Cold Water Accumulator Improving Water Pressure

Altecnic offer a complete range of expansion vessels to meet therequirements of most heating systems and for use with potable water.The expansion vessels are manufactured to meet the requirements ofPED 97/23/EC Directive and BS EN 13831:2007 ‘Closed expansion vessels with built in diaphragm for installation in water’.DesignDeep drawn steel shell for increased strength and durability.The vessel is fabricated by MIG welding, eliminating interior roughspots and sharp edges, which helps prevent damage to the diaphragm.Pre-pressurised air chamber with butyl rubber diaphragm.The internal surfaces of the vessel are epoxy coated, to help preventbacterial growth and corrosion.Epoxy coated in blue except for the 2 litre vessel which is coated in grey.Suitable for temperatures up to 99°C, resistant to ethylene or propyleneglycol mixtures and has low gas permeability.Altecnic expansion vessels are all tested according to the PressureSystems Directive.

How a cold water accumulater WorksIn a closed hot water circuit, the water cannot be compressed so anyincrease in volume, created by an increase in temperature, has to beaccommodated by an expansion vessel.When water is cold, the pre-charge pressure forces the membrane sackto collapse until the pump is started when the sack starts to inflate.As the temperature in the system increases, with the associatedincrease in pressure and volume, the expanded water enters the sackcreating additional volume and lowering the pressure.When the temperature decreases, the pre-charge pressure forces thewater from the sack and back into the main water circuit.

One solution is to install a Cold Water Accumulator to increase water pressure. A cold water accumulator operates by initially filling the tank through a ball float valve and then pumping water through the taps and showers at a greater pressure. The range of Altecnic Ultra Pro portable water expansion vessels incorporate a fully interchangable membrane and stainless flange inside a welded steel shell. Vessels are available in 24 to 1000 litre capacity, and are available in both vertical and horizontal models. They are suitable for use with both drinking water and heating applications.

WRAS Approved Products The Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) Approval demonstrates that a particular product is compliant with Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations or Scottish Byelaws. These regulations require that a water fitting should not cause waste, misuse, undue consumption or contamination of the water supply and must be 'of an appropriate quality and standard'.