The Best Ao Smith Expansion Tank

What is Thermal Expansion?
When heated, water expands. Under normal circumstances, a 40 Gallons hot water heater creates roughly an additional half gallon of water when heated (with no demand). In the past this expanded water would flow back into the public water supply. However, in many countries, where applicable by code, a backflow preventer is required, creating a closed system and a new problem as this extra half gallon of water is not compressible. When an expansion tank is installed the excess water enters the pre-pressurized tank. As the temperature and pressure reaches its maximum, the diaphragm flexes against an air cushion (air is compressible) to allow for increased water expansion. When the system is opened again or the water cools, the water leaves the tank and returns to the system.

Potential Problems Without an Expansion Tank

• Premature failure of the water heater may void the warranty of the water heater
• Dangerous high pressure
• leaky fittings and valves
• collapsed center flues
• flames out of combustion chamber
• Unnecessary Relief Valve Discharge

Installation Options for Thermal Expansion Tanks

• Install on the cold water side after the pressure reducing valve and between the backflow preventer and the water heater
• Do not install in an area where leakage could cause property damage
• The tank can be installed either vertically or horizontally. However, if the tank is to be installed horizontally, then it must be fully supported independent from the piping. Failure to do so will void the warranty.

Technical Features

• All tanks are NSF61 Certified
• MIG welding eliminates interior rough spots and sharp edges
• Each tank is factory leak tested
• 150 PSI Max pressure rating
• External baked epoxy-polyester coating provides a durable appliance finish
• Exclusive polypropylene liner eliminates internal corrosion
• Protected precharge valve eliminates potential leak path

Material Description

• Shell: Carbon Steel
• Connection: Stainless steel
• Diaphragm: Butyl
• Color: Almond

Operating Conditions

• Max. Operating Pressure: 150 PSI
• Operating Temperature: 210 Degrees Fahrenheit
• Factory Precharge: 40 PSI
• Warranty: 1 Year

Specifications

• Model Number: FTT5
• Tank Size: 2.1 Gallons
• Tank Weight: 6 Pounds
• Connection Size (National Pipe Thread): 3/4" Male Iron Pipe (MIP)
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 13" x 9" x 9"
• Acceptance Volume: 1.4 Gallons
• UPC Code: 80459513077

The AMTROL therm-x-span T-5 expansion tank has a steel shell, plastic liner and rubber diaphragm with a brass system connection. The maximum operating temperature is 200F and the maximum working pressure is 150 psig.

Product description

Engineered to provide years of trouble-free service using cold rolled steel for a higher strength to weight ratio. Rugged, stable steel base with protective plastic strip. Heavy-duty butyl rubber diaphragm and durable polyolefin liner to prevent corrosion. Waterworker tanks feature an appliance quality finish which is resistant to sunlight and harsh conditions. All tanks are completely lead free for safety. 5 year warranty. Blue tank.

From the Manufacturer

The WaterWorker pre-charged tanks utilize a butyl composite diaphragm, which flexes up and down based on water level and air pressure, as the pump fills the tank with water the air above the diaphragm is compressed, increasing the pressure in the tank until the pump cut-off pressure is reached. When water is drawn from the tank, the pressure inside the tank decreases until the pressure switch starts the pump. The amount of usable water for every pump cycles is called drawdown. The greater drawn-down capacity you select, the less your pump cycles saving energy, money, and extending your pump life. Advantages over galvanized well tanks: Pre-charged tanks do not have water-logging problems like the galvanized tanks. The air and water are totally separated using a diaphragm. No external air controls needed. Pre-charged tanks have a much larger draw-down for the same physical size. Larger draw down reduces pump cycles and pump wear, i.e. at 30/50 PSIG range three times the draw-down for pre-charged tanks of the same physical size. Pre-charged Tanks completely empty during each pump cycle. Pre-charged Tanks are much smaller and easier to handle that galvanized well tanks. Pre-charged tanks with a 30/50 Pressure Switch would be one-third the size of a galvanized tank with the same drawdown. Deep Well Jet Pumps could use either a vertical tank or a horizontal tank, depending on space requirements and sizing. Submersible Pump applications would usually use vertical tanks, again based on proper sizing. Shallow Well Jet Pumps could use vertical or horizontal tanks, based on proper sizing. The rule of thumb in sizing is to count the number of fixtures in the home, i.e. sinks, showers, toilets, dishwasher, faucets, washing machines, outside faucets, etc. and multiply it by 3. Example: a house with 11 fixtures x 3 would be 33-Gallon tank. We would suggest our 44-Gallon tank, which is the next larger sized tank.

