buffer tank rusting
Last Post 01 Jun 2021 05:15 PM by sailawayrb. 5 Replies.
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pp270User is Offline
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29 May 2021 04:28 PM
Will a buffer tank used with radiant heating that has glycol in the system ever rust? My current tank is 8 yrs old. I plan to check the anodes
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31 May 2021 12:07 AM
Yes, but quality of water and tank material will determine how bad this situation will be. Any ferrous material in hydronic system will corrode/rust relatively quickly if PEX without O2 barrier was used.
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31 May 2021 12:41 AM
The tank isn't rusting yet and Pex with O2 barrier was used. Glycol is used in the system not water. Would glycol alone eventually rust the tank?
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31 May 2021 10:14 PM
You can't run 100% glycol, so some water is always used. And you can only use propylene glycol NOT ethylene glycol. Glycol significantly reduces heat transfer and significantly increases pumping requirements so it is best not to use any glycol unless you have a PEX freezing risk that can't be mitigated by other means. BTW, if the system is designed properly, you shouldn't need a buffer tank either.
Borst Engineering & Construction LLC - Competence, Integrity and Professionalism are integral to all that we do!
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01 Jun 2021 12:54 AM
Would glycol with some % mix of water eventually rust the buffer tank. This is the main question I am trying to get addressed.
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01 Jun 2021 05:15 PM
Yes, if the buffer tank is steel, it will eventually corrode/rust and fail...with only water or with water/glycol mix. How long that will take depends on the quality of the water and on the wall thickness of steel buffer tank. No, if the buffer tank is stainless steel.
Borst Engineering & Construction LLC - Competence, Integrity and Professionalism are integral to all that we do!
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