When arranging an autonomous water supply system, it is necessary to achieve stable pressure in the network. Pressure surges, hydraulic shocks affect the comfort of using communications and, more importantly, can cause breakdowns in household appliances. To normalize the operation of the water supply, install hydraulic accumulators. In autonomous systems, they perform the same functions as water towers in centralized networks. The accumulator is the main unit that connects the pumping group to the internal water supply. How to connect a hydraulic accumulator to a submersible pump? How to choose and install it correctly?
Hydraulic tanks come in different shapes, volumes and configurations. For each system, you can choose the best option
The main structural elements are the body, the membrane and the nipple. The body of the storage tank is a sealed container designed to operate under a pressure of 1.5-6 atmospheres. The maximum load is 10 atmospheres. A membrane is fixed at the neck of the body, access to which is open only through a special flange with a valve. On the opposite side, a nipple is embedded through which air is pumped into the tank. The whole structure is on legs.
Depending on the configuration, vertical and horizontal storage tanks are distinguished. They work on the same principle, with the difference that large-volume vertical models (over 50 liters) have a special valve through which air is bled. This is necessary because during the operation of the plumbing system, excess air gradually accumulates. Therefore, a valve is installed on top of vertical accumulators, and a drain or tap is installed in horizontal ones. In tanks of small volume, the air is bled, completely draining the water.
In order for the pump to serve its intended period normally, it must be operated in the mode provided for by the technical specifications. Submersible equipment should be turned on no more than 5-20 times per minute (the exact figures are indicated in the documentation for the specific model).
The pressure switch gives a command to turn on the pump when the pressure in the system drops to the set parameters. If a hydraulic accumulator is not installed, the pressure drops even with a minimum water flow, and the equipment will constantly turn on and off. This will lead to its rapid wear and tear.
A storage tank is connected to the water supply circuit, which makes it possible to reduce the frequency of the pump on and off and extend its service life. The volume of the device is also selected taking into account the intensity of water consumption, power and installation height of the pump.
Scheme: installation location of the hydraulic tank in an autonomous water supply network
The hydraulic accumulator is fixed to the floor through rubber gaskets. Flexible adapters are used to connect to pipes. If the device is new or has not been used for a long time, it should be filled very carefully for the first time so as not to damage the membrane, which can stick together from long periods of inactivity. Before filling, it is desirable to remove all air.
The place for mounting the accumulator is chosen so that it has free access for maintenance. If there are no skills, it is better not to take risks and not install the device yourself, but to turn to more competent people, especially if you have to connect two submersible pumps to one accumulator.
New hydraulic accumulators are adjusted at the manufacturing plant. Usually the pressure is 1.5 atmospheres. However, before the sale can take a long time, and the performance falls. So the first thing to check is pressure. For control, an electronic or mechanical pressure gauge is suitable. You can use the car.
Some models of hydraulic tanks are specially equipped with pressure gauges. But you can choose any device. The main thing is that it be accurate. Even 0.5 atmospheres affects the operation of the drive. For the same reason, it is better not to use plastic Chinese pressure gauges. They rarely show accurate data.
If you need to achieve high pressure in the network, leave the "factory" 1.5 atmospheres. If the water will be used only for domestic household needs, you can reduce the figure to 1 atmosphere. The higher the pressure, the more air in the tank and the less water. Therefore, many homeowners bleed excess air in order to increase the capacity of the tank and reduce the frequency of switching on the pump.
The upper and lower limits are set on the pressure switch, according to which the pump will turn on and off. For this, two nuts and springs are provided under the cover of the device. You can use them to adjust the settings. The optimal difference between the pressure for switching on and off is 1-2 atmospheres. Too large a difference is also undesirable, because. this will lead to rapid wear of the hydraulic tank membrane.
When choosing a model of a hydraulic tank, it is necessary not only to determine the required volume, technical characteristics, but also to find out what material the membrane is made of. The seller must have certificates of conformity, a sanitary and hygienic conclusion, which indicate the scope of the drive. You need to choose a model designed for systems with cold drinking water.
As for manufacturing companies, the brands Aguasistem, Varem, Wester Line, Zilmet, Reflex have proven themselves well. Hydraulic tanks are completed with spare flanges and membranes. When buying, make sure they are in stock. If the accumulator is selected and installed correctly, in a dry place, and the owner performs maintenance on time, the device will last for many years.
When providing the building with water from a well or a well, a hydraulic accumulator is installed without fail, which is a container of a suitable volume. It is usually used in conjunction with a special pressure switch. For a hydraulic accumulator, it is a control device that allows you to reduce the number of pump cycles.
