How To: Check and Repair Leaks at the Bottom System Connection of an Expansion Tank

Expansion tanks sometimes develop air, liquid, or weeping water leaks at the bottom system connection (BSC). The BSC is a bulkhead fitting the goes through the tank bladder and compresses the bladder to the bottom tank head with the tightening of a jam or lock nut. The locknut is the sealing force between the tank head and the internal bulkhead threaded connection.

The elbow is tightened to the NPT threads of the diffuser. If there is torque created by piping into the elbow, this can cause misalignment and a subsequent air or water leak. To test the tank, first remove the potential torque.

1. Isolate tank from system.
2. Drain water from bladder (ideally there is a drain between the shutoff and the tank.)
3. Break the union to the tank (again, ideally between shut off and tank).
4. Charge air pressure to required pre-charge.
5. Apply soapy solution on lock nut. Tighten until there are no air bubbles.
6. Place piping into union to reintroduce torque (if there was any to begin with).
7. Apply soapy solution to lock nut again. Tighten until there are no air bubbles.
8. Service tank back into operation.

The tightening of the lock nut is in a normal clockwise manner that draws the diffuser down to compress the bladder. The elbow is then threaded to the NPT threads of the diffuser. If the elbow and diffuser spin freely, it has the same effect as loosening up the lock nut. This loosening will result in loss of air charge. The lock nut will require retightening to 60-70 ft-lbs. to re-establish the seal.

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Remembering Douglas Fritts

On behalf of Wessels Company, we regret to announce the sudden passing of our friend and colleague Douglas H. Fritts. Our deepest condolences and sympathy go out to his family and to everyone who had the opportunity to know and work with Doug. As a design engineer and draftsman, he helped shape our core products and was often the first one in the office, but never the first one out. He is survived by his four children, Christian (18), Joseph (14), Jake (9), and Carter (7), whom he loved. Doug was a source of energy and inspiration and will be deeply missed.

Jim Fuller, President, remembers Doug as “an inspiration to us all with his unparalleled work ethic, dependability, and productivity. He had a great sense of humor that helped greatly with the morale of the office. His passion for his children demonstrated his boundless family values. He also had a creative hobby selling and gifting handmade survival items. His presence at Wessels will be truly missed.”

Doug’s supervisor and Director of Engineering and Quality, Aaron Johannigman, recalls, “Doug has always been a team player and very dedicated to his work. He was always very creative with paracord, making all kinds of things from spinners to tackle equipment, hunting equipment, and personal defense items, and he took pride in his creations. He was a great guy and will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.”

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, from 10am-12pm and Mass at 12pm at St. Cecilia Church located at 334 15th Street SW, DeMotte, IN with Father Michael McKinney officiating. In Lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the family to help with his children.

For more information about how you can provide support, please visit:
Frazier Funeral Home Douglas Fritts Memorial

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How To: Punch an Expansion Tank Bladder Hole

Wessels Company offers replacement bladders for our line of removable bladder expansion tanks. The butyl bladders come with a standard hole in the bottom of the bladder, but sometimes a larger-sized hole is recommended for optimal installation.

Wessels manually punches bladder holes to the correct size. However, if a bladder you receive needs modification, you can follow these easy steps to correctly expand the connection opening. The size of the hole will depend on the size of the tank.

Tank Size:                                          Hole for connection:
85 – 130 liters                                    1 inch
200-400 liters                                    1 ½ inch
400+ liters                                         2 inch

Be sure to carefully remove the bottom system connection and use the inside lip to trace a hole centered around the pre-punched hole at the base of the bladder.

The hole can be expanded with either a leather punch or carefully cut with a pair of very sharp shears (gardening shears will work). If using shears, cut along the traced line from the previous step.

WARNING: If the bladder tears or is not cut based on the interior lip of the bottom system connection, the connection will be unable to seal and the bladder will not work properly.

If using a leather punch, make sure it is the correct diameter. Once the correct punch is secured, place a piece of wood large enough to cover the entire hole into the bladder. Place the pre-punched hole over the wood and center the leather punch on top of the bladder hole. Strike the handle of the punch with a mallet until the metal of the leather punch punctures the wood and cuts cleanly through the butyl.

