Product Description

UK Cylinders FlowCyl Direct 500L Stainless Steel Buffer Tank

Model: FCBVS0500

PLEASE NOTE: We can only deliver this product to Mainland England addresses.

The UK Cylinders FlowCyl Direct 500L Stainless Steel Buffer Tank adds substantial water volume to compatible heating and heat pump systems. It may suit larger domestic, commercial and multi-zone installations where the system designer requires extra primary water volume.

The additional volume can help maintain steady water flow and reduce frequent heat pump cycling. Therefore, a correctly sized buffer may help the heat pump complete longer and more stable operating cycles.

This direct model includes a built-in 3kW immersion heater. As a result, it can provide an additional electric heat source when the system design and controls call for it.

UK Cylinders manufactures the tank from durable stainless steel. In addition, it includes seven 1-inch female threaded connections and three control-stat or thermistor ports. These connections give installers flexibility when planning the pipework and temperature controls.

Important: This is a primary heating-system buffer tank. It must not store or supply domestic drinking water for showers, baths or taps.

Not every heat pump system needs a buffer tank. Furthermore, a 500-litre buffer requires careful system design. A qualified heating engineer must calculate the required volume and confirm compatibility before ordering.

Installation Guides and Product Information

• Download the FlowCyl buffer tank installation instructions
• Download the FlowCyl buffer tank product information
• View the UK Cylinders FlowCyl Buffer range
• Register the UK Cylinders warranty

FlowCyl Direct 500L Buffer Tank Features

• 500-litre heating-system buffer tank
• Designed for compatible heating and heat pump systems
• Suitable for correctly designed larger systems
• Built-in 3kW immersion heater
• Helps increase primary heating-system water volume
• Can help reduce frequent heat pump cycling
• Supports steady heating-system flow
• Seven 1-inch female threaded connections
• Three control-stat or thermistor ports
• Allows independent temperature monitoring and control
• Stainless steel vessel
• Standalone floor-mounted construction
• High-quality silver outer casing
• Outer casing is 100% recyclable
• ErP energy efficiency class C
• Manufactured in the UK
• 25-year vessel warranty, subject to the manufacturer’s terms
• Model number FCBVS0500

Key Features and Benefits

• 500L System Volume: Adds substantial primary water volume to a correctly designed heating system.
• Supports Heat Pump Operation: Extra system volume can help a compatible heat pump run for longer and steadier periods.
• Helps Reduce Short Cycling: Correct buffer sizing may reduce frequent heat pump starts and stops.
• Built-In Immersion Heater: The fitted 3kW immersion provides an additional electric heat source for compatible systems.
• Flexible Connections: Seven 1-inch female connections support a range of system layouts.
• Control Options: Three control-stat or thermistor ports support temperature monitoring and control.
• Stainless Steel Vessel: Strong construction provides dependable service within a correctly designed system.
• Made in the UK: UK Cylinders manufactures the FlowCyl range at its UK production facility.

Technical Specification

• Manufacturer: UK Cylinders
• Range: FlowCyl
• Model: FCBVS0500
• Product Type: Direct heating-system buffer tank
• Nominal Capacity: 500 litres
• Vessel Material: Stainless steel
• Installation Type: Standalone, floor mounted
• Immersion Heater: Built-in 3kW immersion
• Connections: 7 x 1-inch female threaded connections
• Control Ports: 3 x control-stat or thermistor ports
• Energy Efficiency Class: C
• Standing Heat Loss: Approximately 2.31kWh per 24 hours
• Standing Heat Loss in Watts: Approximately 96W
• Outer Casing: Silver and 100% recyclable
• Warranty: 25 years, subject to the manufacturer’s terms

FlowCyl 500L Buffer Tank Dimensions

• Height: 1975mm
• Diameter: 690mm
• Empty Weight: 54kg
• Approximate Full Weight: 529kg

Before ordering, check the complete delivery route and installation area. The 690mm diameter may prevent the tank from passing through some standard doorways. In addition, this model stands almost two metres high.

Allow enough space for the tank, connected pipework, electrical connections and future servicing. The supporting floor must also safely carry the full operating weight of approximately 529kg.

What Comes with the Buffer Tank?

• 1 x UK Cylinders FlowCyl Direct 500L stainless steel buffer tank
• 1 x built-in 3kW immersion heater

Extra valves, sensors, controls, electrical components, fittings and pipework may be required. Therefore, the installer should check the complete heating-system design before installation.

How Does a Buffer Tank Work?

A buffer tank adds water volume to the primary heating circuit. It stores heating-system water and can help maintain stable flow through a compatible heat pump or heating appliance.

For example, a heat pump may produce more heat than the active heating zones need at a particular time. The buffer gives the system extra water volume to absorb and distribute this energy.

As a result, the heat pump may run for longer periods instead of frequently switching on and off. However, performance depends on correct sizing, pipework, controls and system commissioning.

What Does Direct Mean on This Buffer Tank?

On this product, direct means the tank includes a built-in electric immersion heater. The immersion can heat the primary system water when the system design and controls require it.

This does not mean the tank supplies domestic hot water. Unlike a direct hot-water cylinder, this product stores primary heating water only.

Suitable Applications

• Compatible air source heat pump systems
• Compatible ground source heat pump systems
• Larger low-temperature heating systems
• Multi-zone radiator installations
• Larger underfloor heating systems
• Commercial heating applications
• Systems that need substantial primary water volume
• Systems requiring an additional electric heat source
• Heating installations where stable system flow is important

Does Every Heat Pump Need a 500L Buffer Tank?

No. Many domestic heat pump systems need a much smaller buffer or no buffer at all. The correct size depends on the heat pump output, system water volume, zones, emitters and control strategy.

An oversized buffer may increase heat loss, take up unnecessary space and reduce system efficiency. Therefore, only order this 500-litre model when a qualified system designer has calculated the required capacity.

Installation Requirements

A suitably qualified heating engineer should design and install the buffer tank. In addition, a qualified electrician must connect the immersion heater and electrical controls.

The installers must follow the latest UK Cylinders instructions and the requirements of the connected heat pump or heating appliance. They should also confirm:

• The calculated buffer capacity
• The complete delivery and access route
• The available installation height
• The system pressure
• The pipework arrangement
• The required flow rates
• The electrical supply
• The sensor positions
• The control strategy
• The supporting floor strength

Why Choose the UK Cylinders FlowCyl Buffer?

The FlowCyl combines stainless steel construction with flexible pipe and control connections. Therefore, it provides a practical way to add substantial water volume to a compatible heating system.

The seven pipe connections give installers several layout options. Meanwhile, three control ports support temperature monitoring and control.

This direct model also includes a 3kW immersion heater. As a result, it can provide an additional electric heat source when used within a correctly designed heating system.

Why Buy from SNH Tradecentre?

• Competitive prices on UK Cylinders products
• Helpful product and technical advice
• Genuine products from established manufacturers
• Clear specifications to help you order correctly
• Delivery available to eligible Mainland England addresses
• Trade and public customers welcome
• Independent UK plumbing and heating merchant
• Collection available from our Birchington, Kent trade counter

UK Cylinders may update product specifications, package contents and warranty terms without notice. Check the latest technical information and confirm system suitability with a qualified heating engineer before ordering.