Q: I have a project in which I propose to use a hot water storage cylinder heated by an immersion heater. Do your cylinders come with an immersion heater already fitted or does this have to be bought and installed separately?
 
  A: Our advanced product ranges Tornado, Tempest and Thermal Stores are supplied with the appropriate type of immersion heater. We do not supply immersion heaters with standard domestic vented cylinders.
 
Q: We need to provide an eco homes assessment and need to know if your products are insulated using zero depleting substances (ODP) and have a global warming potential (GWP) of less than 5?
 
  A: All our insulating products have been ODP since late 2004 and they have a GWP index of less than 5.
 
Q: I look after a large block of flats where your cylinders are installed. Under the insurance recommendations each resident needs to have these serviced, do you have any recommendations as to where we can get this arranged?
 
  A: Building Regulations require that unvented (mains pressure) cylinders be fitted by a ‘competent’ person i.e. someone who holds a recognised certificate in the installation and maintenance of unvented (mains pressure) cylinders.

Aside from the effect on the warranty installation by a non competent person can lead to problems with the safe and efficient running of the cylinder.

It is also a requirement that the cylinder be serviced annually.

Try our direct link to the Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineers website where you will be able to search for a suitably qualified plumber in your area.
 
Q: What is the difference between a Tornado and a Tempest?
 
  A: The Tornado and Tempest cylinders have the same performance and efficiency characteristics and share the same stainless steel cylinder body. The Tornado is supplied with the expansion vessel fitted and the whole assembly encased in a white mild steel outer. The Tempest is supplied with the expansion vessel loose for on-site fitting and the main unit is shorter than the equivalent capacity Tornado.
 
Q: What grade of cylinder do I need?
 
  A: There are three ‘Grades’ of vented cylinder G1, G2, G3 all are built to the same manufacturing standard, the principle difference between the three grades is the gauge of the copper sheet used. To determine the grade required measure the distance from the waterline in the header (or feed and expansion) tank serving the cylinder and the base of the cylinder. This measurement is known as the ‘working head’ and determines the grade of cylinder to be used.

Grade 1 for a working head of up to 25 metres (2.5bar pressure)
Grade 2 for a working head of up to 15 metres (1.5 bar pressure)
Grade 3 for a working head of up to 10 metres (1.0 bar pressure)
 
Q: What is the difference between vented and unvented cylinders?
 
  A: A vented cylinder is serviced from a feed and expansion tank typically sited in the roof space above the cylinder. As water is drawn from the cylinder it is replaced by water from the F&E tank. When the water in the cylinder is heated it expands and this expansion is taken up and into the F&E tank.

An unvented cylinder is typically fed from the cold mains. On unvented cylinders the dynamics of expansion and contraction of the water as it heats and cools are controlled by an expansion vessel fitted to the cylinder. Unvented cylinders are designed to work with hot water under pressure and are subject to Building Regulations governing the installation and maintenance of the cylinder.
 
Q: What is the difference between a thermal store and other cylinders?
 
  A: The traditional hot water cylinder, that most of us are familiar with, uses an energy source to heat the water in the cylinder which is drawn off to feed the hot water taps and appliances. In a Thermal store the body of water in the cylinder is heated in a similar fashion but instead of the store water being used, cold water from the mains supply is passed through a coil in the cylinder. Heat from the store is transferred to the water as passes through the coil. The water from the coil is then cooled to a safe useable temperature by blending with cold water before being supplied to the hot water taps and appliances in the system.

The principle advantage of a Thermal store is the provision of hot water at mains pressure without using a mains pressure cylinder to a maximum of 3 bar.

Thermal stores are increasingly the cylinder of choice in flats and small apartments.

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