Armstrong has launched a new generation of expansion system which
builds on the success of its Armex range. In addition to managing
expansion and contraction of heating and cooling system water, and
providing automatic water make-up, the new Armex II also offers
dissolved gas deaeration within the same self-contained system.
The Armex II Series of high volume pressurisation and degassing
systems has major advantages for sealed heating and chilled water
applications. One key benefit is that system requirements can be met
with a much smaller, safer vessel.
The space-saving advantages arise from the Armex II tank design,
which accepts a greater volume for fluid expansion in comparison to
traditional tanks. Incorporating a specially-designed receptacle
instead of a fixed air-cushion vessel, Armex II has acceptance
levels approaching 90%. It also has the advantage of operating at
atmospheric pressure. As no pressure is exerted on the external
vessel wall, the system is far safer and exempts the product from
the statutory health and safety regimes, and resulting costs of
maintenance, necessary where pressurised vessels are in use. It also
means that hydronic system components can be of a lower pressure
rating.
The Armex II’s transfer/control pumping package manages the movement
of water between the sealed heating or chilled water system and the
Armex II receptacle, introducing make-up water automatically as
required. As the package is microprocessor controlled, it can be
used for a wide range of temperatures, pressures, transfer volumes
and variations in code regulations and installation practices.
System monitoring and diagnostics are available with a BMS interface
or remote communication module.
The Armex II controller also manages the deaeration feature of the
system. Water expands from the pressurised heating or cooling
circuit into the sealed rubber membrane in the vessel where it is
stored at atmospheric pressure as liquid. Dissolved gases come out
of solution and are allowed to leave the vessel via the air release
valve. The Armex II controller is programmed to pass adjustable
volumes of water out of the pressurised heating/cooling circuit into
the vessel on a timed basis. In this way the system is kept
continually deaerated.
The effectively gas-free operation made possible by the Armex II has
numerous benefits over alternate solutions. There is no need for
time-consuming bleeding of air from decentralized vent points. Full
thermal output is maintained. The need for mechanical air separators
is eliminated, and pumps are protected against air and cavitation.
Heat transfer is also improved as bubbles do not form on the hot
boiler heating surfaces, and the system offers quieter operation for
building occupants.
The Armex II Series of high volume pressurisation and degassing
systems is available with expansion vessels between 200 and 5,000
litres in volume. For greater expansion requirements, multiple
receptacles are integrated together and managed from a single
control unit.
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