Piping a buffer tank

Wellness · August 12

I just got a 40 gallon ECR International buffer tank, H2OBT402. This thing has seven pipe connections! Five two-inch and 2 one-inch (instead of just the five they show on the cut/installation sheet). I piped my old buffer tank like the illustration at the bottom, using the top side inlet for boiler supply. But I've been reading that best practices encourage using a 3-pipe configuration. That's going to really increase my install costs (new Tee, air vent, etc. and that still leaves me with the 2 one inch top openings feeding an internal coil that looks like it's feeding a repurposed DHW or solar tank. I would be interested in your thoughts.

hot_rod · August 12

what is the application or intent of the buffer?
There are cases where a 2 or 4 pipe arrangement are a good choice.

3 pipe brings the lowest temperature back to the boiler or heat pump, and still engages some of the tanks lower capacity.

The upper or these two examples has a more direct route (direct to load) from the boiler to load without passing through the tank, I doubt you would notice much performance difference between the two piping options .

Wellness · August 13

Thanks, Bob, that's what I was hoping to hear. The intent is to reduce short cycling and improve air elimination which my current buffer tank has done much better than the hydraulic separator I started out with 20 years ago.

hot_rod · August 13

You relly want a good brand micro bubble type purger in the system. At the boiler if possible.

The high point vents on yop of tanks only grab what air migrates up there.

It is the media/ mesh inside microbubble type separator that give you 95%+ efficiency.

Microbubbles go in and out of solution as water heats and cools. Unless they are removed from the piping and heat emitters.

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Piping a buffer tank

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