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How Does An Expansion Vessel Work?

An expansion vessel, also known as an expansion tank, is a device used in heating and plumbing systems to help regulate the pressure of the system. It works by providing a flexible chamber that can accommodate changes in the volume of the fluid in the system as it heats up and cools down. This article will discuss this process in further detail to enhance your understanding on the operation of expansion vessels.





The basic principle behind an expansion vessel is that it contains two chambers separated by a flexible diaphragm or bladder. One chamber is filled with air or an inert gas, while the other chamber is connected to the heating or plumbing system. As the heating or plumbing system heats up, the fluid expands and the pressure in the system increases. This increase in pressure is absorbed by the flexible diaphragm or bladder, which compresses the gas in the other chamber of the expansion vessel. This helps to regulate the pressure in the system and prevent it from becoming too high.


When the fluid in the system cools down and contracts, the pressure in the system decreases. The flexible diaphragm or bladder then expands, allowing the gas in the other chamber of the expansion vessel to expand and maintain the pressure in the system. In this way, an expansion vessel helps to protect the heating or plumbing system from damage due to excessive pressure, while also improving the efficiency and longevity of the system.


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