Calorifier vibrating occasionally (Triggering PRV) when heating water and pump runs

[wiltshirewonderer]

Hi

 

I've got a boat that was fitted out just over a year ago. I've got a calorifier with a 3 bar PRV but no non-return value or expansion tank. This is fed by a 30psi pump with an accumulator in line shortly after it. Everything has been working fine until now.

 

We've just started noticing occasional vibrations when heating water in our calorifier. The whole immersion tank vibrates and triggers the PRV every 30ish minutes or when the pump runs (refilling the accumulator).

 

I've got a non-return valve and expansion tank on order (Having read up on best practice) but I'm assuming that this wont fix the problem as it was working fine before.

 

Any suggestions on next course of action?

 

Thanks

Andy

[by'eck]

Could it be the seat of the PRV needs cleaning due to limscale build-up. I understand they benefit from regular manual exercise (twisting).

[nb Innisfree]

When our 26psi pump suffered frost damage I replaced it with a higher pressure one but on start up it would actuate our 3 bar PRV, it would oscillate quite rapidly and noisily. Cured it by replacing pump with a 26 psi job. We have an accumulator but no NRV.

[wiltshirewonderer]

Could it be the seat of the PRV needs cleaning due to limscale build-up. I understand they benefit from regular manual exercise (twisting).

 

Thank for the suggestion. I had given it a couple of twists but I'll give it a more thorough workout.

[smileypete]

If the accumulator is pressurised correctly it may help a little in the meantime.

 

This has been covered by a few topics in the past, failing that just ask if some help is needed:

 

http://www.canalworld.net/forums/index.php?app=core&module=search&do=search&fromMainBar=1

 

cheers, Pete.

~smpt~

Edited March 1, 2015 by smileypete

[wiltshirewonderer]

If the accumulator is pressurised correctly it may help a little in the meantime.

 

This has been covered by a few topics in the past, failing that just ask if some help is needed:

 

http://www.canalworld.net/forums/index.php?app=core&module=search&do=search&fromMainBar=1

 

cheers, Pete.

~smpt~

 

I had made the rookie mistake of searching for 'Calorifier' instead of 'Colarifier' . Found an article here which I think is what you are referring to?

 

http://www.canalworld.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=73145&hl=accumulator#entry1487556

 

Pressure gauge on order.

 

[by'eck]

 

 

I had made the rookie mistake of searching for 'Calorifier' instead of 'Colarifier' . Found an article here which I think is what you are referring to?

 

http://www.canalworld.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=73145&hl=accumulator#entry1487556

 

Pressure gauge on order.

 

 

 

You had it right first time - others including the link have it wrong - think calories

[David Mack]

You'll get a few more hits if you search for 'cauliflower'.

Edited March 2, 2015 by David Mack