Unleash the Pressure of Hydronic HVAC Fabrication Products 
Your business is unique, making finding the right products for your specific heating and cooling requirements a challenging task.
At American Wheatley, we designed our business to serve yours. Known for our dedication to quality, integrity, and precision, our state-of-the-art facility houses a dedicated fabrication shop that customizes solutions for your system. In this facility, we combine skill, experience, and automation to design and manufacture top-of-the-line products tailored to your precise specifications. Â
Here are five reasons to work with American Wheatley for your HVAC fabrication needs.  Â
Unparalleled Expertise and Facilities:
American Wheatley has a cutting-edge, 55,000-square-foot manufacturing facility with a dedicated fabrication shop at your disposal. Within this space, a combination of skilled artisans and advanced automation techniques work perfectly to produce solutions that fuel your day-to-day operations. Our engineers can design a tank that meets your system volume needs while ensuring it fits into the available space footprint.
Whatever custom components you may need, American Wheatley’s team ensures that every step of the fabrication process is meticulously executed—from conceptualization to completion—resulting in products of unparalleled quality and precision.
Versatile and Durable Fabricated Products:
American Wheatley understands the diverse needs of various industries and offers a wide range of products to cater to all project requirements. Our fabricated products include tanks, air separators, valves, and more, constructed in accordance with ASME Section VIII, Division I, latest edition. Â
Whether you’re working on a commercial, industrial, or residential project, American Wheatley has the perfect solution to meet your hydronic HVAC needs. Â
Superior Materials for Superior Performance:
American Wheatley uses only high-quality materials in their fabrication process to guarantee long-lasting performance. Each component, from carbon steel to stainless steel, is carefully selected based on your business’s unique needs. We offer safe products for domestic water applications, including NSF-compliant bladders and 304SS construction. Â
By incorporating these top-grade materials, American Wheatley’s fabrication products maintain their integrity even in the most demanding environments. Â
Meeting the Highest Quality Standards:
American Wheatley understands the importance of adhering to industry standards. That’s why many of our fabricated products proudly bear the ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) stamp, a symbol of meeting the highest quality and safety standards. This stamp assures customers that American Wheatley’s products have undergone rigorous testing and inspections to ensure their performance, reliability, and compliance with industry regulations. Â
Stringent Quality Control Measures:
Quality control is a top priority at American Wheatley. Every product we create undergoes comprehensive testing to meet and exceed industry standards. Our rigorous quality control measures guarantee the performance and reliability of our fabrication products.  Â
Rest assured that your hydronic HVAC system will operate flawlessly, providing optimal comfort, efficiency, and safety. Â
American Wheatley ensures its fabricated products exceed expectations by using high-quality materials, adhering to the highest standards, and implementing stringent quality control measures. When you choose American Wheatley for your hydronic HVAC needs, you’re choosing reliability, versatility, and uncompromising quality.  Â
Experience the power of American Wheatley’s hydronic HVAC fabrication products and elevate your projects to new heights. Explore the products we have to offer today!Â
Three Ways Labor Day Continues to Improve HVAC Manufacturing
American labor is the backbone of our nation. Over the years, American workers have helped raise our standard of living while growing the world’s largest economy.
The Origins and Evolution of Labor Day
American labor is the backbone of our nation. Over the years, American workers have helped raise our standard of living while growing the world’s largest economy, which currently stands at $23.3 trillion GDP. However, it has not been an easy road. Workers braved long hours and dangerous conditions, banding together to fight for better wages and safe workplaces. In recognition, we now pay tribute to these hard-working men and women with an annual Labor Day celebration.
Labor Day originated in the late 19th century due to the labor movement’s efforts to advocate for better working conditions and workers’ rights. The first Labor Day was celebrated on September 5, 1882, in New York City, with a parade organized by the Central Labor Union. It became a national holiday in 1894 when President Grover Cleveland signed a law designating the first Monday in September as Labor Day.  Â
As we at American Wheatly commemorate 141 years of Labor Day, let us reflect on the significant impact this holiday continues to have on the manufacturing of HVAC fabrication products today.
Workers’ Rights
Labor Day is significant for workers as it symbolizes their achievements and progress in securing workers’ rights. It serves as a tribute to the contributions and resilience of the American workforce throughout history. This celebration highlights the importance of fair wages and reasonable working hours.Â
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At American Wheatley, we prioritize competitive wages and comprehensive benefits by consistently evaluating market conditions. Staying informed about industry trends, economic fluctuations, and the cost of living helps us put together a compensation package that attracts and retains top talent.
