Buffer tank

Question

What is the function of buffer tank in a water distribution System?

Avangi · Accepted Answer

I assume it's the same as in a computer - to handle the "overflow."

Sometimes the demands on a system are too great, and sometimes they're non-existent.

If the water supply keeps coming in from the source, and there's no demand, where are you going to put it?

On the other hand, if the demand exceeds the supply, how will you satisfy it? A reservoir!

Mister Micawber · Answer

[url=http://www.heat-flo.com/Products/Buffer_Tanks/buffer_tanks.html]THIS KIND[/url]?

Avangi · Answer

MrM's reference is instructive.

Is the water in your "distribution system" consumed or recirculated?

When the purpose of the water is heat transfer, it's usually recirculated (either hot or chilled), and the tank functions as a temperature buffer, not a volume buffer, as I had suggested.

In either case, it functions to smooth out the peaks and valleys.

The reference advertises an add-on unit which will prevent "short-cycling" in systems which have been over-engineered for their purpose.

Let's say the system recirculates chilled water through a small number of plastic extruders. The system includes a refrigration unit to chill the water as the extruders heat it up. The refrigeration unit happens to be too powerful for the job it's doing, and brings the temperature back down in ten seconds. (It switches on when the temperature rises and back off when it has fallen.)

But the water system is small (contains a small amount of water) and heats back up in twenty seconds. This rapid switching on and off (short-cycling) is very inefficient, and consumes energy unnecessarily.

By adding more water to the system (the buffer tank), the water heats up and cools down more slowly, allowing the refrigeration unit to run more efficiently.

CalifJim · Answer

AnonymousWhat is the function of buffer tank in a water distribution System?

Assuming you are asking a grammar question, I see only two mistakes.

What is the function of a buffer tank in a water distribution system?

CJ

Avangi · Answer

Sorry.  <img class='emoticon' style='Width:19px;Height:19px;' data-delaysrc='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/10.gif' src='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/10.gif' alt='Emotion: embarrassed'/>

CalifJim · Answer

Not to worry!

CJ

Mister Micawber · Answer

In fact, why not?  We could start an Industrial Engineering forum.

Dimsumexpress · Answer

AnonymousWhat is the function of buffer tank in a water distribution System?

This is to me an open ended question that lead s to many interpretations. It's rather vague.

In an industrial plant, there are applications that requires chilled water. Chilled water is piped in a closed loop system to cool machinery that generates excessive heat. The heat exchanging process is done by mechanical pumps which circulate the chilled water to the load, which is the heat generated part of the plant. The heated water is returned to holding tank ( or reservoir) which may be what was referred to as "buffer tank" here. For systems that requires constant temperature control, the reservoir is equipped electronic circuit to regulate the cooling flow and heating function. So " a water distribution system " doesn't mean much without further contexts.

Avangi · Answer

dimsumexpressThis is to me an open ended question that lead s to many interpretations. It's rather vague.

That's why my first reply was also vague.

But MrM's reference made it more specific, of the type you and I then described.

We're still waiting to hear from the OP whether or not this is what he has in mind.

When you say "holding tank," it brings to mind the old fashioned cooling tower, where the "reservoir" is open to atmosphere and the cooling of the water is continuous, using only a pump and a fan. It's really an evaporative cooler, or "swamp cooler." There's no refrigeration unit involved which could "short-cycle."

Best regards, - A.

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