The main components of a pumping unit with a hydraulic accumulator
From the point of view of design features, the relay is a small unit equipped with special springs. The first of them defines the limit of maximum pressure, and the second defines the minimum. Adjustment is made by means of the auxiliary nuts placed in the case.
The working springs are connected to the membrane, which reacts to pressure surges in one way or another. Exceeding the maximum values leads to compression of the metal spiral, and a decrease leads to stretching. Thanks to such a device, in the contact group, contacts are closed and opened at a certain moment.
The principle of operation of the pressure switch for the accumulator is as follows. Water enters the membrane tank until it is completely filled, which leads to an increase in pressure. When the maximum allowable level is reached, it stops pumping liquid.
As water flows, the pressure in the system drops. When the lower level is overcome, the equipment will turn on again. The cycles of switching on and off are repeated over and over again until the elements of the system are in working condition.
Typically, a relay consists of the following elements:
Addition! When working on the moving part of the platform, adjusting springs press against the force created by the piston. Turning the pump on and off depends on the degree of their compression.
Any accumulator inside has a rubber membrane that divides the space into two chambers. One contains water and the other contains compressed air. Thanks to this structure, it is possible to create the necessary pressure when filling and emptying the rubber container.
To extend the life of the device, you need to know what pressure should be in the accumulator. It largely depends on the indicators set to turn on the pump. The pressure inside the tank should be about 10 percent less.
For example, if the switch-on is set to 2.5 bar and the switch-off is set to 3.5 bar, then the air pressure inside the tank should be set to 2.3 bar. Finished usually do not require additional adjustment.
Although many people find the process of mounting and adjusting the instrument difficult to understand, in fact it is not. Each owner of a country house with a well or a well can independently connect and configure a device to provide the building with water.
The finished product interacts with both the plumbing and electrical systems of the building. When closing and opening contacts, liquid is supplied or blocked. The pressure device is installed permanently, since there is no need to move it from place to place.
For connection, it is recommended to allocate a separate power line. Directly from the shield should be a cable with a copper core section of 2.5 square meters. mm. It is not recommended to connect wires without grounding, because the combination of water and electricity is fraught with hidden danger.
Cables should be passed through the holes located on the plastic case, and then connected to the terminal block. It contains terminals for phase and zero, wires for the pump.
Note! Electrical work must be carried out in a disconnected state from the network. When installing, you must not neglect the observance of the general rules of technical safety.
To adjust the device, an accurate pressure gauge is required to determine the pressure without errors. Focusing on its readings, you can make a relatively quick adjustment. By turning the nuts located on the springs, you can reduce or increase the pressure. During setup, you must follow a certain sequence of actions.
So, the adjustment of the pressure switch for the accumulator is carried out as follows.
Note! Before you set up the accumulator pressure switch, you need to remember a simple truth. The minimum allowable difference between the maximum and minimum value should not be less than 1 atmosphere.
Relay models can be purchased relatively inexpensively. Usually the cost of products does not exceed one thousand rubles. However, electronic counterparts may have a higher price, as they allow for more precise tuning. The table shows the models of some manufacturers and their cost.
Image | Model | Dimensions in mm | Price in rubles |
---|---|---|---|
Gilex RDM-5 | 110x110x70 | 900 | |
Danfoss KP1 | 107x65x105 | 1 570 | |
Belamos PS-7 | 150x80x150 | 575 | |
Caliber RD-5 | 103x65x120 | 490 |
Related article:
If the water pressure is normal or even strong, then you just need this device. And why you will learn from our separate review.
As for hydraulic accumulators, their cost can be noticeably higher. It mainly depends on the volume of the structure. A capacious tank can significantly reduce the number of work cycles. However, there is not always enough space for it. The table shows prices for accumulators for different sizes.
Note! On average, for a family of 4-8 people, as a rule, a hydraulic accumulator with a capacity of 50 liters is enough. With a smaller number of people living, a capacity of 24 liters is purchased, and with a larger number - 100 liters.
Since the hydraulic accumulator is not capable of functioning without a pressure switch, which is a control device, special attention was paid to the installation and configuration of this particular device. With proper adjustment of the product, it is quite possible to extend the operational period of the main equipment.
Self-installation and adjustment of the water pressure switch for the pump
A correctly chosen scheme for connecting a hydraulic accumulator for water supply systems will ensure ease of use, as well as the durability and economy of the system. A hydraulic accumulator is an important part of the water supply system, in which water and compressed air are located, separated by a membrane.
