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Sizing of Expansion Tank for Hot Oil System

I want to share my experience about sizing of expansion tank especially for thermal oil heater. It is quite simple actually. I will give you an example.

Function of Expansion Tank

The functions of expansion tank are:

  • Serves as the safe outlet for the increase in thermal fluid volume due to thermal expansion
  • Provides a mechanism for venting water, incondensibles, degradation by products and entrained air during start-up and operation

Sizing Expansion Tank

Hot oil system with expansion tank
http://www.thermal-fluid-system.com/Custom-Hot-Oil-System-p164.html

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. Because thermal oils expand at different rates, the expansion tank capacity always should be verified against the oil properties prior to filling the system. Read More