WATTS WATER TECHNOLOGIES GIDDS-1030401 Potable Water Expansion Tank, Model #Plt-5, Stainless Steel Nipple, 2.1 Gallon, Lead Free

Product Description

AMTROL ST-5 Thermal Expansion Tank

From the Manufacturer

Amtrol invented the thermal expansion tank to control pressure build-up in closed, hot water systems. This prevents the water heater pressure relief valve from opening, saves energy and eliminates a potential safety hazard. All Therm-X-Trol expansion tank

Amtrol ST-12 THERM-X-TROL Expansion Tank, 4.4 Gallon (141N43) What Is Thermal Expansion? With modern plumbing codes mandating backflow prevention, thermal expansion can cause pressure buildup in domestic water systems. When demand is put upon a potable water system, hot water is drawn from the water heater. Cold water from the supply line enters the water heater to replenish it. The colder water is heated to replace the hot water used. With the installation of a backflow preventer, check valve or pressure reducing valve on the supply line, the water heater and the system piping form a closed plumbing system under pressure. As the water is heated, thermal expansion occurs. Pressure increases until the relief valve opens and the expanded water “spills” from the water heater. This “spillage” results in wasted BTU’s and a potential safety hazard for the homeowner. Closed Potable Hot Water system without THERM-X-TROL Backflow preventer, pressure reducing valve or meter causes expanded (heated) water to build pressure causing the relief valve to open resulting in: Wasted BTU’s Shortened water heater life Wasted municipal water and sewer dollars Potential safety hazard for homeowner The Amtrol THERM-X-TROL ST-12 Expansion Tank is designed to eliminate this problem by providing control of maximum pressures at a level below the relief valve setting. It also provides an additional space in the system to accommodate the increased volume of water created by thermal expansion, returning it to the system when hot water delivery is demanded.

What is Hydronic Expansion?
Hydronic expansion tanks are diaphragm type tanks designed to keep system pressures below relief valve settings. Hydronic expansion tanks absorb the expansion of water in residential or commercial hydronic (forced hot water) heating and cooling systems. Without hydronic expansion tanks, the system will quickly over-pressurize resulting in added stress to the various system components. Hydronic expansion tanks protect safety valves from failing or wearing out quickly, avoids valve stem and ball seal leaks, prevents wasted BTU’s and vastly extends water heater life.

Technical Features

• Certified synthetic SBR rubber diaphragm
• MIG welding eliminates interior rough spots and sharp edges
• Each tank is factory leak tested to ensure tank integrity
• All diaphragms designed to maximize drawdown
• External baked epoxy-polyester coating provides a durable appliance finish
• Welded side outlet allows easy and quick installation
• Protected pre charge valve eliminates potential leak path
• Low profile tank design with full membrane depth eliminates stretching of diaphragm, providing increased life cycle

Additional Description

• Shell: Carbon Steel
• Connection: Carbon Steel
• Diaphragm: SBR Synthetic Rubber
• Color: Gray

Operating Conditions

• Max. Operating Pressure: 60 PSI
• Operating Temperature: 210 Degrees Fahrenheit
• Factory Precharge: 12 PSI
• Warranty: 1 Year

Specifications

• Model Number: FTH30
• Tank Size: 4.8 Gallons
• Tank Weight: 6.8 Pounds
• Connection Size (National Pipe Thread): 1/2" Male Iron Pipe (MIP)
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 12" x 12" x 16"
• Acceptance Volume: 3.0 Gallons
• UPC Code: 80459513075

Product Description

Amtrol Inc. designed and patented the first Extrol diaphragm expansion tank in 1954 to control system pressure and help reduce energy consumption in heating and chilled water systems. Over six decades later, Extrol is still the world’s leading expansion

From the Manufacturer

Amtrol Inc. designed and patented the first Extrol diaphragm expansion tank in 1954 to control system pressure and help reduce energy consumption in heating and chilled water systems. Over six decades later, Extrol is still the world’s leading expansion

This expansion tank controls thermal expansion of water in open domestic hot water supply systems. It absorbs the increased volume of water generated by the hot water heating source. Its’ pre-pressurized steel tank uses an expansion membrane to prevent air/water contact for long system life.

Controls thermal expansion of water in open domestic hot water supply systems
Rugged butyl diaphragm
For use with all types of direct-fired water heaters
Keeps system pressure below relief setting of relief valve

Product Type: Expansion Tank
Finish Family: Blue
Material: Steel
Product Weight (lb.): 9.45

Product Height (in.): 11.2
Product Width (in.): 11.2
Product Depth (in.): 15.2