Expansion membrane tank for cold water. What expansion tanks to choose for cold water? Expansion tank for cold water: photo

14.06.2019 Heaters

We offer to choose and buy an expansion tank for hot water supply according to favorable price in Moscow or with delivery transport companies anywhere in Russia. With the help of modern hot water expansion tanks, you can achieve a stable pressure in the system, convenient regulation of the water temperature, protect equipment from water hammer and reduce equipment wear.

Expansion tanks for heating and hot water: both

Due to the similarity of names, it is easy to confuse expanders for hot water and heating systems. However, these are different devices with different purposes:

  • The heating device is designed to compensate for the increase in the volume of coolant in the system. When heated, the volume of water increases by about 4% - 5%, so the purpose of the tank is to contain the excess volume of water that is displaced from the system when heated.
  • A hydraulic accumulator for domestic hot water is a device that accumulates a certain volume of hot water and maintains a stable pressure in the system. As a result, there are no pressure drops in different modes operation of the system (for example, when using hot water at several points at the same time) and equipment protection against water hammer is achieved. Besides, hot water reaches the point of consumption faster.

Therefore, a well-equipped heating unit of a private house, commercial or industrial facility contains both an expansion heating tank and a hydraulic accumulator.

How to choose the right DHW accumulator?

To successfully buy an expansion tank for hot water, you must consider the following parameters:

  • Water volume. Solutions with a volume of 2 to 35 or more liters are used, the selection is carried out based on the scale of the system (the length of communications, the number of points of water analysis, etc.).
  • Membrane material for DHW expansion tank. The preferred solution is EPDM rubber, which retains its elasticity and its original properties for a long time, despite temperature changes and constant mechanical stress.
  • Operating pressure indicators. They are selected in accordance with the needs of the system, based on design values ​​or measurements of actual indicators.
  • Body material and coloring method. Mostly used models, the body of which is made of black steel with powder coating.

In our online store you will find the hot water expanders themselves, as well as all the necessary accessories for them: membranes, flanges, fittings, etc. Call now and our experts will help you choose suitable solution and agree convenient option delivery!

The value of the expansion tank for water supply in an autonomous system

To date, an autonomous feeding system cold water for a private house or cottage has become quite widespread and is no longer a novelty for anyone. And all because these devices have proven their reliability and effectiveness in practice, however, it should be noted that to maintain them in working condition, special mechanisms are needed, about which the so-called "unenlightened layman", that is, a person who throughout his life used exclusively centralized water supply at home without even realizing it.

Take at least into account the fact that the operation of an autonomous water supply system for a private house or cottage will be able to function for a long period of time only when an expansion tank (special tank) for water supply is included in it (they are just talking about and go) - its required volume (100, 200 liters or less) will be selected individually. Now you can easily buy any suitable model, however, in order to purchase a suitable model, you still need to have a general idea of ​​\u200b\u200bthe types of equipment and clearly understand the principle of operation of this device.

In addition, choose suitable option capacity is only a smaller part of the matter - the greatest difficulty is connecting the expansion boiler in autonomous system.

How does the expansion tank work and how is it arranged (regardless of the volume of the special tank - 100, 200 liters or less)?

The main function of this device is to maintain pressure in the system that supplies water to a private house or cottage. In most cases, water supply is used closed devices membrane type. Rexpansion tank for water supply of this type -This is a container with a rubber membrane built into it, which, in turn, divides the expansion (storage) tank, regardless of what the volume is - 100 liters or less, into two cavities - one of them will be filled with water, and the second - with air . After the system is started, the electric pump will fill the first chamber. Naturally, the volume of the chamber in which the air will be located will become smaller. According to the laws of physics, when the volume of air in the tank decreases (again, regardless of whether the volume of the tank is 100 liters or less), the pressure will increase.

When the pressure reaches a certain level with a subsequent increase, the pump turns off in automatic mode. It can only be activated again if the pressure drops below the set value. As a result, water will begin to flow from the water chamber of the tank (separate container). A similar mechanism of action (its constant repetition) is automated. The pressure indicator is controlled by a special pressure gauge, which is installed on the device. It is possible to change the initial settings.

