Steel solar expansion vessel for your 130 °C solar loop
The SolarWave expansion vessel from Global Water Solutions absorbs the expansion of the solar fluid and keeps the primary circuit pressure stable. Q-Tech fits it into your pre-assembled plant room, next to the solar pump station and tested in our workshop.
Summary
| Type | Steel expansion vessel with fixed diaphragm |
|---|---|
| Brand and model | Global Water Solutions SolarWave, from SWB-8LX to SWB-100LV |
| Use | Closed primary circuit of indirect solar thermal systems |
| Maximum pressure | 10 bar |
| Operating temperature | From −10 °C (do not freeze) to 130 °C |
| Formats | Inline (8 to 35 L) and vertical with base (60 to 100 L) |
| Connection | ¾" BSPT male (8 to 80 L) or 1" BSPP female (100 L) |
| Q-Tech installation | Assembled and tested in our workshop with the rest of your plant room |
What is the SolarWave?
The SolarWave from Global Water Solutions is a steel expansion vessel for closed solar thermal circuits, with a fixed high-temperature butyl diaphragm. It handles 10 bar and up to 130 °C. It goes in the primary circuit, on the suction or the discharge side of the pump.
What problem does it solve?
The fluid in solar collectors expands strongly when it heats up, especially on sunny days with no hot water demand. Without a vessel to take up that volume, the pressure rises and the safety valve discharges fluid. You then have to refill the circuit and check the antifreeze.
A heating vessel cannot withstand those temperatures, and an undersized vessel causes the same discharges. The SolarWave comes from 8 to 100 litres, with a high-temperature diaphragm and a 1.9 bar factory pre-charge.
Technical data
| Manufacturer | Global Water Solutions |
|---|---|
| Series | SolarWave |
| Shell | Steel with dual-layer polyurethane paint, white colour |
| Diaphragm | High-temperature butyl, fixed |
| Water connection | Stainless steel, patented |
| Air valve | Cap sealed with an O-ring |
| Base | Replaceable on vertical models; slip-on on 60 and 80 L |
| Maximum working pressure | 10 bar |
| Factory pre-charge | 1.9 bar |
| Operating temperature | From −10 °C (avoid freezing) to 130 °C |
| Antifreeze | Propylene glycol up to 50%; the manufacturer advises avoiding ethylene glycol |
| Quality | Manufactured under ISO 9001:2015, according to the manufacturer |
Models and data by variant
| Model | Format | Volume | Connection | Height | Diameter | Gross weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SWB-8LX | Inline | 8 L | ¾" BSPT | 308 mm | 202 mm | 2.2 kg |
| SWB-12LX | Inline | 12 L | ¾" BSPT | 362 mm | 230 mm | 3.0 kg |
| SWB-18LX | Inline | 18 L | ¾" BSPT | 362 mm | 279 mm | 3.9 kg |
| SWB-24LX | Inline | 24 L | ¾" BSPT | 442 mm | 290 mm | 5.1 kg |
| SWB-35LX | Inline | 35 L | ¾" BSPT | 476 mm | 318 mm | 6.8 kg |
| SWB-60LV | Vertical | 60 L | ¾" BSPT | 575 mm | 398 mm | 11.0 kg |
| SWB-80LV | Vertical | 80 L | ¾" BSPT | 815 mm | 389 mm | 14.3 kg |
| SWB-100LV | Vertical | 100 L | 1" BSPP | 850 mm | 430 mm | 19.2 kg |
Compatibility and limits
- Closed solar circuits only: the manufacturer restricts it to indirect systems with no drinking water.
- Up to 10 bar and 130 °C; minimum −10 °C, do not freeze.
- If the fluid can exceed its evaporation point, the manufacturer requires a heat dissipator or condenser between collector and vessel.
- Antifreeze: propylene glycol up to 50%, never ethylene glycol.
- Always fit a safety valve and stay within the working limits.
When this product is not the right choice
| Product | When to choose it | Maximum pressure | Maximum temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| HeatWave | Closed-loop water heating | 6 bar | 99 °C |
| ThermoWave | Domestic hot water (DHW), with a liner suitable for drinking water | 10 bar | 90 °C |
To compare with other brands, see the Expansion vessels and pressure tanks collection.
Frequently asked questions
Is it suitable for domestic hot water?
No. The SolarWave is for the closed solar primary circuit only. For DHW, choose the ThermoWave.
What volume do I need?
It depends on the fluid volume of the system, the collectors and the maximum temperature. We help you size it in a technical call.
Which antifreeze can I use?
Propylene glycol up to 50%. The manufacturer advises always avoiding ethylene glycol.
Do I need to adjust the pre-charge?
Yes, if your system does not work at 1.9 bar. Adjust it with the vessel empty, following the manufacturer's manual linked below.
What is the delivery time?
We have it in stock at our warehouse. If no units were left, we would order it urgently and tell you the lead time.
Q-Tech installation and support
Q-Tech mounts the SolarWave in your pre-assembled plant room, tested in our workshop with the solar station and the storage tank: it reaches the site ready to connect. More information at Advanced Pre-Assembly.
If your solar system is already installed, book the on-site hourly Expert Technician or a technical call. More equipment in Expansion vessels and pressure tanks.
Documentation
- Global Water Solutions vessel installation manual (multilingual, includes English)
- SolarWave page on the manufacturer's website
Availability and lead times: this item is in stock at our warehouse. Occasionally, depending on the time of year, the stock update may contain an error. If no units are available when you place your order, we will order it urgently and inform you immediately of the updated delivery time.