as far as i am aware you can use an external vessel, however it may affect the hot water performance as this boiler uses part of the expansion vessel as a hot water store.
you may be able to remove it without taking it off the wall if there is enough clearance above the boiler and if you slide the flue out, though getting to the connections isn't easy.
check that the water in the system isn't very dirty causing the diaphragm in the vessel to perish prematurely.
Ian
February 2010