The report is responsible for showing the pressure retaining materials that go into making the pressure vessel up to the code’s standard. The document is the official record that certifies that the vessel was tested and meets ASME code requirements. The vessels are only certified if they pass the testing done by a third party.

The third-party inspector is an Authorized Inspector, or “A.I.”. Wessels has an A.I. on the premises between 40 to 50 hours each week to inspect and test ASME compliant vessels. Wessels also has a Quality Control specialist on site during the testing. If manufactured together on the same day, tanks of the same model may go on the same data report, but different models are put on different reports.

If you would like to request a data report on a vessel you are purchasing or have purchased, you can request the document from our customer service department at 317-888-9800. Because each tank built to ASME code has a data report, Wessels does not charge a fee for the documents. However, if someone from your project team requests to be on site during testing and documentation, please be aware there is a fee to arrange. If you have further questions about data reports or the ASME code stamp, you can contact us on our website at www.westank.com or 317-888-9800.

The post How To: Request Data Reports for Certified Vessels first appeared on Wessels Company.

Begin by isolating the expansion tank from the system.  Remove valve cap and unscrew the valve core to release the air charge and then carefully lay the tank on its side to drain water out.

Next, remove the elbow connector at the base of the tank and remove jam nut.  Push the bottom system connection into the tank.  Remove the top cover from the tank and pull the bladder out. Be sure to save the jam nut and system connection as they are not a part of the bladder replacement package.

Clean the bottom system connection.  Then inspect the bladder to make sure there are no sharp edges from the connection that can cut you or the bladder.

Inspect the inside of the tank for moisture, debris, or sharp edges.  Any sharp edges should be ground smooth or touched up with sand paper.  This will prevent the new bladder from rupturing by rubbing up against them.

Remove the new bladder from the box and inspect it for tears or holes before installing it into the tank.  Drop the bottom system connection into the bladder and insert into the bottom opening.

Carefully set the tank upright.  Lay out the new bladder and roll it vertically to allow the entire bladder to fit into to hole in the top of the tank and guide the bladder inside.

Pull the bottom system connection through and screw the jam nut on the bottom. Return the tank to its side to allow for easier installation of the bladder. Tighten the jam nut with a pipe wrench to a hand tightened strength plus ¾ of another turn.

Wrap the bottom system connector with Teflon tape, apply pipe sealant and attach the elbow connector to the bottom system connector.  Before putting the top cover back on, make sure the bladder is seated inside the tank properly and is not twisted.

Re-attach the top cover evenly, tightening bolts in a star pattern. If using an impact gun to tighten, use 50 – 60 lbs. of pressure on your settings.  Stand the tank back up, secure the valve core, and pre-charge tank to minimum system pressure.

Your new bladder is now installed, and the expansion tank is ready to be introduced back into the system.  Make sure you check the pressure 24 hours after installation to ensure pressure is holding.  After that, check the pressure every 6 – 12 months.  Under normal application, the unit should not lose more than 1 lb. per year at most.

If you have any questions about the bladder, tank, or installation, please call the Wessels Company office at 317-888-9800.

Wessels also has a handy youtube video which breaks down the process in easy to follow steps:

The post How To: Bladder Replacement for Wessels Expansion Tanks first appeared on Wessels Company.

There are many reasons to upgrade from a plain steel compression tank to a newer bladder diaphragm tank. The main benefit is to reduce maintenance in a typical HVAC system. Compression tanks are prone to waterlogging, which causes loss of pressure control in the system. Unlike a compression tank, bladder diaphragm tanks separate the air from the water, so they cannot become waterlogged. Bladder tanks are also space-saving because they are typically smaller in size.

Wessels often fields questions about how to convert compression to bladder tanks, so we’ve developed several easy tools. Our free tank sizing software can do the work for you. However, for a deeper understanding of the math involved, we recommend following along below to find the formula and charts that will help you determine what size and kind of bladder diaphragm tank is the best replacement for you.

The basic formula simplifies to this:

Now let’s see how we get there and what it means.

Installing a new bladder diaphragm tank can improve the overall function of your HVAC system and greatly reduce maintenance. The conversion formula and charts below will help ensure you get the most out of your system.

Want to skip the math? Simply click the “Size Your Tank Now” button on our website, or download the app to your phone, and use the free compression conversion tool now:

Download from the iOS App Store

Download from the Android Marketplace

Still have questions? Be sure to check out our FAQ or contact us directly via Live Chat or by calling our offices at 317-888-9800

The post How To: Convert Steel Compression to Bladder Diaphragm Tanks first appeared on Wessels Company.