When the parameters of the water flow change (pressure decrease), the pump turns on and water is pumped into the accumulator, restoring the parameters of the required maximum pressure and then turns off. Further, the water flow comes from the hydraulic device, preventing frequent switching on of the pumping unit, which occurs until the next moment when the pressure drops to the minimum threshold. In addition, hydraulic accumulators can provide system operation for some time (depending on the volume of the tank) when there is a power outage or pump damage.
In general, all hydraulic accumulators consist of the following main parts:
Some products have distinctive design features:
According to the type of location, two types of models are distinguished:
The choice of configuration and installation of a hydraulic accumulator for water supply systems at the same time can be carried out for reasons of free space for mounting a particular model.
By purpose, the following types of accumulators are distinguished:
Heating accumulators are painted red, and equipment for water supply systems (cold water and hot water) - blue.
The connection diagram of the accumulator to the submersible pump must be include. Its presence will not allow compressed air through the membrane to squeeze water back into the well. The valve is mounted immediately on the pump, before connecting other elements of the system.
The first step is to install a submersible pump. To do this, using a rope and a load, the depth of the well is determined, after which a place on the rope is marked, to which it will be necessary to lower the pumping unit so that it is at a distance of 20-30 cm from the bottom. After fixing the pump, its pressure pipe or hose that goes to the surface is connected to the pressure switch using a manifold (fitting) for five connectors. A hydraulic accumulator and a water supply system are connected in series to the same collector for supply to consumption points. The remaining connector is used to connect the equipment control system.
Connecting a submersible pump to a hydraulic accumulator, like the other systems described below, necessarily requires all connections to be sealed. For this, it is used FUM tape or tow with sealant.
Before you start connecting the accumulator to a surface pump, you need to determine the required water supply parameters, in particular, decide what pressure is needed in the system. It is believed that water supply with a small number of points of consumption can operate at a pressure of 1.5 atm. Depending on the availability of equipment that requires high pressure, this value can increase up to 6 atm. Higher pressure is considered dangerous for communications and connecting elements.
Considering the selected pressure as nominal, it is determined which decrease is appropriate to consider acceptable, that is, at what value will the pump turn on. The critical value is set on the control relay, and from the side of the nipple, the air pressure in the accumulator is measured in the absence of water in it. The resulting value should be lower than the minimum allowable by 0.5-1.0 atm.
If no adjustment is required in this direction (for example, pumping with a pump), a hydraulic accumulator connection diagram for water supply systems is assembled
using a five-way manifold. The accumulator is installed first, then in series: pump pressure pipe, domestic water supply, pressure switch, pressure gauge.
In a country house, it is not enough just to make an autonomous water supply system. The water supply scheme should provide for the trouble-free operation of the equipment included in it, even with pressure drops in the system, because if the water supply is unstable, it is likely that household appliances will simply fail. Connecting the accumulator to the water supply system solves this problem, but in order to choose the right device, you need to know its features.
Hydraulic accumulator connected to the water supply system in a wooden house
Hydraulic accumulators are often confused with expansion tanks, despite the fundamentally different problems that these devices solve. An expansion tank is needed in heating and hot water supply systems, since the coolant, moving through the system, inevitably cools and its volume changes. The expansion tank is configured with a “cold” system, and when the coolant warms up, its excess, which is formed due to expansion, has somewhere to go.
The accumulator is needed for completely different purposes: if it is not installed in the water supply system, the pump will be activated every time any tap is opened. If this happens often, then not only the pump, but the entire system wears out faster, since each time the pressure rises in jumps - a so-called water hammer occurs.
As a result, the accumulator is installed in order to get rid of water hammer and extend the life of the system as a whole. In addition, the accumulator has other functions:
Creates a certain supply of water (useful if the power is turned off).
If there are frequent interruptions in water, then the accumulator can be combined with a storage tank
Reduces pump start frequency. The tank is filled with a small amount of water. If the flow rate is small, for example, you need to wash your hands or wash your face, water starts to flow from the tank, while the pump remains off. It is activated after there is very little water left;
Maintains stable pressure in the system. In order for this function to be performed properly, an element is provided, called a water pressure switch, capable of maintaining a given pressure within strict limits;
All the advantages of hydraulic accumulators make this device an indispensable element of any autonomous water supply system in country houses.
A hydraulic accumulator is a special sealed metal tank, which is divided in two by an elastic membrane inside. The membrane itself is made in the form of a diaphragm or a balloon. The first is attached across the tank, and the pear is at the inlet near the inlet pipe.
Hydraulic accumulators are equipped with two-level protection - pressure gauge and mechanical valve
On our website you can find contacts of construction companies that offer the service of design and installation of water supply and sewerage. You can directly communicate with representatives by visiting the exhibition of houses "Low-Rise Country".
