The Telford 50L SS Buffer Store (SPS050BUFF) is a compact, white steel-cased buffer vessel built in the UK for heat pump, biomass and other renewable heating installations. Its role is simple but important: it adds additional water volume to the heating circuit, helping the system reach its minimum water content while providing hydraulic separation between the primary (heat source) and secondary (emitter) circuits.
This separation is what stops a heat pump compressor from short-cycling — the rapid on/off switching that happens when a system doesn't have enough water volume to absorb load changes. By decoupling the two circuits, the SPS050BUFF lets the heat source run in smooth, efficient cycles regardless of what the emitter circuit (radiators, underfloor heating, or zone valves) is doing at any given moment.
The vessel itself is manufactured from Duplex 2304 stainless steel, chosen for its superior corrosion resistance over standard grades, and is wrapped in a white steel outer casing with high-density polyurethane foam insulation to keep standing heat loss to a minimum.
|
50L
Nominal Capacity
|
470mm
Diameter
|
570mm
Overall Height
|
Duplex 2304
Stainless Steel Grade
|
3 bar
Max Working Pressure
|
3kW
Immersion Rating
|
Hydraulic Separation
Decouples the primary heat source loop from the secondary heating circuit, preventing pump and compressor interference between the two.
Prevents Short-Cycling
Adds buffer volume so the heat pump compressor can run in longer, more efficient cycles instead of switching on and off rapidly.
Duplex Stainless Steel
Body constructed from 316L / Duplex 2304 grade stainless steel for long-term corrosion resistance without the risk of internal enamel or glass-lining failure.
22mm Compression Coil Connections
Fitted with 316L grade stainless-steel 22mm compression fittings for straightforward connection into the primary pipework.
Factory-Fitted Safety Valve
Supplied with a temperature & pressure relief valve set at 7 bar / 90°C, complete with tundish, as standard.
3kW Immersion Backup
Rated for a 3kW immersion heater connection, giving the option of electric backup heat input into the buffer volume.
High-Density Insulation
Fully insulated white steel casing with high-density foam minimises standing heat loss from the stored water.
Compact Footprint
At just 470mm diameter and 570mm high, the 50L model suits plant rooms and airing cupboards where space for buffering is limited.
| Vessel |
| Product Code |
SPS050BUFF |
| Nominal Capacity |
50 litres |
| Material |
Duplex 2304 stainless steel |
| Casing Finish |
White steel cased |
| Insulation |
High-density polyurethane foam |
| Shell Size (unfinished) |
411mm (H) x 400mm (Dia) |
| Finished Size (cased) |
570mm (H) x 470mm (Dia) |
| Pressure & Temperature |
| Max Working Pressure |
3 bar |
| Test Pressure |
9 bar |
| T&P Relief Valve Setting |
7 bar / 90°C |
| Relief Valve |
Factory-fitted, supplied with tundish |
| Connections |
| Primary Coil Connections |
22mm compression |
| Additional Connections |
1" BSP female ports |
| Aquastat Pocket |
22mm |
| Immersion Heater Boss |
1¾" (3kW immersion rating) |
| Compliance & Warranty |
| ErP Energy Rating |
Band C |
| Cylinder Body Guarantee |
Manufacturer-backed (check current terms at point of purchase) |
Important Safety Information
This buffer store must be installed and commissioned by a competent heating engineer in line with the heat source manufacturer's system design requirements. The factory-fitted temperature and pressure relief valve must be piped to a suitable tundish and discharge point in accordance with current Building Regulations.
What is a buffer store used for with a heat pump?
A buffer store adds extra water volume to a heating system's primary circuit. This helps the system meet the heat pump manufacturer's minimum water content requirement and provides hydraulic separation between the heat pump loop and the emitter (radiator/underfloor) circuit, which helps prevent compressor short-cycling.
Can the SPS050BUFF be used with biomass or other heat sources, not just heat pumps?
Yes. Telford buffer stores are designed to work with a wide range of traditional and renewable heat sources, including biomass boilers, alongside air and ground source heat pumps.
Does the buffer store come with an immersion heater fitted?
No, the vessel is supplied with a boss rated for a 3kW immersion heater, but the immersion element itself is ordered separately unless stated otherwise at point of purchase.
What size connections does the SPS050BUFF have?
The unit uses 22mm compression fittings for the primary coil connections, along with 1" BSP female ports and a 22mm aquastat pocket for sensor/control fitting.
How much space does the 50L buffer store need?
The cased unit measures 470mm in diameter and 570mm in height, making it a compact option for plant rooms, garages, or airing cupboards with limited floor space.