Inexpensive boiler buffer tank

shoudabeenaplumba · January 2010

I'm looking for a 30-50 gallon buffer tank with large tappings. I just don't have $1200. Something with a coil for owb would be great too. Any suggestions, or am I doomed to buck up the big bucks?

Yes, yes I am cheap.

bill_105 · January 2010

The buffer craze!

The cheapest way is go get a keg of beer. Now, drink all off the beer, eat the deposit, and go to a qualified welder.

nicholas bonham-carter · January 2010

cheap tank

if you have a tractor supply near you, they will have well tanks-made of galvanized, and good for 100 psi. i think i saw a 70 gal tank for a C-note.

made by quick tanks

[url=http://www.quicktanks.com/hydropneumatic.html]http://www.quicktanks.com/hydropneumatic.html

--nbc

scott markle_2 · January 2010

boiler buddy

Google boiler buddy,

You can buy directly from them, I think they are in Wisconsin. The 30 gallon tank is insulated has giant tappings, and a nice air eliminator on the top and drain at the bottom.

As I recall it's around $600.

shoudabeenaplumba · January 2010

Shipping is a killer

I think shipping would have put me close to a grand.

hot_rod · January 2010

the best bang for

you buffer bucks is a electric water heater. They come in many sizes and are insulated nicely. They are challanged in the connection department however.

One solution is to remove the two elements and use those for 1" connections. You can buy a 1" male by 1-1/4 sweat adapter and get to 1-1/4" easily in those connections.

The drain port with a reducing tee can be another 1" connection.

You can then pair together the two top (h&C) connection for another large tap. Remember to remove the dip tube.

Some brands have dual anode rods with 3/4 taps. i suppose in a close loop system the anodes could be removed, it may void any warranty.

Leave the factory T&P and add an additional 30 l b relier for hydronic applications.

Plenty of plain steel tanks for cheap, like compression tanks, under 200 bucks. But by the time you insulate and jacket and weld in additional taps, may as well buy a Boiler Buddy.

hr

scott markle_2 · January 2010

not so bad

The 30 gallon model is UPS able. I think it was Around $40 bucks to NY

Gordan · January 2010

Thread mismatch

hr,

Isn't the heater element thread NPS rather than NPT? Any tricks for using these ports without creating a potential source of leaks?

Mark Eatherton · January 2010

Straight threads never stopped us before!!!

Most products from across the pond come with straight thread. One can either triple dope (paste, 5 to 7 wraps of teflon tape, followed by final coating of teflon) or....

The alternative would be one of the thread wrap strings on the market, and if you can find it, hemp.

The ground source heat pump people do this every day, with little to no problems.

ME

Rob Blair · October 2012

What about higher temperatures in the glass lined tanks?

I thought I read somewhere that the glass lined tanks cannot take over 160 degree water?

Thanks,

Rob

BigRob · July 2014

Update?

Now that a couple of years have gone by, what is the consensus regarding the best electric water heater to use as a buffer? I have some small radiator loops that need some extra water.

Is there a jacketed value leader?

-Rob

Rich_49 · July 2014

Kegs

are too small for this

Inexpensive boiler buffer tank

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