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Sizing A Glycol Expansion Tank 3

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tkudie

Mechanical
Nov 10, 2004
3
Hi! I just completed my college career this past spring, and have found myself in the refrigeration field with still much to learn. I'm working on sizing an expansion tank for a glycol/steam heater system. I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around the volumetric coefficient of thermal expansion. I know that charge on the system as well as the max and min temperatures and the densities at these temps, but I'm limited at the moment when it comes to trusted references. Any suggestions or helpful hints?

Thanks!

tkudie
 
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Most manufacturers will have application information for their products, and many have literature/software to help designers and installers. Bell & Gossett have some good on-line info on systems & equipment like this at
 
tkudie:

TBP has furnished you the practical, real-life solution for your dilemma - particularly if you're applying the system components, rather than designing them.

A Glycol solution, like any process coolent, will expand and contract on heating/cooling applications. An expansion tank - like the one on your auto's radiator system - will compensate for the stresses built up during the heat/cool cycle. The actual size of the expansion tank is determined empirically, with field experience and according to the application. That is why referring to an established and authoritative supplier (like Bell&Gossett) is the practical way to go. Be sure to explain and supply all your application's basic data to them, so they can furnish the best, reliable design. The accuracy, quality, and success of the response from the suppliers is directly dependent on the quantity and quality of the basic data you furnish them.

Art Montemayor
Spring, TX
 
Make sure you use the correct glycol propertries. It will require a larger expansion tank than if it were for water.
 
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