Thermal Oil Expansion Tank Design

When selecting an expansion tank the system volume including the initial fill of the expansion tank the operating temperature and the fluid s coefficient of thermal expansion should all be considered.

Thermal oil expansion tank design.

A preferred design for an expansion tank is one with a double drop leg arrangement where the diameter of the drop leg piping is as close to the same size as the return header as possible. Because thermal oils expand at different rates the expansion tank capacity always should be verified against the oil properties prior to. It also helps in removal of moisture and non condensables during start up. The properly sized expansion tank should be approximately 1 4 full at startup temperatures and 3 4 full at operating temperatures as the thermal system is brought up to operating temperature the straight leg design allows the expanded thermal fluid to enter directly into the bottom of the main expansion tank by means of a small diameter pipe.

Because most thermal fluid heating systems are closed loop systems. Perform maintenance operations with the fluid at temperatures below 60 c. Important system design principles like this often are overlooked. Replace mechanical pump seals and gaskets only if leaks are detected.

This article will show how to do sizing of an expansion tank. Expansion tanks are intended to be used in closed circuits of water or other fluids to allow for their expansion following a temperature increase in the heating fluid. This design allows for full fluid flow through the expansion tank during start ups and during times when moisture or low boilers must be vented from the system. The design should also ensure that the temperature in the expansion tank is kept below 70 c.

Instead the focus is placed on specific components like pumps valves or the heater itself. Thermal process development can provide an expansion tank degassing tank system or help design a complete new system. System components and their function the system is made up of a pump that pushes the heat transfer fluid though an insulated piping system to a heater to the processing equipment there is an expansion tank on the system to allow for the expansion of the hot oil as it gets heated up and contraction when the hot oil is cooled down. Expansion tank is provided in hot oil system to accommodate for the increased thermic fluid volume due to thermal expansion.

Design fabrication and parts thermal oil expansion tank systems are available that can include low and high boiler tanks emergency safety systems level gauges and inert nitrogen blanket kits. Correctly designed thermal fluid expansion tank systems are important to help provide the longest life for your thermal oil as well as the most. Thermal fluid expansion tanks and degassing systems are important for maintaining long oil life as well as lowering the maintenance costs on the thermal oil heater pumps and process equipment.