The main functions of an expansion tank built into an autonomous water supply system (as a special container) are as follows.

A membrane expansion tank (special container) installed in the water supply system of a private house or cottage performs several functions at once:

  1. Ensuring stable pressure in the event that at a certain moment the pump does not function.
  2. The tank protects the water supply system of an honest house or cottage from a likely hydraulic onslaught, which may occur due to a sharp change in voltage in the network or if air enters the pipeline.
  3. Saving under pressure a small (but strictly defined) amount of water (that is, this device, in fact -storage tank for water supply).
  4. Maximum reduction of wear of the water supply system of a private house.
  5. The use of an expansion tank allows you not to use the pump, but to use the liquid from the reserve.
  6. One of the most important purposes of such devices (in this case we are talking exclusively about membrane expansion vessels) is to ensure the supply of maximum clean water residents of a private house.

Varieties of expansion (membrane) tanks

There are two main types of these containers.

  • Expansion tank with replaceable membrane. As the name implies, the main characteristic feature is to replace the membrane, which provides certain advantages. Its recess is carried out by means of a special flange, fixed with several bolts. There is some nuance - in devices designed for a large volume, in order to stabilize the membrane, it is fixed to the nipple. In addition, the liquid that fills the tank is present inside the membrane and does not interact with inside devices - in turn, this property makes it impossible for metal corrosion and deterioration of water quality. Naturally, thanks to this feature, tanks with a replaceable membrane function much longer. It should be noted that such devices are made in both horizontal and vertical versions.
  • storage tankequipped with a fixed diaphragm. Naturally, such models are inferior to the above devices in a number of parameters. Firstly, due to the fact that water comes into direct contact with the inner wall of the tank, metal corrosion and water pollution occur. The membrane, if it fails, cannot be replaced -storage tankyou will have to buy a new one (the difference in price is very noticeable). Some models are covered from the inside with special moisture-resistant paints, but they do not provide any protection at all. There are also horizontal and vertical type device.

How to make a competent choice of an expansion tank?

No matter what, the main technical characteristic when choosing an expansion tank is its volume. And already the need for a certain amount of volume is dictated by a wide variety of conditions:


Approximate figures given by leading experts as an example:

The most common average family, which includes no more than three people, needs water supply, the pump capacity does not exceed 2 cubic meters. m / h, then the most reasonable choice would be to purchase an expansion tank with a capacity of 20 to 24 liters. With an increase in the number of consumers to eight people, it is worth purchasing a device with a volume of less than 50 liters. There are more than ten consumers - you need a storage tank of at least 100 liters. These are the most optimal values ​​- and not a lot, and not a little. In the event that you are in doubt - it is better to take with a margin, a little more - this certainly will not damage your autonomous water supply system in any way.

Important! When choosing an expansion tank, it is necessary to take into account the need for a reservoir to store a certain amount of water.

Manufacturer brand selection

Remember the most important thing: the water supply system is not something you can save on. In the event that you purchase an expansion tank of poor quality (even if at a bargain price), then you should understand that you risk being left for an indefinite period of time without any water supply at all and with the need for very significant financial costs, differing from the difference in the cost of these tanks by a couple of "zeros". As you probably already understood correctly, the costs will be associated with the repair of a water supply system that has failed due to the poor quality of the expansion tank.

Particular attention should be paid to the quality of rubber - the main component of the membrane (this component affects not only the durability of the device, but also the quality of the supplied water).
As a reliable manufacturer, we can safely recommend the following brands: Elbi, Reflex, Zilmet, Aquasystem.

A few words about how to install an expansion

According to the connection method, it is customary to separate horizontal and vertical tanks. The choice in this case (regarding only this parameter) is based on which device will be easier to place in the room allotted for it.

Expansion tank placement tips:

  1. Ensuring unhindered access. This is too important a device to simply forget about it.
  2. 2. It should be ensured that the diameter of the water pipe that will be connected to the tank is not less than the diameter of the branch pipe.
  3. To avoid electrochemical corrosion, the device must be grounded. Before you do this, be sure to consult an electrician.

