Hello, my name is Tony and this is my concrete installation and maintenance blog. I am not a professional concrete contractor but I am very passionate about DIY. My dad was a contractor and when I was growing up he taught me all kinds of neat tips and tricks. Once time, he took me out into the yard and made me inspect the concrete wall. The concrete was crumbling away, exposing the metal bars beneath. My father explained that this was concrete cancer and then demonstrated how to repair the damage. I hope you find my blog useful and entertaining.
In systems that contain fluids, buffer water tanks are used to increase capacity and to ensure temperature/pressure stability. Buffer tanks are used in both commercial and industrial water supply systems that operate within a closed loop. Whether you're using a hot or chilled system, buffer tanks provide an insulated housing that reduces unnecessary heat transfer.
When you're looking for a buffer water tank for your establishment, there are many important factors to consider. The size, shape, material and location of your tank will determine how efficient the system is at reducing cycles and controlling temperature fluctuations.
Before making a purchase, keep an eye out for the following features.
1. Size and capacity
The most important features of a buffer tank are the size and capacity of your unit. For obvious reasons, you need a tank that is large enough to hold extra volumes of water at the right temperature. But which tank size would be ideal for your system?
The answer will depend on the entire capacity of your system as well as the range of temperature control required for your operations. For example, if you can only tolerate a temperature fluctuation of a few degrees Centigrade, you may be better off with a slightly smaller tank that is well insulated.
Larger tanks lead to more sources of error and fluctuation. On the other hand, if you have large capacity operations and you frequently run out of water, a larger tank size may be the better option. Some manufacturers use algorithms that compare the litres of the water tank to the total capacity of the system.
2. Proper insulation
For both chilled and hot water applications, insulation will be key. You need a reliable insulation mechanism to prevent excessive fluctuations of temperature. Insulation will largely depend on the material of the tank as well as the insulator itself. For example, foam insulation (polyurethane) is a common choice for many stainless steel or carbon buffer tanks.
However, your system may perform better under wood fibre, polystyrene or hemp wool. These materials also have excellent thermal conductivity and are often cheaper than polyurethane.
3. Location
You should also pay close attention to where you intend the system to be installed. If the system is too far, you may experience short cycling in your equipment and more excessive temperature fluctuations. Similarly, a closed system that's too close to other equipment may undergo excessive wear and tear.
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