| abstract |
A first aspect of the invention is directed to a corrosion resistant expansion tank (100) that is divided into two sections (103,106): one that may be precharged with a fluid under pressure (for example, a gas) from a first fluid source; and the other being connected to a second fluid source, for example, the hot water source in a hot water heating system. According to this first aspect of the invention, the tank comprises a pair of molded plastic tank sections (101,104) that each integrally include the connection to one of the aforementioned fluid sources; and further include means (107) for separating the interior of the tank into the two sections referred to hereinabove. Examples of such means for separating include application specific membranes (such as diaphragms and bladders of varying types) that are impermeable to the fluids stored in the separate tank sections. Further aspects of the invention relate to apparatus for securing the means for separating within a tank and to processes for cost effectively manufacturing the tanks contemplated by the aforementioned first aspect of the invention. |