Conclusions on the choice and application of this device

An expansion tank is a mandatory component that is part of a completely autonomous water supply system. It is entrusted to him a large number of tasks: ensuring the proper level of pressure, protection from premature wear and saving a certain supply of fluid. It should be noted that all these tasks will be completed only if the device is correctly selected and correctly connected. This is the reason why you shouldn't self-assembly autonomous water supply system - it is much more reasonable to entrust this work to professionals.

expansion membrane tank- a mandatory component, without which the functioning of the system is not possible. It is he who creates the necessary pressure for the full operation of the water supply system, makes reserve water supplies and even performs a number of protective functions. In connection with such a high importance of equipment, the question naturally arises: how to choose and correctly install a tank? To understand, let's approach the issue in a complex way: to your attention the structure and principles of operation of the expansion device, its types, features of choice, as well as the connection diagram and useful instruction video setup.

Functions and working principle

A membrane tank is a sealed, predominantly metal tank, consisting of two separated chambers: air and water. A special rubber membrane acts as a separator - it is usually made of strong butyl, which is resistant to the development of bacterial microorganisms. The water chamber is equipped with a branch pipe through which water is directly supplied.

The main task of the expansion membrane tank is to accumulate a certain volume of water and supply it at the request of the user under necessary pressure. But the functions of the device are not limited to this - it also:

  • protects the pump from premature deformation: due to the water reserve, the pump does not turn on every time the tap is opened, but only when the tank is empty;
  • protects against water pressure drops when several taps are used in parallel;
  • protects against hydraulic shocks that can potentially occur when the pumping unit is turned on.

Instrument operation

The principle of operation of the tank is as follows. When the pump is turned on, water chamber under pressure, water begins to be pumped, and the volume air chamber decreases at this time. When the pressure reaches the maximum allowable mark, the pump turns off and the water supply stops. Then, as water is taken from the tank, the pressure decreases and, when it decreases to the minimum allowable mark, the pump turns on again and resumes pumping water.

Advice. During the operation of the tank, air can accumulate in the water chamber, which provokes a decrease in the efficiency of the equipment, therefore, at least once every 3 months, it is necessary to carry out maintenance of the compartment - to bleed excess air from it.

Types of membrane tanks

There are two types of expansion membrane tanks:


Advice. When choosing between a replaceable and a permanent diaphragm, consider one important factor: in the first case, the water is completely in the membrane and does not come into contact with inner surface tank, which eliminates corrosion processes, and in the second case, contact is maintained, so it is impossible to achieve maximum protection against corrosion.

Features of choosing a tank

The main factor in choosing a membrane tank is its volume. When calculating the optimal volume of the tank, the following nuances should be taken into account:

  • the number of users of the water supply system;
  • number of water intake points: taps, outlets for showers and jacuzzis, outlets for household appliances and boilers that work with water;
  • pump performance;
  • the maximum number of pump on/off cycles per hour.

To calculate the approximate volume of the tank, you can use the following guidelines from specialists: if the number of users is no more than three, and the pump capacity is no more than 2 cubic meters / h, then a tank with a volume of 20-24 liters is enough; if the number of users is from four to eight, and the pump performance fluctuates between 3-3.5 cubic meters / h, a tank with a volume of 50-55 liters will be required.

When choosing a tank, remember: the more modest its volume, the more often you have to turn on the pump and the higher the risk of pressure drops in the plumbing system.

Advice. If you assume that over time there will be a need to increase the volume of the membrane tank, buy equipment with the ability to connect additional tanks.

Tank connection diagram

The membrane tank can be installed both vertically and horizontally, but in both cases the connection diagram will be identical:

  1. Determine the mounting location. The device must be located on the suction side. circulation pump and before the branching of the water supply. Make sure that the tank has free access for maintenance work.
  2. Secure the tank to a wall or floor with rubber grommets and ground it.
  3. Connect a five-pin fitting to the tank nozzle using an American fitting.
  4. Connect in series to the four free outlets: a pressure switch, a pipe from the pump, a pressure gauge and a branch pipe that supplies water directly to the intake points.

