Fulton Vertical Electric (FT-N) Thermal Fluid (hot oil) Heater - Manual (Page 23)

Fulton Thermal Corp.*Electric Thermal Fluid Heaters Manual* Version 2010-0423
Page 23
8. Combination Expansion/Deaerator/Thermal Buffer Tank
a) Fulton Thermal’s efficient design combines the operation of the expansion, deaerator,
and thermal buffer tanks. Installation is considerably simplified by virtue of this
arrangement.
b) Expansion Section
1. The expansion section is vital to the thermal fluid system. From ambient
to operating temperature, the thermal fluid in the system will typically
expand in the range of 30%, and a vessel capable of handling this
expansion is mandatory. The customer should confirm the expansion
rate of the chosen fluid and system volume.
c) Deaerator Section
1. At start up the primary purpose of the deaerator section is to remove all
volatiles from the system to avoid pump cavitation. The deaerator section
also allows oxygen to be vented from the system on a continuous basis
during operation to avoid oxidation of the thermal fluid, and removes
other volatile particles generated by the fluid itself during system
operation. This section of the tank must be insulated.
d) Thermal Buffer Section
1. A system of interconnecting pipe work in the thermal buffer tank section
prevents the movement of any oil that has not cooled sufficiently into the
expansion section. This avoids contact of very high thermal fluid
temperature with oxygen contained in the atmosphere, which causes
fluid breakdown. DO NOT insulate this section.
e) Sizing The Tank For The System
1. Expansion tank capacity is the total volume of the tank. It is necessary to
have some air space available at the top of the tank to avoid spillage or