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Rather than just say things like "really" and "clueless" it would be more helpful if you could explain why you think that.
The reason an expansion vessel is not a safety feature in the event of a thermostat failure and the boiler starts producing steam is that it cannot prevent the build up of pressure in the system. The pressure in the system is a function of the temperature of the water only and not the volume, this is basic first year undergraduate stuff. The expansion vessel makes no difference at all to the pressure of steam above superheated water.
True, without an expansion vessel and in the case of a failed blow off valve but functioning thermostat, it is possible that the pressure in the system in the absence of an expansion vessel could become sufficient to rupture a component, but no explosion would ensue because the water is not superheated. It might be argued that leaking water is a safety issue in the presence of electrical components. But not in the sense that Dan suggested, i.e. an explosion.
The primary safety feature is always the blow off valve, if this is faulty, then the system presents a risk and the expansion vessel cannot be relied upon to keep the system safe.
The reason an expansion vessel is not a safety feature in the event of a thermostat failure and the boiler starts producing steam is that it cannot prevent the build up of pressure in the system. The pressure in the system is a function of the temperature of the water only and not the volume, this is basic first year undergraduate stuff. The expansion vessel makes no difference at all to the pressure of steam above superheated water.
True, without an expansion vessel and in the case of a failed blow off valve but functioning thermostat, it is possible that the pressure in the system in the absence of an expansion vessel could become sufficient to rupture a component, but no explosion would ensue because the water is not superheated. It might be argued that leaking water is a safety issue in the presence of electrical components. But not in the sense that Dan suggested, i.e. an explosion.
The primary safety feature is always the blow off valve, if this is faulty, then the system presents a risk and the expansion vessel cannot be relied upon to keep the system safe.