Hydraulic accumulators have different purposes. First of all, devices are divided into those intended for hot and cold water supply, heating systems. The latter are painted red, and the plumbing ones are blue. Tanks used in heating, as a rule, are smaller in volume and more affordable. This is due to not such a high-quality membrane material, because drinking water is in an ordinary water supply system, and technical water is in heating.
Hydraulic accumulators are also divided according to the type of placement - devices located vertically or horizontally. At the bottom of the vertical models there are legs with which they are placed on the surface, and some models provide special plates that allow them to be fixed to the wall.
Connecting a hydraulic accumulator, as well as selecting its characteristics, is not an easy task.
Hydraulic accumulators installed in heating systems are equipped with radial membranes that look like plates. For plumbing systems, devices with a rubber pear are more often chosen.
The work cycle is divided into several stages:
If there is only air inside the accumulator, then the pressure will be standard - 1.5 atm (factory or set independently, depending on the pressure in the system).
When the pump is activated, water is drawn into the pear, which causes it to become larger in volume. The air located between the membrane and the tank wall is compressed as a result of filling the tank.
When the air pressure reaches the set pressure, the pump will turn off and the system will stabilize.
If you open the valve, the pressure in the system will drop and the air will begin to push water out of the accumulator. It will flow until the air pressure drops below the specified mark. Then the pump will turn on again and the cycle will repeat.
The system is configured in such a way that at high water consumption, for example, if you need to take a bath, the pump starts pumping water in transit, that is, without pumping it into the tank. The latter will be typed when all the taps are closed. Turns the pump on and off such an element as a pressure switch.
The scheme for connecting the accumulator to the pump and the water supply system may vary, since during the work they use not only a submersible, but also a surface pump. Each of the schemes has its own connection features.
If water is pumped to the plumbing system through the water supply (that is, the pump does not need to be immersed), it is mounted right next to the battery. The connection scheme is not complicated, but you should familiarize yourself with the nuances.
Before installing the device, an accurate calculation of the working and minimum pressure is necessary. Different systems set different pressures, but if a standard, small system is considered, then the standard here is a pressure of 1.5 atm. It happens that a device is connected in systems that needs high pressure to operate, so the parameter increases up to 6 atm, but no more, since this can adversely affect the pipes and their connecting elements.
Scheme of installing a hydraulic accumulator in a water supply system using a submersible pump model. This case is relevant if the water for the system is drawn from a well or a pump installed underground.
The described scheme has a key feature - a check valve is mounted in the system. This device prevents back leakage of injected water. The non-return valve should be installed before the subsequent elements of the system are connected. It is mounted directly to the pump (at one end), and a pipeline leading to the accumulator is connected to the other.
The procedure for connecting the battery to the pump is as follows:
First of all, they measure the depth where the pump will be lowered (it should be located 30 cm above the surface of the bottom of the well or well). It is convenient to measure the distance with a rope to which the load is attached;
The pump, to which the valve is already connected, is lowered into the well and fixed with a safety cable;
The pipe from the pump, which comes to the surface, is brought to the water pressure switch, for which a special fitting is used;
A hydraulic accumulator is also connected to the fitting, consuming water supply and a control system. Based on this, the fitting with five connectors is the most optimal. It is important that all connections are airtight, for which FUM tape or ordinary tow is excellent, which must first be impregnated with sealant.
How the submersible pump and accumulator are connected, see the video:
If you plan to install a hydraulic accumulator, then it is important to know how to determine the critical pressure. Based on the operating value, you must first determine the minimum pressure, that is, the one at which the pump starts to work. The pressure switch is set to this value. Next, the pressure in an empty accumulator is measured. The result should be lower than the critical parameter by about 0.5 - 1 atm. Then the system is assembled. Its center, as in the previous situation, is a fitting with five connectors, where they are connected in turn: a battery, a pipe from a pump (it is connected to a water source), household plumbing, a relay and a pressure gauge.
How to install a hydraulic accumulator for water supply systems is understandable, but all equipment must be carefully adjusted in order for the resulting system to function effectively. The key element to pay attention to is the pressure switch. Externally, the device, although it looks simple, can take several hours to fix it. As a rule, a specialist copes with the task quickly, but if there is no special knowledge, then you can ruin the device.
