A container for accumulating liquid in a water supply system is the most important element after the pump, so its choice must be taken seriously. There are many different options execution of this unit so that it is convenient for people to use the water supply. The selection criteria are based not only on the volume of the accumulator, but also on the mounting method and internal design.

Purpose of the hydraulic accumulator

Hydraulic accumulators are used in heating, cold and hot water supply systems

The main function of a hydraulic accumulator is to accumulate liquid and maintain pressure in the water supply system. To do this, this unit is equipped with a pressure gauge and relays that maintain a certain interval, at the extreme points of which the automatic switching on and turning off the pump.

Do not confuse the hydraulic tank and expansion tank. The second is needed in the heating system to compensate for losses during the evaporation of hot liquid, as well as to take on excess air that occurs when heating water in the boiler.

Water hammer is a dangerous phenomenon for plastic pipes. It occurs when the liquid moves in the opposite direction: abruptly closing the tap stops the flow, and it begins to move in reverse side, colliding with a wave coming from the pump. At a certain point, too much liquid accumulates in the pipe, which can rupture plastic and even metal. The hydraulic accumulator inhibits the formation of water hammer, as it acts as a buffer between the pump and the point of water consumption.

If plumbing system private house is not equipped storage capacity, this means powerful submersible pump or the station will turn on every time someone upstairs opens the tap. The pump resource is limited by the number of on-off cycles, and also has an indicator - the maximum permissible frequency of switching on. On average, the equipment should be turned on 5 times per hour. Constant operation of the unit has much less impact on the parts than frequent switching on. Thanks to the fluid reserve, the hydraulic accumulator can reduce the response rate by 2–3 times, so another of its functions is protection against wear of the electrical part of the pumping equipment.

If the electricity is suddenly turned off, residents can continue to use water in the house as long as pressure is maintained in the hydraulic tank. The operating principle of a hydraulic accumulator for water supply systems is based on the balance of water and air inside the tank.

There are cases when a hydraulic accumulator is not only not needed, but can even harm the pump. It's about O permanent job pumping equipment when watering the garden. In this case, the tank cannot be installed, since the equipment will be turned on and off frequently. When watering, it is better if it works in constant mode - this way the engine overheats and wears out less.

Residents can decide for themselves whether to install a tank or not if the pump is equipped with a soft start system that prevents water hammer.

Application area

The hydraulic accumulator can be installed not only in a private house, but also in a high-rise building, so that during a water outage in the city, residents have a small supply. This allows you to maintain pressure and use household appliances - a washing machine or dishwasher.

A hydraulic accumulator with a membrane resistant to hot temperatures is used in a hot water supply system as expansion tank, therefore, when purchasing, you need to clarify what function it will perform. Membrane for cold drinking water will not withstand boiling water. The rubber is also different - in hot water supply it is technical, in water supply it is food grade. Hydraulic tanks are connected to a boiler and a double-circuit boiler.

Except household use,GAs are used in many industries, for example, in the ,engineering industry.

Types of storage tanks

Membrane accumulator

For domestic needs, two types of tanks are used:

• Membrane. The rubber is secured in a retaining ring. In such a tank, the liquid comes into contact with the walls, but only in one half of the accumulator. The second half is occupied by the air mixture, which can be released or pumped in as needed.
• Balloon. The liquid enters a rubber bulb attached to the neck at the entrance to the tank. Water does not come into contact with the walls and does not affect the metal. On the other hand, there is a possibility of the bulb rupturing and liquid leaking through the nipple. In this model, the membrane can be replaced.

There is also a version without a membrane, but for use in a private house in a water supply system, such a hydraulic accumulator device is inconvenient. The air will mix in the container and leave with the water, so it will have to be constantly monitored and pumped. This needs to be done daily. Membraneless tanks are suitable for storing water for irrigation and outdoor showers.

Models of hydraulic accumulators are produced in vertical and horizontal version. This is done solely for ease of use. For example, in small room bathroom HA can only be installed under the ceiling in a horizontal position, attaching it to the wall. If the technical room is located in the basement, it is better to buy a hydraulic tank on legs and screw it to concrete floor bolts.

Principle of operation

Balloon accumulator

The operating principle of the HA is based on changes in pressure inside. This happens thanks to additional equipment - a pressure gauge and a relay. The incoming water flow fills the rubber bulb until the pressure rises to the level specified in the settings. Then the sensor is triggered and the pump turns off automatically. In the house, open the tap and use the liquid for domestic purposes until the pressure weakens to the lower specified level. The sensor is triggered again and the pumping equipment is turned on. This is how a hydraulic accumulator works in a water supply system.

