NoJo
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- May 19, 2002
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Duller Thread
How to repair a damaged separating diaphragm in a combination boiler
The vessel has a flexible neopren (synthetic rub-ber)
diaphragm inside separating the water and Nitrogen.
The nitrogen
is pre charged at about 0.7 to 1 bar is on one
side of the vessel. When the water in the system
is heated it will expand and the diaphragm is
forced out of shape into pressurized part of the
vessel to accommodate the increased volume of
water.
Measure and check with manufacture's instructions
the pressure in the vessel at its nipple using the pressure
gauge.
To measure the vessel pressure, first isolate the boiler
by closing the flow and return valves at the boiler. Drain
it by the pressure relief valve. Then fit a suitable gauge to
the nipple at the vessel. It should read between 0.5 to 1
bar depending on maker's instructions. A car foot pump
and gauge can be used if it needs to be re-pressurised.
You must make sure the pressure on the boiler
gauge is steady when the system is finally warmed up. It
must be between 1 and 1.75 bar on the gauge.
If the pressure loss becomes very frequent it indicates the
diaphragm is damaged. The vessel need to be changed. It
may be possible to find a replacement for the nipple
valve.
How to repair a damaged separating diaphragm in a combination boiler
The vessel has a flexible neopren (synthetic rub-ber)
diaphragm inside separating the water and Nitrogen.
The nitrogen
is pre charged at about 0.7 to 1 bar is on one
side of the vessel. When the water in the system
is heated it will expand and the diaphragm is
forced out of shape into pressurized part of the
vessel to accommodate the increased volume of
water.
Measure and check with manufacture's instructions
the pressure in the vessel at its nipple using the pressure
gauge.
To measure the vessel pressure, first isolate the boiler
by closing the flow and return valves at the boiler. Drain
it by the pressure relief valve. Then fit a suitable gauge to
the nipple at the vessel. It should read between 0.5 to 1
bar depending on maker's instructions. A car foot pump
and gauge can be used if it needs to be re-pressurised.
You must make sure the pressure on the boiler
gauge is steady when the system is finally warmed up. It
must be between 1 and 1.75 bar on the gauge.
If the pressure loss becomes very frequent it indicates the
diaphragm is damaged. The vessel need to be changed. It
may be possible to find a replacement for the nipple
valve.
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