Below are Frequently Asked Questions
PUMP SYSTEMS
Q: What is the purpose of a pressure tank in a booster pump system?
A: A pressure tank stores water under pressure, reducing pump cycling and maintaining consistent system pressure. The pressure tank will provide drawdown volume to the system between pump cycles.
Q: Do Amtrol pressure tanks work on VFD pump systems?
A: Yes! Amtrol has pressure tank solutions for your VFD systems. Please refer to our sizing tool for appropriate selection.
PRODUCT SIZING TOOL
Q: What precharge should I use on my pressure tank?
A: The precharge of your pressure tank should be set 2 PSI below the pump cut-in pressure. All precharge adjustments need to be made when the vessel is completely empty of water.
Q: Why is my pump cycling on and off frequently?
A: Frequent cycling may indicate an undersized tank, loss of air charge, incorrect pressure switch settings, or increase in system demand. A system inspection would be recommended to determine root cause.
Q: How often should a pressure tank be inspected?
A: Commercial pressure tanks should be inspected annually or more frequently as the system ages. Verify the pre-charge pressure, inspect for corrosion, and ensure the pressure controls are operating appropriately.
EXPANSION TANKS
Q: Why is an expansion tank required?
A: As water heats, it expands. In a closed system, this additional expansion volume has nowhere to go, causing the system pressure to increase. An expansion tank will absorb this expanded water to maintain safe operating pressures.
Q: What is the difference between hydronic and thermal expansion tanks?
A: Hydronic expansion tanks are designed for closed-loop heating and cooling systems. Thermal expansion tanks are intended for potable water systems. The construction materials and regulatory approvals differ based on the application.
Q: Can I install an expansion tank in any orientation?
A: Most Amtrol diaphragm style tanks can be installed vertically or horizontally when properly supported. Bladder style tanks are recommended to be installed vertically only. Always follow the installation instructions for your specific model.
Q: How do I know if my expansion tank has failed?
A: Common signs include frequent relief valve discharge, unusually high system pressures, moisture in the air chamber, or a completely waterlogged tank. Always inspect your pressure tank and system annually or more frequently to identify if these symptoms are present.
Q: How do I size an expansion tank?
A: Expansion tank size depends on system volume, operating temperature range, fill pressure, and maximum allowable pressure. Please refer to our online sizing tool to help select the appropriate model(s) for your application.
PRODUCT SIZING TOOL
AIR AND DIRT SEPARATORS
Q: Why is air removal important in hydronic systems?
A: Air trapped in hydronic systems can reduce heat transfer, increase corrosion, pump cavitation, and poor system performance. Air separators continuously remove entrained air to improve efficiency.
Q: What is the “Dirt” in a closed loop system?
A: Dirt separation removes suspended particles such as rust, scale, and debris from the circulating water system. This helps protect pumps, valves, heat exchangers, and other critical system components.
Q: What is the difference between a vortex separator and an ADS Separator?
A: Vortex separators use internal flow dynamics to separate the air with minimal pressure drop. Amtrol’s Air & Dirt separators combine air and dirt separation in a single device with a coalescing media for comprehensive system protection.
Q: Where should an air and dirt separator be installed?
A: For optimal performance, air and dirt elimination is typically installed at the point of no pressure change along with the expansion tank. This is also commonly the supply of the boiler, the hottest water, where air is most easily removed.
Q: Does an air separator or air and dirt separator require maintenance?
A: Air elimination occurs automatically through an automatic air vent. Air and dirt separators are equipped with a blow down fitting where accumulated debris should be flushed according to the system maintenance schedule.
BUFFER & THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE TANKS
Q: What is the purpose of a buffer tank?
A: A buffer tank adds water volume to a hydronic system, increasing system thermal mass. This reduces short cycling, improves temperature stability, and helps equipment operate more efficiently.
Q: Can buffer tanks be used for thermal energy storage?
A: Yes! Amtrol provides a wide range of available thermal energy solutions.
LINK TO MORE INFO ON THERMAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS FOR CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
Q: Why are thermal energy storage tanks used in mission critical facilities?
A: Mission critical facilities such as hospitals, data centers, laboratories, and industrial plants depend on uninterrupted heating or cooling. Thermal storage tanks provide additional system capacity, improve temperature stability during load fluctuations, and help maintain continuous operation during equipment transitions or temporary outages.
Q: When is a buffer tank recommended?
A: Buffer tanks are commonly used with low-mass boilers, heat pumps, and systems with highly variable loads where equipment would otherwise cycle frequently.
Q: Can I customize a buffer or TES tank to fit my needs?
A: Yes! Amtrol offers a wide range of customized options with our wide range of capabilities. Inquire with your local sales representative for more information.
FIRE PROTECTION
Q: Why is an expansion tank used in a fire sprinkler system?
A: Water based fire suppression systems may experience temperature increases due to ambient environmental factors. An expansion tank will absorb the thermal expansion created by the closed system water to prevent relief valve discharge or excessive system pressure.
Q: Are the Fire-X-Trol and Surge-Trol compatible with the latest antifreeze mixes.
A: Yes! Both Fire-X-Trol and Surge-Trol are compatible with NFPA approved antifreeze solutions.
Q: Can I use a standard expansion tank in my fire system instead?
A: Our Fire-X-Trol and Surge-Trol products carry a UL and FM certification in addition to ASME to ensure compliance with the latest fire suppression codes and regulations.
Q: Why do I need a Surge tank?
A: A surge tank is required to absorb the pressure wave generated when a high flow fire pump is activated. Without proper surge mitigation equipment, the pressure surge could compromise downstream piping in an emergency.
Q: Can Surge-Trol tanks be used for water hammer as well as surge?
A: Yes! Please refer to our sizing guide to select the appropriate size for water hammer solutions. SURGE-TROL PRODUCT PAGE