Introduction

This manual targets designers, installers, end users, and maintenance technicians working with PUFFER and PUFFER S1 inertial accumulators. It stresses the importance of qualified personnel performing installation, commissioning, maintenance, and repairs in compliance with local regulations and safety standards.

Description

Application

The PUFFER inertial accumulator, constructed from carbon steel, is designed for heating systems using alternative or recovered energy sources, promoting economic savings. It is also suitable for intermittent heat generators like thermo-fireplaces and solid fuel boilers.

Operation

• Supports temperature stratification via multiple hydraulic connections at different heights.
• Separates primary and secondary hydraulic circuits, allowing expansion of energy sources or user circuits.
• The PUFFER S1 model includes a tubular coil heat exchanger that physically separates system fluid from the alternative energy source.

Construction Features

• Vertical tanks made from ST 37-2 carbon steel compliant with DIN 17100 and DIN 4753.
• Designed for heating water circuits with max operating temperature of 95°C and pressure up to 3 bar.
• Manufactured under PED Directive 97/23/EC and hydraulically tested at 1.5 times max operating pressure.

Product Range

Available in eight models with capacities from 300 to 3000 liters.

Heat Exchanger (PUFFER S1)

Features a spiral-wound carbon steel tubular coil welded to the lower tank section.

External Protection and Insulation

• Tank painted with anti-rust coating; no additional corrosion treatment needed.
• Insulation: rigid closed-cell polyurethane foam (50 mm) for smaller models (300-500 L), flexible open-cell polyurethane foam (100 mm) for larger models (800-3000 L).
• External covering is a flexible black PVC sheath.

Technical Characteristics

Construction Diagram and Connections

Includes detailed schematics for hydraulic connections, sensor ports, safety valves, air vents, and drain valves. PUFFER S1 adds solar coil supply and return connections.

Technical Data Summary

Key Data: All models operate at max 3 bar pressure and 90°C temperature. Coil max pressure is 6 bar. Thermal output ranges from 14 kW (PUFFER 300) to 56 kW (PUFFER 3000). Primary flow rates and pressure drops increase with capacity.

Dimensions

Diameter ranges from 650 mm (smallest model) to 1450 mm (largest). Heights vary from 1360 mm to 2840 mm. Connection sizes and positions are specified for proper installation.

Installation

Initial Verification

• Confirm operation within specified temperature and pressure limits.
• Ensure heat generator power matches heat exchanger requirements.

Positioning

• Install indoors, protected from weather exposure.
• Locate close to primary heat source.
• Mount on flat, stable surface capable of supporting full weight.

Connections

• Follow installation diagrams as guidelines; system designer must ensure compliance with local standards and manufacturer limits.
• Include appropriately sized expansion vessel.
• Install air vent valves at accumulator top.
• Use filters if water impurities are present.
• Ensure pumps provide adequate flow and pressure.
• Correctly position thermostat and thermometer sensors.
• Ground the accumulator.
• Insulate connecting pipes to minimize heat loss.
• For PUFFER S1, provide drain valve on solar coil return line.

Commissioning

• Must be performed by qualified personnel only.
• Fill accumulator with water respecting max pressure limits.
• Keep air vent valves open during filling to purge air.
• If antifreeze is used, it must be non-toxic and compliant with hygiene standards; consult manufacturer.
• Verify safety valve installation and calibration.
• Check for leaks and proper air vent closure.
• Confirm correct pipe connections.

Maintenance

Periodic User Checks

• Monthly visual inspection of valves, connections, and accessories for leaks or malfunctions.
• Check air vent valve for leaks.
• Contact qualified technician if anomalies occur.

Annual Maintenance

• Performed by qualified technician.
• Check air vent operation and system pressure.
• Test control and safety devices.
• Ensure discharge pipes lead directly to sewer to prevent burns or damage.
• Check for dripping safety groups indicating expansion or valve scaling issues.

Draining Procedures

• Water temperature may exceed 80°C; risk of burns.
• Connect flexible hose to drain valve and empty water into sewer.
• Open air vents to accelerate draining.
• Close valves after draining.

Coil Draining (PUFFER S1)

• Drain coil via dedicated drain valve on solar circuit.
• Open air vent on solar circuit to facilitate draining.
• Close valves after completion.

Additional Notes

Space reserved for further remarks or instructions.

Document Information

Origin: Pana, Faenza (RA), Italy. Contact: Tel. 0546 646144, Fax 0546 646150, Email: [email protected], Website: http://www.acv.com.

Version: 01 dated 26 May 2009; initial release 00 on 2 December 2008. No further revisions noted.