SlimFit Cylinders
"Our new range of hot water cylinders conform to the new Part L requirements for foam insulation"
Why are we introducing this new range of cylinders?
Although we have been manufacturing slimmer cylinders for many years, the implementation of the new part L requirements has prompted us to develop a new standard specification for a new range of 'SlimFit' cylinders. The main criteria of these requirements is to greatly reduce the amount of heat loss from hot water storage cylinders, helping to reduce CO2 emissions. From October 2010, all replacement vented cylinders will be required to have a heat loss rating so significantly reduced, that we will now have to apply a nominal thickness of 40mm to 50mm (as we do on our standard solar cylinders), 50mm being in excess of the requirements for replacements and the minimum thickness for new build installations. Inevitably, thicker insulation results in a larger diameter and with the restrictions that some airing cupboards impose, we feel that many customers will benefit from taller, thinner hot water cylinders, as it may be preferable for the increase in overall physical size of the unit to be taken up in the height rather than the diameter.
"Taller, thinner hot water cylinders are, thermodynamically, more efficient."
Are there any advantages to taller, thinner, hot water cylinders?
The taller and thinner a cylinder is, the easier it is for stratification to occur. Stratification is the building up of layers - As you are probably aware, heat rises and in a hot water cylinder, hot water will form its own 'layers' in relation to how hot it is, with the coldest water at the bottom and the hottest at the top. In shorter, wider cylinders, it is more difficult for this layering to occur, which will slightly reduce efficiency.
Are there any other differences between the SlimFit cylinders and the standard indirect cylinders?
The new specification for the SlimFit cylinders includes the following new features as standard (see our standard connection layout):
- High recovery coil to reduce boiler cycling, reducing CO2 emissions
- All connections on the front (to make installation easier than the old standard vented cylinders)
- All connections extended beyond the foam insulation, easing installation
- A 22mm shower connection
- A 1/2" drain connection
- A 1/2" connection for more accurate temperature control when used with a cylinder aquastat (cylinder/ boiler thermostat)
What sizes are available in the SlimFit range?
The standard range of sizes for our SlimFit cylinders are as follows, although, as always, you can contact us if your requirements are not shown (all sizes stated are excluding insulation - please add approximately 100mm to give overall diameters):
| Cylinder Height (mm) | Capacity (Litres) of a 300mm diameter | Capacity (Litres) of a 350mm diameter | Capacity (Litres) of a 375mm diameter | Capacity (Litres) of a 400mm diameter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000mm* | 132 | 178 | 203 | 230 |
| 1900mm* | 126 | 169 | 192 | 218 |
| 1800mm* | 119 | 159 | 182 | 206 |
| 1700mm | 112 | 150 | 171 | 194 |
| 1600mm | 106 | 141 | 161 | 182 |
| 1500mm | 99 | 132 | 151 | 169 |
| 1400mm | 92 | 121 | 139 | 157 |
| 1300mm | 85 | 113 | 128 | 145 |
| 1200mm | 78 | 104 | 118 | 133 |
| 1100mm | - | 95 | 107 | 121 |
| 1050mm | - | 90 | 102 | 115 |
*please note that on cylinders with a height greater than 1800mm, we strongly advise that immersion heater bosses be placed in the body rather than on the dome, to avoid problems with restrictive ceiling heights.
Standard SlimFit Cylinder Connection Layout
To future proof your cylinder with a solar application, please see our solar cylinders page.
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