How to adjust the accumulator, see the following video:
To set the pressure switch, first of all, the cover is removed from the device. Under it are four bolts and four springs. It is these bolts that are responsible for turning the pump on and off when a certain pressure is reached. The norms noted in the instructions for the device state that the difference between the modes is 2 atm. A couple of screws should be adjusted to set the value. This is done as follows:
The pump is in working condition, while one of the nuts is rotated until it turns off;
To effectively adjust the pressure, open the taps in the house. Here it is important to pay attention to the indicators of the pressure gauge - it is necessary to fix the mark at which the pump starts;
If necessary, the minimum pressure in the pipes is adjusted - for this, the upper nuts rotate. It is very important to rely on the readings of the pressure gauge and the norms stated in the instructions;
The bottom pair of nuts is responsible for the pressure indicator at which the pump turns off;
Adjustment should be carried out until the difference between the on and off state of the pump is 2 atm.
Setting up a pressure switch is a rather difficult task, but if it is done correctly, then the adjustment work can be considered complete.
To properly adjust the pressure switch, you need the appropriate knowledge and experience, so it is better to entrust this procedure to a specialist
In addition to the direct adjustment of the hydraulic tank, much depends on the correctly selected connection scheme. And if everything is done correctly, then in a country house there will always be a stable pressure of water.
A hydraulic accumulator is a special device whose task is to stabilize the pressure in the plumbing system. It is important to properly install the accumulator for water supply systems, but you should also carefully consider the choice of device. In the process of work, many different parameters are taken into account, starting with the installation site of the device and ending with the choice of the volume of the container. It is also important to understand how the unit itself is arranged. This knowledge will allow you to assemble a reliable and stable plumbing system.
Today it is difficult to imagine even a country house without a water supply system. However, in addition to pumping equipment for a well or well, in some cases it may be necessary to install a hydraulic accumulator. This device is used if, after rising from the well, water cannot be delivered to all points of water intake. The hydraulic accumulator helps to regulate the water pressure in the water supply system. There are different schemes for connecting a hydraulic tank to a water supply network. The choice of one or another scheme depends on the pump used. In our article, we will consider a scheme for connecting a hydraulic accumulator to a submersible pump installed in a well or well.
A hydraulic accumulator is a cylindrical metal container with a rubber bulb inside it. This pear acts as a membrane. In fact, a hydraulic tank is a link in the water supply system. It is able to accumulate a certain volume of liquid and create the necessary water pressure in the pipeline. Due to the fact that the required pressure is created in the system, the efficient operation of sanitary appliances, a washing machine and a dishwasher, as well as the supply of liquid to the upper floors of a residential building and to the most remote points, is ensured.
The accumulator itself consists of the following components:
In addition, for the operation of the entire water supply system with a hydraulic tank, a pressure switch is required, which allows you to maintain the set pressure in the system and controls the start and stop of the submersible pump, as well as a check valve.
A special flange is used to fix the rubber bulb to the body. In its design there is an inlet pipe. The internal structure of this tank is designed so that there is air between the membrane and the walls of the housing. It must be under a certain pressure, which is injected into the chamber using a car or bicycle pump. This air not only helps maintain the necessary pressure in the water supply system, but also counteracts the overextension of the pear into which water is pumped using a submersible pump from a well or well.
All hydraulic accumulators can be divided into several types:
In our article, we will consider the connection diagram and the principle of operation of a hydraulic tank for cold water supply systems. This tank is designed in such a way as to accumulate the necessary volumes of water and provide liquid supply to the water distribution points. Such equipment allows you to avoid water hammer and protect the well pump from frequent switching on.
The scheme of operation of the hydraulic tank after it is connected to the water supply system is as follows:
Important: the frequency of starting downhole pumping equipment is directly related to the volume of the rubber bulb and the intensity of water consumption. That is, the volume of the tank must be selected taking into account the water needs of a particular family, so that the frequency of starting the pumping unit does not increase, and this does not lead to its rapid wear.
The connection scheme to a surface pump or pumping station looks much simpler, since the relay is installed in a block, that is, it is installed in combination with pumping equipment, there is also a built-in coarse filter and a check valve.
When connecting a hydraulic tank to submersible pumping equipment, a check valve is required to prevent water from flowing back into the supply pipeline and source after the pumping equipment is turned off. Otherwise, after the pump is turned off, the air from the tank will squeeze water into the well.
The check valve is mounted on the pumping equipment before connecting all other elements of the water supply system. Further work is carried out in the following sequence:
Important: the borehole pump should be lowered below the water surface by no more than 30 cm.
Attention: all connections must be carefully sealed with tow treated with sealant or FUM tape.
For the efficient and correct operation of the hydraulic tank and the entire water supply system, it is necessary to correctly configure the relay. Since this unit usually comes with factory settings, this is done in the following sequence: