expansion tank orientation

singh

Recently did a remodel, I did the plumbing and the new heat zone was done by original heating contractor, I know this old timer and he lives close by to me.
The boiler install was done about three years ago by him.
So I figured I ask some questions and "compliment" him on a nice job.

Q: Do you always install expansion tanks upside down?
A: Does'nt make a difference.Never had a problem.
Q: I don't see an airscoop or seperator?
A: Don't need one this boiler has a built in air removal device. (Peerless)
never had a problem.
Q: The circulator is on the return.
A: yeah, I know these days the pump goes on the supply,but I never had a problem.

Mind you it was a nice job, soldered joints were beautiful,so being polite I continued with my work.
What do you think about those upside tanks,and I'm not sure about peerless boilers with air vent as only air removal device.

hr

They seem to

work fine upside down, until you have to change out a water logged one

I've done systems without an air purger if the boiler has and intergral one. Also some radiant systems with water heaters with just an air vent on the top of the tank.

Also if you have a good way to power purge each loop, really not much for an air purger to do. Other than leak someday

And yes, there are probably thousands of boilers working with return pumping. Actually copper tube boilers like the pump pushing into them. You can still pump away from the expansion tank.

It's so easy to not do all these things that I wonder what motivates him, other than old habits die hard

hot rod

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Firedragon_4

I'd really like someone

from an OEM or such to respond to make it official.

But, when going to a school in Warwick at Amtrol years ago I was told only install them 'nipple up'. Later, while in Europe the people at Wessel told me the same thing when asked. Vent-Rite said 'nipple up' the last time I asked too, but things keep changing, so.............

BTW, just went through the Amtrol stuff, nothing in there.

J.C.A._3

I think....

Both , the old timer and Hotrod have it right. Orientation ain't that big a deal until it comes time for a change-out or removal. The law says...and I quote, "gravity works", end of story!
A waterlogged tank will fall down FAR easier than it will be picked up.That Sir Isaac Newton dude figured it out and it has been proven time, and time again. JMHO. Chris

Alan R. Mercurio_3

Always mount the tank with its system tapping
UP- never on its side or upside down. This
ensures the diaphragm will always be wet, avoiding
cracking due to drying out of the elastomer.

This information can be found in the IBR 2000 Guide.

Your friend in the industry,
Alan R. Mercurio

www.oiltechtalk.com

Tom Simensen

Amtrol installation instructions .....

To Install:

Extrol may be installed into a tee or any other suitable tapping on a water heating system preferably on the suction side of the circulator. It may be placed in a vertical or horizontal position. It may also be remotely located and piped to convenient point on the system. Do not install on a dead end pipe at the top of the boiler.

Bulletin ext-IOM90

I also visited with the Flex-Con booth at the ISH show in Boston. I was curious about reports that the rubber compound would deteriorate in the horizontal position. They called that a "wives tale" and knew of no tank failures attributed to that. They were more concerned with support of the tank in the horizontal position so as not to crack the metal around the threaded connection to the tank due to vibration or just the weight of the tank itself.