Workplace Safety and Standards
The labor movement’s advocacy for safer working conditions directly impacted the HVAC manufacturing industry. Labor Day has raised awareness about the importance of workplace safety and led to the establishment of safety regulations, standards, and inspections that safeguard HVAC workers’ well-being.  
American Wheatley prioritizes our team’s safety above anything else. Some of the regulations we adhere to include:Â
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Employees in our facilities are required to wear appropriate PPE, such as safety goggles, gloves, protective clothing, and respiratory masks, to prevent injuries and exposure to hazardous materials.Â
- Hazardous Material Handling: We impose strict guidelines for the handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials used in HVAC manufacturing, including refrigerants, chemicals, and cleaning agents, to minimize the risk of accidents.Â
- Electrical Safety: Regulations pertaining to electrical safety are enforced to protect workers from electrical hazards, including electrical shock and fires, by ensuring proper installation, maintenance, and regular inspection of electrical equipment.Â
- Fire Safety: Our manufacturing facilities have fire safety protocols, including fire extinguisher placement, evacuation plans, and fire suppression systems, to promptly respond to and contain fires.
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Training and Education Initiatives
In recognition of Labor Day, various organizations have supported training and education programs in the HVAC industry. These initiatives have helped enhance the skills and knowledge of workers, ensuring a highly trained and competent workforce in the manufacturing sector.  Â
While we strive for excellence in our work, American Wheatley focuses on providing our employees with meaningful personal and professional development opportunities. As we help our customers grow their HVAC businesses, we help our employees grow in the process. Â
This Labor Day, we extend our deepest appreciation for our teams’ extraordinary commitment, passion, and unwavering dedication. They are the heart and soul of our organization, and we are proud to have them as part of the American Wheatley team. Happy Labor Day! Â
Having an air separator in your HVAC system greatly affects the system’s overall performance, especially in a chilled-water system. While air elimination is important in any ventilation setting, it is more important in the chilled-water system than in a hot-water system because the cold-water unit can hold more air inside the tank.
Air separation is a common term when discussing HVAC equipment. There is a wide variety of Air Separators, and there are several uses depending on your needs.
While Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) is necessary even in a ventilation system with manual vents, it is still very important to consider having an air separator because no hydronic system is airtight. Otherwise, the constant air/water mixture being pumped will dramatically decrease heat transfer efficiencies. A proper air separator also decreases oxygen exposure which is important because oxygen causes a large amount of corrosion that will contaminate the system.
What are the HVAC Air Separator options?
Some options for air separation units are:
- Tangential Air Separators
- In-Line Air Separators
- Sediment-Removal Separators
- Air & Dirt Separators
- Air Purgers or Air Scoops
Along with the outlined air separators, there are also options available for these units such as:
- Strainer
- Less Strainer
- MG – Magnetic Options
If you are interested in a more customized solution, please reach out to us regarding custom fabrication.
How do these Air Separators work?
Each air separator has its own method for air elimination. Below, we describe the outlined options listed above.
Tangential Air SeparatorsÂ
The Tangential Air Separator design provides air-free fluid flow which protects against damage and system noise. This unit features grooved or flanged inlet and outlet connections. The tangential design results in a smaller unit. There are higher-working pressures available for this air separator.
In-line Air SeparatorsÂ
Our In-line Air Separators series offers a lower-cost alternative for air separation in hydronic heating and cooling systems. The IAS/IASS series becomes a point of lower system velocity by changing the direction of flow through the device.
This lower velocity along with the change in direction allows air molecules to separate from water. Once the separation occurs, the air rises within the inline air separator. Then, it is discharged through the vent opening at the top of the vessel. This will go to either the atmosphere or an expansion tank.
Sediment Removal SeparatorsÂ
The Sediment Removal Separator (SRS) is a centrifugal-type sediment removal. While the design is similar to the TAS Series Air Separator, the SRS also offers the advantage of solids removal.
The tangential design allows for sediment removal through the vortex action, which forces suspended sediment to the outside of the vessel and into the bottom sump. You can then easily remove the sediment. The tangential action also creates a vortex that forces entrained air into the center and removes it through the top opening. It is then released into the atmosphere or sent to an expansion tank.
