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Direct to load mini buffer

hot_rod
hot_rod Member Posts: 24,995

I have a 20 gallon tank on my A2WHP now. With one zone I don't really need much or any buffer.

This Siegenthaler suggestion uses a 5 gallon capacity tank, gives me the direct piping with a Discal on the top supply, still engages some tank on the return. I'll add a magnet in a well on the bottom also.

A modified Harbor Freight air tank with some Caleffi parts welded in. I have a choice of connections tailpieces with the threaded G thread adapters welded in.

Taking it to a professional welder for a leak-proof tank on the first try :) Then blast and powder coating.

Screenshot 2025-04-26 at 11.38.32 AM.png Screenshot 2025-04-26 at 11.00.21 AM.png
Bob "hot rod" Rohr
trainer for Caleffi NA
Living the hydronic dream
kcoppMad Dog_2

Comments

  • kcopp
    kcopp Member Posts: 4,550

    Always like the mad scientist experiments you have!

    Mad Dog_2
  • EdTheHeaterMan
    EdTheHeaterMan Member Posts: 10,391

    Edward Young Retired

    After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?

    JoannieAlan (California Radiant) Forbes
  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 12,587

    will they fix the factory welds that can't be dropped?

  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 24,995

    It is actually a 14 gauge tank, much thicker than and expansion tank, for example. I've dropped those many times.

    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 24,995

    5/16" refrigeration tubing is ideal for the common 6mm (.240) sensors being used these days. In some cases you want multiple sensors in one port. I use a male adapter and 97/3 solder to assemble them.

    Screenshot 2025-04-26 at 7.32.35 PM.png Screenshot 2025-04-26 at 7.32.17 PM.png Screenshot 2025-04-26 at 7.32.50 PM.png
    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
    heatheadAlan (California Radiant) Forbes
  • ScottSecor
    ScottSecor Member Posts: 968

    Bob, thank for sharing your work. I love this comment, "Taking it to a professional welder for a leak-proof tank on the first try :)

    We own two welding machines and I do not possess the skills to get a watertight weld on the first attempt with either machine. Maybe after three or four attempts, I may get lucky, but it will look like a five year old did the welding.

    The guy that does our welding for the last thirty years has done about twenty repairs for us on jobs. He has also welded about one thousand joints for us on 1" through 12" steel pipe, and some stainless pipe. As of today he has NEVER had one leak, on his first attempt. Unfortunately my guy is in his late seventies and may retire someday…

    Alan (California Radiant) Forbes
  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 24,995

    Miracles do come true! I welded it myself, holding pressure for two daze. Paint and an EPDM wrap next.

    When I'm dead and gone someone will look upon this and mutter Whisky Tango Foxtrot, no doubt.

    Screenshot 2025-04-29 at 7.39.02 PM.png
    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
    mattmia2PC7060kcopp
  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 12,587

    asme certified, right…

    pecmsgkcopp
  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 24,995
    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
    mattmia2PC7060Alan (California Radiant) Forbeskcopp
  • Tom_133
    Tom_133 Member Posts: 927

    Well Hotrod, Im gonna need 1 or 2 myself. Feel free to send as a kit! 😉

    I actually like the concept a lot. nice job.

    Tom
    Montpelier Vt
    kcopp
  • pedmec
    pedmec Member Posts: 1,199

    I think you're making a still and trying to pass it off as a buffer lol.

    PC7060kcopp
  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 24,995

    Daikin shows 18l is what is needed to defrost their 4 ton unit. So it should work on the small Viessmann I have.

    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
  • Love the ferrules on that sensor. I just got the tool.

    8.33 lbs./gal. x 60 min./hr. x 20°ΔT = 10,000 BTU's/hour

    Two btu per sq ft for degree difference for a slab
  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 12,587
    edited April 30

    tool? didn't he just solder 2 pieces of 5/16 tubing in to a smashed down male adapter?

    oh, the "bootlaces"? i don't know that i'm a fan, the phoenix connector grabs the bare wire better and it is less likely to break if the wire can flex at the connector, the bootlace sticking out can get snapped off.

    Alan (California Radiant) Forbes