Tank connection

It is important that the cross section of the water pipe to be connected is equal to or slightly larger than the cross section of the inlet pipe, but in no case should it be smaller. Another nuance: between the expansion tank and the pump, it is advisable not to have any technical devices so as not to provoke an increase in hydraulic resistance in the water supply system.

Instructions for setting up equipment

After the membrane tank is installed and connected, it is important to correctly configure and start it. Let's dwell on the main points of this stage.

The first step is to find out the internal pressure of the tank. In theory, it should be 1.5 atm, but it is possible that during the storage of the device in a warehouse or during transportation, a leak occurred, which provoked a decrease in such an important indicator. To make sure the pressure is correct, remove the spool cap and measure with a pressure gauge. The latter can be of three types: plastic - cheap, but not always accurate; mechanical automobile - more reliable and relatively affordable; electronic - expensive, but as accurate as possible.

After measurements, you need to decide which pressure will be the most optimal in your case. Practice shows that for the normal functioning of plumbing and household appliances the pressure in the membrane tank should vary within 1.4-2.8 atm. Let's assume that you have chosen these indicators - what to do next? First, if the initial pressure in the tank turned out to be lower than 1.4-1.5 atm, it must be increased by pumping air into the corresponding chamber of the tank. Then you should adjust the pressure switch: open its cover and use the large nut P to set the maximum pressure indicator, and with the small nut ∆P - the minimum indicator.

The setup process is simple

Now you can start the system: as you pump water, watch the pressure gauge - the pressure should gradually rise, and after it reaches the maximum set mark, the pump should turn off.

As you can see, without an expansion membrane tank, you really can not even count on the full-fledged operation of an individual water supply. Therefore, if you want to uninterruptedly enjoy the benefits of civilization, thoroughly approach the choice and connection of the device - all the principles and subtleties are in front of you, so we advise you to study them well and only then proceed to action.

Calculation of the volume of the accumulator: video

Membrane expansion tank for water supply: photo





The water supply tank (expansion tank) is a container used for autonomous heating and water supply. It prevents overpressure and protects the system from water hammer. Expansion tanks are selected individually for each system, taking into account all parameters and characteristics. They must be resistant to increased pressure and not susceptible to corrosion.

The main task of expansion tanks for water supply is to maintain optimal pressure in the system. For these purposes, compensators are used in the tanks, which equalize the load on all parts of the water supply system. The tank and membrane in contact with water are made of materials that do not affect the taste of water. Such materials must be certified and meet sanitary and hygienic requirements.

Tank for water supply: principle of operation.

Inside the expansion tank there is a rubber membrane dividing the tank into two parts. Air is pumped into one, the other part remains empty. The empty part of the tank after starting the water supply is filled with water. The part with the injected air is designed to maintain a given pressure. Air pressure forces water out of the tank into the pipelines, thereby creating a stable state of the system. without drops and overloads.

Expansion tank for water supply: features of work.

Water entering from the well into the tank, being under pressure, increases the membrane and reduces the volume of air, while creating some pressure. After reaching the required pressure level, the pump turns off, water is consumed and the pressure drops. To maintain pressure, the pump is switched on again.

Among others positive qualities, the diaphragm tank compensates for water hammer, thereby greatly reducing the frequency of switching on the pump. This increases the life of the system elements and saves energy. In addition, when the electricity is turned off, the water supply tank can play the role of an “additional use” device. Those. water will be supplied to the consumer for some time.

Expansion tanks are horizontal and vertical shape, open and closed. The volume of water, like operating pressure, also vary.

The design of the accumulator is not too complicated: it consists of a hermetically sealed oval-shaped container. Tanks for water supply systems have two internal chambers: air and liquid. These units differ from similar heating units in the presence of a separating membrane, as well as the nature of the material for its manufacture.

In order not to harm high quality drinking water, it is made from environmentally friendly rubber with excellent hygienic properties. As for the size of the tanks, they can be completely different, ranging from 8 to 100 liters.