Air & Dirt Separators
The High-Velocity and STAD Standard Velocity Coalescing Air & Dirt Separator is intended for use on commercial HVAC, institutional, and industrial applications to remove entrained air and particulate from system water. This is accomplished by the use of a High-Performance saddle ring coalescing assembly internal to the separator.Â
Air Purgers (Air Scoops)
The Air Purger or Air Scoop operates on the premise that air rises in the piping and then into the unit. It is directed to the top opening and out of the system through an air vent or to an expansion tank. Since the proper operation of this type of air separator is also dependent on velocity, sizing this type of air separator is a function of proper flow rate. This type of air separation is best suited for residential and light commercial applications.
How to determine Air Elimination Efficiency
Need Assistance?
There are plenty of model options available at American Wheatley HVAC. If you are uncertain which of these models will work best for you or need more customization, please reach out to us. We are eager and ready to help you find the right solution for your needs!Â
* Our American Wheatley HVAC Brand Air Separators are constructed and stamped according to ASME Section VIII Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code requirements and National Board registered.
American Wheatley HVAC offers a full range of Shell & Tube and Plate & Frame heat exchangers available in sizes 4″ through 30″, manufactured in accordance with ASME Section VIII. We also offer a complete line of Plate & Frame Heat Exchangers. Whether you’re heating or cooling, these heat exchangers are dependable and powerful with or without fluid separation, American Wheatley HVAC has what you need to complete your projects.
What is a Heat Exchanger?
A heat exchanger is a device that transfers thermal heat from one medium to another. Often this device is manufactured into numerous types of Heat Exchangers such as Shell & Tube and Plate & Frame. All exchangers are an important part of assisting in cooling and heating of homes and business, but also help in machines work more efficiently.
What types of Heat Exchangers are available?
American Wheatley HVAC offers a full range of Shell & Tube and Plate & Frame heat exchangers which affords higher efficiencies, lower fouling, and modular construction that can easily be field modified. The high turbulence of a plate heat exchanger reduces fouling risks while increasing performance. An optimized PHE will be ½ the size (or less) than an equivalent shell & tube while reaching approach temperatures as low as 2°F.  American Wheatley’s shell & tube exchangers range from size 4″ through 30″.
Shell and Tube
Shell &Tube Heat Exchangers consist of a large number of small tubes which are located within a cylindrical shell. These tubes are positioned into cylinders using a tube bundle that is often referred to as “tube sticks” which can either have fixed tube plates or a floating tube stack which allows the tube bundle to expand and contract with varying heat conditions.
Standard Features
- Constructed in accordance with ASME Section VIII
- U-Tube construction
- High degree of flexibility in materials to meet varying conditions
- Available in 2. 4, or 6 pass construction
- All fabrication done in-house
- National board registration
Optional Features
- Additional materials for heads, tubesheets, baffles, and tie rods
- CRN registration
- Optional saddles
- Computerized selections available through authorized HVAC representatives
Plate and Frame
Plate Heat Exchangers are operated similarly to Shell & Tube Heat Exchangers, though plates are used instead of tubes. These plates are usually blazed or gasketed depending on the application and fluids being used. This more compact and stainless steel option makes them ideal for use in refrigerants or in food and beverage processing.Â
Capability
- Port diameter sizes from 1″ to 20″
- Up to 20,000 GPM (4,450 m³/hr)
- Maximum pressure rating of 450 psi
- Maximum temperature rating of 374°F (190°C)
Features
- Modular frame design allows for easy plate pack modification if the working medium or thermal requirements change.
- Optimized plate corrugation ensures even flow distribution across the entire plate surface.
- Tool-less and adhesive-free gaskets for quick maintenance.
- Self-aligning plate pack geometry virtually eliminates plate pack problems even after repeated service.
How Do You Install a Heat Exchanger?
As with any installation, be sure to allow sufficient clearance at the end of the unit for removal or tub bundle. Install the unit so that the pipe connections can be made without forcing them to fit into place. Next, appropriately install the valves and by-passes to permit both the shell & tube bundle to be shut off for inspection, repairs, and cleaning. Finally, the tubing must be full of water before introducing steam or hot water into the shell, otherwise flashing or noise may occur.Â
Prior to start-up, all nuts should be checked to prevent leaks and blown gaskets. Open the cold side first, then gradually start the hot side, bringing unity to the operating conditions. Always remember to use caution when starting up the heat exchanger and to slowly start up the device to avoid temperature shock to the device.
Need Further Information?
We, at American Wheatley, offer a wide range of options for Heat Exchangers for various usages. Don’t hesitate to contact us for any questions you may have as we are happy to help find the right solution for you!
