and try to have it in your email in the am.

Mark

To Learn More About This Contractor, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"

kevin

i am not sure ...

how to draw it on my computer.... I could fax it? pc

Mark A. Custis

yes

440.949.2788

Put a cover on it and ask Karen to call me when she recieves the fax. we will be able to talk say about 4 or 5pm est?

Mark

To Learn More About This Contractor, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"

hot_rod

Buffer ideas

I like the RTI setpoint control with the sensor mounted in a well. Most gauge manufactures sell the wells (about $4)I use the Trerice brand.

For my MZ I ran the boiler through th tank, and used th coil for my small radiant loops. This allowed me to use the special MZ inhibitor in the boiler and tank, without having to treat the entire system.

As you know with condensing boilers you need not worry about boiler protection regarding return temperatures.
If you are using conventional boiler be sure to address the protection with a mix valve or heat sensing control (tekmar et al)

This same control and well would work fine in your application.

hot rod