Water supply tank volume

When calculating the volume of the tank, the initial pressure of the air contained in the empty compartment of the tank is taken into account, and the working pressure (at maximum load). The calculation of the required water pressure is considered fundamental. Although it is enough for the consumer to know the ratio of the volume of the tank to the volume of the entire system, an improperly selected tank leads to an early failure of equipment and pipelines.

open tank

Such devices are installed at the most elevated points of the heating system (attics, roofs of buildings). The water pressure is only compensated atmospheric pressure, due to which there is no possibility of adjustment and there is a risk of leakage with excess liquid. Bucky now open type are used extremely rarely.

In order for the choice of equipment to be optimal, several rules should be adopted:

  • It is necessary to take into account in which particular system the units will be involved.
  • It is worth considering what temperature regime planned.
  • Pay attention to technical specifications equipment specified by the manufacturer.
  • If you plan to opt for a membrane type tank, then you need to keep in mind that the pump here has a limited number of inclusions. However, this remark is not relevant if water is to be accumulated under high pressure.
  • If the system uses a pump surface type, then a small hydraulic accumulator should be attached to it, since it has more connections per minute than a submersible pump.
  • Membrane tanks for water supply systems with horizontal way units should only be used in conjunction with surface pumps.
  • It is necessary to take into account the specific characteristics of the water supply system.

As a result, the purpose of the tank comes down to several basic principles:

  • The equipment helps to avoid water hammer occurring inside the complex.
  • With its help, the pressure inside the system is stabilized and maintained at the same level.
  • Thanks to the presence of tanks, the functions of the pump are optimized, since it will be protected from too frequent switching on.
  • Helps extend pump life.

On the suburban areas, not equipped central water supply, it becomes necessary to supply water independently. However, digging a well or a well and simply installing an electric pump is clearly not enough for several reasons: the water pressure is maintained at a limited distance, which decreases even taking into account the depth of the well, the number of inclusions for a certain period of time is strictly regulated in order to avoid premature failure. To maintain pressure in an autonomous system, an expansion tank for water supply is included, which accumulates a certain amount of liquid and allows the pump not to turn on when the tap is opened for a short time. In addition, in case of power outages, a supply of water is created, water hammer is compensated, which protects household appliances: boilers, washing machines.

Tanks for water supply are metal containers, one part of which is filled with air and the other with liquid. Horizontal or vertical orientation does not make a fundamental difference, for each specific case a form is chosen that will allow the most convenient installation of the unit in the place intended for it.

According to the principle of operation, there are expansion tanks:

  • open type;
  • membrane (closed), also called hydraulic accumulators, or expansion mats.

The scheme of connecting tanks to the drinking water supply system depends on the type. The first is simply a large capacity. There is a cover here, but it does not serve to seal, but rather as a protection against debris. The tank is located at a point significantly higher than the place of parsing, most often in the attic, and when the tap is opened water is coming by gravity. These devices are used very rarely, as they have a number of significant drawbacks:

  • it is necessary to install an automatic relay to turn off the pump when the tank is filled;
  • open contact with air leads to the ingress of oxygen into the water, which contributes to corrosion metal parts;
  • room needs to be insulated installed tank to prevent freezing in winter.

In hydraulic accumulators, a metal container is divided by a special membrane into two parts, one of which is pumped with air, and the other is designed for water. The design is hermetic, the liquid takes up more and more space as it enters, stretches the membrane and compresses the adjacent chamber. When air resistance reaches set value, the operation of the pump is automatically stopped and resumed after the stock has been consumed from the tank and the pressure has decreased to a certain minimum. It should be borne in mind that the maximum volume of water is only a third of the total capacity of the unit, that is, for example, expansion membrane tanks for water supply of 100 liters accumulate 33 liters of liquid.