When the hydraulic tank is connected to the heating system, it is triggered when the pressure in the boiler increases due to steam during heating. Excess steam is sent to the hydraulic accumulator, from where it can be released if necessary. Fluid loss occurs in the heating system and pressure drops. In this case, the HA gives a signal to replenish the water so that the quality of heating does not decrease.

Hydraulic accumulator device

The body is made from various materials– durable plastic, metal or of stainless steel. Stainless steel is more expensive, so there are fewer such models on sale. Plastic is also not recommended - it can crack if hit.

The membrane is made of food grade rubber if it is intended for storing drinking water. There is also technical rubber, if it is designed for use for other purposes. Temperature conditions membrane matters: in DHW systems heat-resistant, for cold water- ordinary. This must be taken into account when purchasing a replacement membrane.

A pressure gauge is a device for measuring and regulating pressure. A relay is a sensor that is activated when the lower or upper limit of air compression is reached.

You can bleed air or pump in a new portion through the spool using a bicycle or car pump.

A coarse filter is installed in the housing in case the water contains solid fractions - sand or stones. They can accumulate in the membrane and damage it. The filter is placed in front of the entrance to the rubber bulb.

Advantages and disadvantages of a hydraulic tank

Pneumatic hydraulic accumulators have the following advantages:

• affordable price;
• opportunity self-connection to the system;
• simple device;
• replaceable membrane;
• the ability to connect to any type of pump, as well as install several tanks in parallel, so that the operation of the water supply does not stop if one of the accumulators breaks down;
• the ability to select HA of the required volume, but one must take into account that the volume indicated in the instructions is a total number, there will be 2/3 less water in it;
• You can independently disassemble the structure and find the breakdown, as well as carry out repairs and replace parts without calling a technician to your home.

Among the disadvantages is the need for a separate room if the hydraulic tank big size and connected to surface pump. Such units usually make a lot of noise, so they are isolated from residential premises. When purchasing an inexpensive hydraulic tank, you may need frequent repairs, which entails additional costs.

Criterias of choice

First of all, you need to decide what functions the accumulator will perform. You may need several completely different models– for plumbing, hot water supply and heating. In this case, it is necessary to calculate the required volume of each. Here you cannot do without a specialist who will help you decide.

The next criterion is budget. Imported models are more expensive, but are made of high quality from durable materials, which have a longer service life. If you choose among domestic HAs, you need to choose not the cheapest ones, as they will last longer.

Having decided on the functions and budget, you can proceed to the technical part. Much depends on the quality of the well fluid. If the source does not have a filter set to casing pipe, you need to buy a hydraulic tank model with a filter so as not to clog the water supply.

You should calculate the amount of liquid consumed by all family members per day and find out what volume of the tank should be installed. A reserve should be provided in case you need to purchase any household devices or build a bathhouse. For a family of 4 people living in a house, you need a 50 liter tank. At the same time, the house has washing machine, shower, bath and faucet in the kitchen. A specialist can calculate the optimal volume of HA using a special formula, which includes the maximum permissible number of inclusions, lower and upper pressure indicators, and maximum water consumption per hour.

It must be taken into account that unused liquid stagnates and may smell like sludge, so a tank that is too large is not needed.

Installation and connection

Connection diagram to a deep-well pump

You can use your own skills and experience for installation. All connection steps are described in the instructions. The upper and lower pressure thresholds are pre-set. You can leave the factory settings, where the lower limit is 4 bar, the upper limit is 8 bar. If the system does not work correctly, the settings are changed by tightening the large and small springs.

The tank is placed after the pump, connected using a fitting with three and five inputs. Two of them are for relays and pressure gauges, the rest are for pipes and flexible hoses to reduce vibration transmitted from the pump.

Before starting, use a pressure gauge to check the pressure of the air mixture inside again. Then you can turn on the system. If the relay operates correctly, the installation process is completed and the water supply can be operated.

Features of operation

During operation of the hydraulic accumulator, the following rules must be observed:

• check the pressure 2 times a year, if necessary, more often by pumping in a new portion or bleeding off excess;
• monitor for leaks - they may indicate a rupture of the rubber membrane and the need for replacement;
• monitor the operation of the pump - its frequent switching on also indicates that the accumulator is not working correctly due to settings or breakdowns.

The less often the pump turns on, the better. The maximum number of starts should not exceed 30 times per hour.

