Everything you need to know about pressure maintenance
A stable pressure is essential for the proper functioning of your heating or cooling system. But how do you ensure that the pressure remains within safe limits? And which type of pressure maintenance is best for your installation? Here we answer the most important questions.
A stable pressure in your installation prevents malfunctions, extends the lifespan, and keeps your installation in top shape.
Why is pressure maintenance important?
Pressure fluctuations in an HVAC system can lead to air entrapment, corrosion, and damage to key components. This reduces efficiency, increases maintenance costs and can even cause malfunctions. With a good pressure maintenance system, you can prevent these problems and ensure reliable operation of your installation.
How do you recognize a too low or too high pressure?
A well-sealed heating or cooling system keeps its pressure stable. If you need to refill regularly to maintain the minimum and maximum pressure desired for the installation, it is a clear signal that something is leaking somewhere, and it does not always have to be visible. It could be a leaking pipe, a faulty expansion vessel, or a safety valve that discharges water.
If the pressure is too high, the installation can leak through the overflow valve, or you can hear hissing from the pipes. In both cases, it is important to take action. Too high a pressure increases the risk of malfunctions and damage to your system.
How to choose the right pressure maintenance system?
The type and size of pressure maintenance system is determined based on, among other things:
- The size and complexity of your system
- The system volume
- The installed capacity
- Temperatures
- Prevailing pressures
Smaller systems often need an expansion vessel with a preset pressure, while larger and more complex installations function better with an automatic expansion unit.
What options are there for pressure maintenance in your installation?
(Passive) pressure maintenance with expansion vessels
Expansion vessels are designed to absorb pressure fluctuations caused by temperature changes in the system water. They consist of two chambers, separated by a membrane: one filled with system water and the other with gas at a preset pressure. When heated, the water expands and the membrane is compressed, keeping the pressure within safe limits.
Our SpiroExpand expansion vessels are equipped with a pocket membrane, which prevents the system water from coming into contact with the inner wall of the vessel and thus minimises corrosion. They are suitable for smaller and simpler installations where pressure changes are limited.
(Active) pressure maintenance with expansion units
Automatic expansion units actively and automatically regulate the system pressure. They continuously monitor and regulate the pressure and prevent pressure fluctuations in the system. For larger and more complex systems with significant pressure differences, expansion units are a suitable choice.
These pressure maintenance systems continuously monitor and control system pressure and degas* the make-up water before it is introduced into the system. This ensures stable pressure and prevents air containment and corrosion.
Our SpiroExpand Pressurisation units offer solutions for various systems, from compact models to modular, versatile machines.
Automatic pressure maintenance systems are ideal for larger installations: optimal pressure maintenance, minimum space, maximum cost savings.
* Optimal degassing with a vacuum degasser or microbubble deaerator
Taking into account the VDI4708 and VDI2035 guidelines, Spirotech recommends the use of a separate microbubble deaerator or vacuum degasser to ensure optimal degassing of heating and cooling systems.
Our range of vacuum degassers Our range of microbubble deaerator