A boiler heats a water tank indirectly using a heat exchanger, keeping the boiler water and the tank water separate.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
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Separate Water Systems: The water circulating within the boiler itself is completely isolated from the water stored in the water tank. This is crucial for preventing contamination and maintaining optimal boiler performance.
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The Heat Exchanger: The key component is the heat exchanger, typically a coil or a plate. Hot water from the boiler flows through this heat exchanger, which is immersed in or in contact with the cold water inside the tank.
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Heat Transfer: As the hot boiler water circulates through the heat exchanger, it transfers its heat to the colder water surrounding it in the tank. The principle is simple: heat flows from the hotter object (boiler water) to the colder object (tank water).
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Convection: The heated water in the tank rises (due to convection), while the cooler water sinks to the bottom. This creates a natural circulation pattern within the tank, ensuring that all the water is gradually heated.
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Continuous Circulation: The boiler continuously heats the water and pumps it through the heat exchanger. Once the boiler water passes through the heat exchanger, it returns to the boiler to be reheated, creating a continuous loop. This process continues until the water in the tank reaches the desired temperature.
In summary, a boiler heats a water tank by circulating hot water through a heat exchanger within the tank, indirectly warming the tank's water supply without mixing the two water sources.