If it turns out that one hydraulic tank is not enough, you can build in one more or even several. In this case, the system will function if any of them breaks down.

Service

Replacement membrane for hydraulic accumulator

The weakest point of the tank is the rubber membrane. During operation, it constantly stretches and contracts. If the air pressure inside is low, the rubber will stretch more, which will eventually lead to its rupture. Then you will have to buy a new one and change it yourself.

If the membrane ruptures, the pressure gauge will show sharp surges and drops in pressure. When you press the nipple, water will flow out instead of air. This means that there is no air left there, and the entire container is filled with liquid. Air mixed with water will come out of the tap in the house.

When replacing rubber, you must ensure that its neck is tightly and evenly laid and secured with a flange. If the edge slips, water will leak out and the job will have to be done again.

Do not use sealant at the junction of metal and rubber. This leads to slipping and leaks due to loose fitting parts.

Common malfunctions include nipple failure when it does not close and releases air. The part can be purchased at service center and replace it yourself.

Prices for hydraulic tanks for water supply systems vary greatly depending on the brand of the manufacturer. On Russian market German, Italian, Swedish manufacturers have been working for a long time and supply high-quality equipment. Their competition comes from domestic factories, whose products do not differ in quality, but are somewhat lower in cost. You should not buy cheap goods made in China, as they are mostly unrepairable and do not last long. Spare parts are not supplied for them, so the water supply system may remain idle for a long time.

By installing a hydraulic accumulator in the house, the consumer forever acquires the safety of using home water supply.

Hydraulic accumulator

Why do you need a hydraulic accumulator? Its difference from an expansion tank

For example, we can consider a house where water is supplied using an electric pump.

Despite the external similarity of the shape of the two hydraulic devices, they have different functions, differing not only in color - hydraulic accumulators are blue, and expansion tanks are red - but also perform different jobs.

Hydraulic accumulator and expansion tank

Both devices operate on a similar principle and serve the same purpose - uninterrupted operation of the home water supply and heating system.

The expansion tank is used mainly in heating systems and has the function of reducing fluid pressure, thereby protecting pipes and connecting parts from premature failure, leading to their replacement.

In the expansion tank, the liquid container is divided in half using a movable partition. One part contains air and the other contains water.

When heated, water, expanding, presses on the soft partition, compressing the air on the other side, thereby removing overpressure in the heating system.

When the temperature decreases, the reverse process occurs - compressed air pushes water into the system, preventing the formation of an air lock.

The hydraulic accumulator is used when installing a home pipeline. The capacity of the hydraulic accumulator inside is also divided into two reservoirs, but according to a different principle.

The water in it does not come into contact with the walls, since it is located in a special membrane chamber, which is surrounded by compressed air. The membrane is made of polymer materials resistant to high and low temperatures and chemical exposure.

Hydraulic accumulator device

The hydraulic accumulator is a sealed steel tank with a volume of 50-100 liters with pumped air, which has inside a container made of polymer materials, usually butyl rubber.

Hydraulic accumulator device

The container - a membrane chamber - supplies water to the home plumbing system with constant pressure, which can be regulated using a valve on the tank, which is part of the system.

Operating principle of a hydraulic accumulator

The operation of all hydraulic accumulators is based on a single principle - a membrane chamber with water made of polymer material, surrounded on all sides by air pumped under a certain pressure, regulated by a special sensor.

Therefore, the liquid pressure in the membrane chamber, and therefore in the entire home plumbing system, is always stabilized by an air gap. This means:

• The home plumbing system is 100% protected from water hammer of various kinds, since it is equipped with a sensor that opens a control valve that releases excess pressure.
• In case of an unplanned power outage, the user always has a supply of 50-100 liters of water, depending on the capacity, to ensure life.
• The liquid level sensor in the container, connected to the relay for turning on the pump supplying water to the system, is configured in such a way that it turns on the water supply pump only when necessary. This, firstly, reduces energy consumption, and secondly, increases the durability of pump parts.
• The water in the accumulator tank does not come into contact with water, so replacing the metal tank will never be necessary due to its wear and tear from corrosion.

All these indicators provide uninterrupted operation home plumbing systems.

Types of hydraulic accumulators

Depending on their purpose, hydraulic accumulators differ in three parameters.