The main criteria for choosing a hydraulic accumulator

To calculate the optimal volume of the tank, you need to determine the number of consumers of the future water supply. And this does not mean the number of people living in the house, but the connected Appliances (Dishwasher, boiler) and disassembly taps (toilet, faucet, shower). The calculations take into account the probability of using several points at the same time, according to their results and practical experience, experts deduced the following scheme:

  • up to 3 consumers - 20–24 l;
  • 4–8 - 50–60 l;
  • over 10-100 liters and more.

If the developer offers to buy tanks for automated water supply systems - we are talking about a station consisting of a pump, a hydraulic accumulator and a control unit for the complex. For this purpose, a horizontal tank is usually chosen (it is easier to mount it on surface pump), equipped check valve preventing arbitrary discharge of water into the well after shutdown. Besides, in technical documentation it must be indicated that the accumulator can be used for drinking water supply. The words “do not comply with DIN1988 standards” in the passport of an imported unit mean that it is intended only for industrial or domestic water.

It is important to pay attention to the possibility of repair and maintenance of the expander, and not just to study the prices for expansion tanks for water supply systems. In particular, hydroaccumulators are of two types: balloon and membrane. This division is rather conditional, since both of them have a membrane in their design, which in the first case is attached at the inlet, is a replaceable part and does not allow water to come into contact with the metal case, and in the second case it is installed deep in the tank and cannot be repaired. It is preferable to purchase a non-corrosive balloon hydraulic tank, where almost all parts are replaceable.

Heating Options

Outwardly, all household accumulators look the same, however, types for heating are designed not to create the required pressure, but to prevent its increase. Miscellaneous device tanks for cold and hot water supply systems does not allow replacing them with each other. In the process of heating the coolant, its volume increases, and the pressure in the heating pipes increases. In order to prevent leaks, as well as to remove air, an expansion tank is connected to the circuit, which receives excess fluid.


to the heating system with natural circulation you can put an open tank. It is rarely used due to the abundance of inconveniences that arise during use. The tank is located only in highest point heating circuit, direct contact of water with air contributes to the corrosion of metal parts, the coolant evaporates, the level of which has to be monitored and topped up as needed. Membrane tanks are installed at any point in the circuit closed type. To maintain stable heating operation, the units are equipped with a compressor; air is bled when the pressure rises or is pumped in when it is lowered. In addition, the evaporation of the coolant from the sealed tank is excluded.

When calculating the capacity of the expander, it should be taken into account that when heated, the volume of water increases by approximately 0.3% every 10 °C. It is also necessary to pay attention to whether the selected model supports the operating parameters of the system and the type of coolant. Specifications usually indicated in the accompanying documentation.

For example, the small Reflex tanks of the N and NG series are designed for closed heating circuits using water or a glycol solution up to 50%. Diaphragm in all versions is fixed, nominal volume from 8 to 5,000 l, pressure maintained 6, 10 or 16 bar, working temperature tank 120 °C, membranes - 70 °C.

The cost of equipment varies depending on its capacity:

  • NG 18 (12 l, 3 bar) - 1,440 rubles;
  • NG 50 (50 l, 6 bar) - 4,410 rubles;
  • NG 100 (100 l, 6 bar) - 9,630 rubles.

Expanzomats for hot water supply

Basically, boilers are installed in autonomous water pipes for heating, but there is an option when liquid from heating system. In this case, it is important to choose the right expansion tank, which must not only support the desired functional parameters, but also comply with additional requirements. The membrane and other parts that come into contact with water are made of materials that meet hygienic standards for devices working with drinking liquid.

Products domestic manufacturers

Dzhileks tanks for heating and water supply systems successfully compete with the products of well-known foreign companies, not losing at all in quality, but offering the consumer hydraulic accumulators at lower prices. Expansion tanks for closed circuit with steel body, EPDM diaphragm removable on units from 24 l. Depending on the nominal volume, the price is: 18 liters - 1170 rubles; 50 l - 2750; 100 l - 5300.

Another Russian company whose main products are heating boilers, offers customers a membrane tank Evan. Hydraulic accumulators of the same class produced by Evan and Gileks cost almost the same: a variant with a nominal volume of 100 liters and a maximum operating pressure of 10 bar - 3,250 and 3,400 rubles, respectively.