Contact Us Today!
American Wheatley HVAC BDT Multi-Purpose Bladder Expansion tanks are pre-charged bladder expansion tanks constructed to the latest ASME standards.
They are designed for the storage of potable water for pressure boost systems, as well as typical cooling/heating applications. The system’s expanded water is constrained in a heavy-duty bladder preventing tank corrosion and waterlogging problems.
The factory set pre-charge for these tanks is 12 PSIG. The BDT Multi-Purpose Bladder tank is suitable for potable water applications.
What does a Multi-Purpose Bladder Tank do?Â
Designed to absorb the expansion of fluids in typical hydronic systems, the BDT Multi-Purpose Bladder Expansion Tank is used in pressure-boost systems as well as the typical cooling and heating applications.
Bladder material is suitable for hot water applications. Installation of the tank will help eliminate constant pump use, prolonging pump life and unnecessary blowing of relief valves.
What are the features of a BDT Multi-Purpose Bladder Tank?
Features:
- Constructed in accordance with ASME Section VIII, Division I, Latest Edition
- Stainless steel system connection
- EPDM Bladder
- Full Acceptance Bladder Design / Replaceable
- Factory Air Charged to 12 P.S.I
- Maximum temperature 280F Intermittent
- Constructed of NSF 61 Compliant Materials
- Primed Exterior
Optional Features:
- Higher working pressure available
- Top entry
- “Bulls Eye” sight glass
- Seismic mounting (clips or legs)
- Painted Exterior, Epoxy Coatings
Is a Bladder Expansion Tank necessary?
An expansion tank is always highly recommended if you have a ‘closed-loop system’ caused by any kind of check valve or pressure regulating valve installed on your house’s water supply line.
How do Multi-Purpose Bladder Expansion Tanks work?
How do I replace a bladder in a BDT Series Bladder Tank?
1. Isolate multi-purpose bladder type expansion tank from the system. Shut off automatic fill, valve, and drain boiler to release all system pressure.
2. Bleed system air charge through air charging valve. Remove air valve core at top of the tank and discharge remaining air.
3. Disconnect tank from the system.
4. Remove the bolted bottom flange. Prior to removal, mark mating flanges in order to match up properly when reassembling.
5. Loosen and remove the retaining nut on top of the tank. For tanks 26 gallons and smaller, proceed to step 6.
 6. Using the chain block and a slight twisting motion, slide the bladder out of the tank. Remove the bladder retaining bolt from the inside of the bladder.
7. Clean up any remaining water, dry out the inside of the tank and clean out any remaining dirt or foreign particles. Check the inside of the tank for any sharp edges that may cut the bladder.
8. Place bladder bot inside new bladder secured with 1/4″ All Thread Rod threaded into the top of bladder bolt. Roll up the bladder as necessary and pull through the tank with a threaded rod.
9. Secure bladder bolt to the top of the tank with retaining nut. Hand tightens at this point. For tanks 26 gallons and smaller, proceed to step 10.
10. Position the bottom neck of the bladder in the bottom of the tank opening to act as gasket sealing surface for system connection.
11. Replace the bottom flange, align the marks and tighten the bolts evenly, using a star pattern.
12. Tighten all threaded and bolt connections.
13. Using compressed air source and pressure gauge, apply 10 psi air pressure to the flange connection then relieve pressure. These actions should ensure proper positioning of the replacement bladder within the tank.
14. Reassemble the air valve at the top and seal the hanger opening.
15. Pre-charge tank to fill pressure or minimum operating pressure.
16. Using soapy water, check the air valve, retaining bolt, and nut, and bottom flange joint for leakage.
17. Reconnect the system, open the fill-valve and check the operation of the tank. Always pre-charge the tank before completing this step.
Furnished and installed and shown on planes, American Wheatley BDT series, full acceptance expansion tank. The tank shall be constructed of carbon steel in accordance with ASME Section VIII, Division 1, latest edition. The tank shall incorporate a removable and replaceable heavy-duty EODN bladder. The tank shall be supplied with a 12 psi factory air charge. Tanks shall be constructed and ASME stamped for 150 psi working pressure at 240F. Tanks shall be supplied with an exterior high-grade red oxide primer finish. Vertical or horizontal installation is acceptable. Non-replaceable diaphragm-type tanks are not acceptable.
Of course, these are just a few examples of what we have to offer. We will be more than happy to help problem-solve and find you the correct buffer tank that fits your needs. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today for more information and other buffer tank varieties!