• For cold water. This hydraulic accumulator uses a membrane container made of neutral material used in the food industry to ensure the safety of using water when preparing food. The hydraulic tank of this unit is painted blue.
• For hot water. The material used here is resistant to impact. high temperatures. The hydraulic tank used for hot water is painted red.
• For heating system. For the heating system, a material is used that is resistant to the effects of active reagents used in coolants. The hydraulic tank is red.

Types of hydraulic accumulators

Also, hydraulic accumulators come in different designs - with a vertical and horizontal arrangement of the hydraulic tank.

• In a private house, it is more convenient to use a hydraulic tank with a vertical arrangement, since it takes up less space in the utility room, allowing compact placement of devices for different purposes nearby.
• Hydraulic accumulators with a horizontal hydraulic tank are mainly used at pumping stations; in this case, the water pump is installed on top of the structure.

How to choose a hydraulic accumulator

First of all, you need to decide for which system you plan to use the hydraulic accumulator.

• For a device that will monitor the supply of cold water, it is necessary to proceed from the number of people living in the house and, according to the consumption rates of cold and drinking water per person, purchase a suitable hydraulic accumulator.
• The unit that supplies hot water is also purchased after calculating the hot water consumption per person per day.
• The hydraulic accumulator, which ensures uninterrupted operation of the heating system, is selected based on the area of ​​the heated premises. Depending on this, the capacity of the hydraulic tank is selected.

It is also necessary to take into account that the operation of the entire unit is based on the use of a membrane container, which is located inside the hydraulic tank.

Selecting a hydraulic accumulator

The service life of the entire system depends on its survivability. For cold water, it is better to purchase a tank with a membrane made of isobutated rubber, the water from which is safe for use in cooking.

Accumulator flange

The better the quality of the flange, the longer the accumulator will work. Made from galvanized steel, stainless steel or composite plastic.

Calculation of the optimal volume of the hydraulic tank

There is no GOST standard for the volume of a hydraulic tank. Everyone chooses a container for using water individually. You need to start from two parameters.

Hydraulic tank dimensions

1. The size of the utility room where at least one hydraulic tank will be installed. For example, the size of a 100 liter tank is a barrel standing vertically, about 850 mm high, and 450 mm in diameter.
2. Next, you need to calculate the amount of water consumed by each family member (approximately). Also, take into account the water consumption when washing, washing dishes and other economic needs. In any case, even if an error was made in the calculations, you can always replace the tank and increase its capacity.

Connecting the hydraulic accumulator

Before connecting the accumulator to the system, it is necessary to measure the pressure in it. This parameter is required to install the pressure sensor trigger relay.

At the factory, 1.5 Atm is set in the tank. To do this, you can use a car pressure gauge if there is no other one. To measure this parameter, there is a special entrance at the bottom of the hydraulic tank (from 100 liters).

• When using a surface type pump, install it near the hydraulic tank. The check valve is installed on the water supply pipeline.
• It is better to install all the devices necessary for the operation of the hydraulic accumulator using a five-pin fitting for piping in the circuit.
• Availability of conclusions with different diameters makes its use indispensable when installing a hydraulic accumulator in a water supply system.

Five-pin fitting

But this is not a mandatory requirement. Some people like to do things the old fashioned way, using fittings and pipe scraps.

Connection diagram of the hydraulic accumulator to the pump and water supply system

Connection diagram

After installing the hydraulic accumulator, you need to install and adjust the relay operation. Normal work household appliances provides a pressure of 1.4-2.8 Atm. To preserve the membrane, the pressure in the system must be 0.1-0.2 atm higher than in the hydraulic tank.

For example, if the pressure in the hydraulic tank is 1.5 Atm, then the indicator of this parameter in the water supply system must be at least 1.6 Atm. This value is used to adjust the relay; it is optimal for the water supply of a small one-story cottage.

If the house is larger - two or three floors, it will need to increase the pressure in the hydraulic tank, calculating the optimal pressure using the formula: V=(H+6)/10, where H is the value of the highest water point in the house. By inserting it into the formula, you can find out what pressure needs to be set in the hydraulic tank.

Here are the main points that must be taken into account when laying a pipeline and installing a hydraulic accumulator in a home water supply. Correct installation– the key to long and proper operation of the entire water supply system.

Video: What volume of hydraulic accumulator is needed for a home?

When the accumulator is filled with water, the pressure in it and the system is equalized. When you open any tap, liquid is consumed and it falls. When the lower threshold value is reached, the pump automatically (based on a signal from the corresponding relay) turns on. The pressure increases and the flask is filled with the missing amount of water. This process is characterized by dynamics, and with proper adjustment of the accumulator, the pressure in the system remains unchanged.