Once the hole is cut, replace the bottom connection, and replace the bladder.

For instructions on replacing a bladder, watch the Step-by-Step Guide Video on Youtube or reference the installation manual.

Please contact the warehouse at 317-888-9800 for more technical information on bladders or hole punching.

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May Employee Spotlight Noah Barrow

We are happy to welcome the newest member of the Wessels Company family, Noah Barrow.  Noah became Purchasing Manager in April of 2023.  Noah attended Indiana University and is a life-long Indiana Pacers fan.  He also played in a band and taught English in Japan for 5 years.  Noah enjoys singing, playing guitar, shooting 3-pointers, traveling, and exploring new places in his spare time.  We are incredibly happy to welcome Noah to Wessels.

Noah fast facts:
Favorite color: Blue
Favorite food: Pizza & Long’s donuts
Likes: Playing guitar and hiking
Roots for the Indiana Pacers

Noah Barrow
Purchasing Manager
(317) 888-9800 ext.
[email protected]

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Pricing Correction for 2023 List Price Book

March 2023

Wessels Company
101 Tank Street
Greenwood, IN 46143

Subject: PRICING CORRECTION

Dear Customer,

In the January 2023 print version of Wessels Company’s List Price Book, an error incorrectly listed the prices of the FX100V and FX200V. The correct pricing should be:

FX100V: $1,006.00
FX200V: $1,555.00

We apologize for any inconvenience. For the most up-to-date pricing, lead times, new products, and discounts, please visit www.wesselsvessels.com.

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Wessels Condensate Neutralizer

Wessels Condensate Neutralizers (WCN) neutralize condensate issued by modulating condensing gas heating devices. A rigid pipe links the heating device to the WCN unit to treat the condensate. The media in the unit neutralizes the condensate pH to make it safe for building components and the environment. WCN units can contain up to three media bags to suit different heating device capacities and treatment condensate volumes. Media bags have a label to mark the installation date. Up to 3 WCN-2 units can be combined with connectors.

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Employee Spotlight: Rem Mawi

Please welcome one of the newest smiling faces at Wessels Company: Rem Mawi (pronounced M-oy). Mawi joined the Accounts Payable department in September 2022. Her favorite part of the job is organizing. Mawi likes teaching, sports, cars, and fashion. Her hobbies include cooking, singing, drawing, and sewing. She is a polyglot fluent in 3 different languages: English, Burmese, and Hakha. Mawi is a soccer fan and during soccer season she can be found rooting for Manchester United. We are very happy to welcome Mawi to the Wessels family.

Mawi Fast Facts:
Preferred name: Mawi
Favorite food: Asian cuisine
Likes: Sports, cars, and fashion

Rem Mawi
Accountants Payable
e-mail: [email protected]
phone: 317-888-9800 ext. 1014

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Press Release: New All-in-One Multi-Purpose Tank Series

PRESS RELEASE

February 2023
Contact: Rebecca Bennett- Marketing Coordinator
[email protected]
317-888-9800
For Immediate Release

Wessels Announces New All-in-One Multi-Purpose Tank Series

GREENWOOD, IND. – Wessels Company has brought to market the new WMT Series multi-purpose tank. This all-in-one tank can be used as a primary/secondary hydraulic separator, air and dirt eliminator, and buffer storage for either hot or chilled water systems.

The innovative design incorporates a buffer volume that slows fluid velocity resulting in superior air elimination. Air and dirt elimination efficiency are also greatly increased with the introduction of the highly customizable WesPro Super Filter Baffle System, a patented coalescing media available in eight different internal configurations.

Inlet and outlet ports can be manufactured anywhere between 90° and 180° apart, depending on need, with flanged, NPT, or grooved connections available. Wessels has upped the ante by also offering several optional upgrades. Along with new spray-on insulation, jacketed WesFoam insulation, or air vent trim package, the WMT differentiates itself from other multi-purpose tanks by being compatible with the Wessels WesMag magnetic filtration system. With WesMag, ferrous particulate can be caught and removed, increasing the life of system components.

A new brochure and easy-to-use all-in-one submittal for the new WMT can be found online.

For more information, pricing, and availability, call 317-888-9800 or visit the WMT product page. Coming to wesselsvessels.com soon.

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