But provided that the frequency is observed Maintenance device. This mainly concerns the timely release of excess air accumulated in the tank. Frequency technological operation depends on the capacity of the accumulator and the features of the water supply system. General recommendations indicated in the product passport.

Installing a hydraulic accumulator

It is mounted in several standard schemes depending on the characteristics of the system.

For submersible pump

Even minimal water flow initiates the pumping device to turn on. Therefore, the hydraulic accumulator must be installed in the circuit after the check valve. This allows you to optimize the operation of the pump and ensure its guaranteed service life.

For station

Essentially the same pump, equipped with additional equipment. Some models are not initially equipped with a hydraulic accumulator, so it must be purchased separately and installed independently. In this scheme, the main task of the HA is to protect the system from pressure surges, which is observed when the pump is started. Connection - on the section of the main line to the pumping device.

For booster station

Such schemes are implemented with large and constant water consumption. As a rule, the pumping device includes at least two pumps operating alternately. As can be seen in the diagram, the hydraulic accumulator is connected to the pipe supplying water to the consumer.

For DHW system

When turned on in this way, the hydraulic accumulator performs the function expansion tank. If the device is not installed, the flow from the shower head will be unstable due to changes in pressure. Plumbing will also begin to work incorrectly, and this reduces its service life and leads to frequent breakdowns.

Features of installation of a hydraulic accumulator

• The fastening is carried out on a solid basis, and always with the use of shock absorbers. For example, RTI gaskets. We must not forget that HA is constantly in dynamics, and rigid fixation will lead to destruction of the surface material or breakage of fasteners. It is impossible to install the device directly on a water pipe, since in addition to vibration, the weight of the accumulator along with the liquid is added. Such installation is guaranteed to lead to leaks or broken connections.
• To connect the hydraulic accumulator with the pipeline, you need to use flexible liner. The reason is stated above.
• Filling the tank with water is done gradually, with low pressure. This is necessary in order to eliminate the risk of damage to the flask if it is caked - when sharp jump under pressure, the rubber product may not have time to straighten, and it is easy to tear.
• The location for installing the hydraulic accumulator is selected taking into account the possibility of quick access to the device, its visual inspection from all sides and maintenance (replacement) work.
• If the HA is small in tank volume (up to 50 l), then it is mounted to bleed air bubbles shut-off valves(valve, tee) - such devices are not equipped with pneumatic valves. This means that it is necessary to provide where and how to drain (discharge) water from the container.

The pressure in the air compartment is adjusted based on the calculated parameters of the water supply system and the manufacturer’s recommendations. All you need is a pump (if necessary), a pressure gauge (can be a car one) and spanners. But it is better to entrust all the required calculations to a professional - the slightest mistake will lead to system failures with all the consequences.

CA capacity calculation

Choosing a hydraulic accumulator based on the volume of the tank is obviously a losing proposition. There is such a thing as capacity filling. Here, a lot depends on the pressure in the air compartment, and often in a GA with a capacity of 200 liters, in fact, only a third is water. The table shows how the difference between the maximum and minimum pressure values ​​to which the relay is set affects the actual volume.

To calculate, you can use the formula:

V = K x Amax x (Pmax+1) x (Pmin +1) / (Pmax- Pmin) x (Pb + 1)

• Amax – water flow (l/min).
• Pmax and Pmin (bar) – threshold pressure values ​​at which the pump turns off/on.
• K – coefficient determined by the total power of the pumping equipment (if several products are installed in the system).
• Pb (bar) – pressure in the air compartment of the hydraulic accumulator tank.

The service life of pumping equipment in autonomous water supply systems is not last resort depends on the capacity of the accumulator. A hydraulic tank that is too small increases the load on the tank, and water stagnates in tanks that are too large. How to find golden mean and, which protects pumps and won’t leave you without water during a power outage?

How does the volume of the hydraulic tank affect the operation of the pumps?

The main purpose of hydraulic accumulators is to balance pressure drops during water withdrawal or power outages and protect the system from water hammer. The control function of an automatic pumping station is usually performed by a pressure switch. When the system pressure approaches the upper limit, the relay stops supplying electricity to the pumping equipment. With the start of water collection, the pressure in the network begins to drop; Once the lower threshold values ​​are reached, the power supply is restored and the pumps begin pumping water again.

If in automated system The water supply does not have a hydraulic accumulator; the pump would work every time someone turns on the tap or uses the toilet. No electric motor can withstand such intensive operating conditions. The more powerful, the lower the permissible switching frequency due to the risk of overheating:

• pumps with power over 8 kW withstand no more than 10 repeated starts per hour;
• for pumping equipment with a power of 5-10 kW a limit of up to 15 starts per hour is set;
• for low-power pumps - up to 20 starts.

One way or another, more than 30 starts per hour is already a critical load level, not provided for by the design of the unit. Also, tolerance to repeated switching is affected by design features pumping equipment: the more moving parts, the less often the pump should turn on. To reduce pump cycles on and off, it is necessary to create reserve water reserves.

The internal capacity of the hydraulic tank is filled with a balloon membrane into which water flows. During water collection, air, air filling the space between the membrane and the inner walls of the tank, displaces water into the network. As a result, the pressure change in the system occurs smoothly, limiting the number of short-term switching on and off. In other words, the pumping station is turned on and off as many times as the volume of the hydraulic accumulator allows.

How to determine the capacity of a hydraulic accumulator?

To calculate the optimal volume of the hydraulic tank, formulas have been developed that take into account the main characteristics of the system:

• daily water consumption;
• permissible number of work cycles per hour;
• power of pumping equipment;
• pressure switch settings.

In practice, everything is much simpler - the range of most stores is limited to three lines of standard sizes:

• from 20 to 24 liters and less;
• 50-60 liters;
• 100 or more liters.

Compact models with a capacity of up to 20-24 liters are designed for pumping stations with a power of up to 0.75 kW with a flow rate of 2-2.5 m3/hour, but for a small family of two or three people there is no reason to increase the flow rate. Of course, the pumps are turned on more often than in the case of installing a medium-volume hydraulic tank, but since there are no sharp pressure fluctuations, low loads compensate for the frequent switching on and off. Most often it is included in the package of low-power water supply installations, so the manufacturer has already calculated all the risks and benefits for us.

Pumping equipment with a capacity of 1.8 m3/hour and is a typical combination for internal networks of private houses with three water points, but without an internal bathroom. If the number of water collection points increases, it is enough to buy another hydraulic accumulator of the same volume and install it in any part of the system.

Hydraulic accumulators with a capacity of 50-60 liters are designed for networks with a flow rate of 2.5-3.5 m3/hour and pumping equipment power up to 1.5 kW. The reserve water supply is from a third to half a tank - quite enough to meet the needs of 4-8 people.

As a rule, they are installed in household systems with four or more water points, where there are no bathtubs, toilets and similar equipment that consumes a large number of water. If the house has a bathroom, the volume of the hydraulic accumulator is calculated using the UNI 9182 method.

There are also more massive ones on sale that hold up to 5 liters of water in excess of the minimum reserve, but is the game worth the candle? The gain is not that big, but the price of the unit is significantly higher.

The purchase of a hydraulic tank of 100 liters or more is justified only if the water consumption exceeds 5 m3/hour. To do this, at least 10 people must live in the house at the same time. Before you buy, keep in mind that not every well has sufficient productivity. In addition, installing a massive tank requires a lot of space - are you ready to sacrifice square meters?

They are also more in demand in regions with frequent power outages - they are used in case of power outages. But if the supply of water far exceeds the needs of the residents, during “H” the water in the tank may be unsuitable for drinking and cooking. An open water storage tank is more suitable for long-term storage of water.

The larger the volume, the more problems

Massive dimensions significantly complicate service maintenance hydraulic accumulators. In particular, for hydraulic tanks with a capacity of 100 liters or more, the problem of removing air, which accumulates in the membrane and forms plugs that disrupt the operation of the unit, is relevant.

To bleed excess air, air release valves are installed in the upper part of vertical hydraulic tanks with a capacity of 100 liters or more. For horizontal models, a separate segment of the pipeline, equipped with an outlet nipple, drain and ball valve, is responsible for removing air bubbles. To ensure uninterrupted functioning of the water supply system, air from the tank should be released at least once a month.

In more compact hydraulic accumulators, air is removed from the membranes when the tank is completely emptied. Due to the greater number of working cycles, air pockets do not have time to form. To be safe, you can periodically bleed air through a tap located in close proximity to the tank. After turning off the power to the pumps, allow the water to drain completely, then close the tap and turn on the pumps. When the hydraulic tank is filled with water, repeat the procedure.

The capacity of the hydraulic tank is far from the only parameter that should be taken into account when solving the fascinating problem of maintaining pressure in the network. Not less important correct location hydraulic accumulator: it is recommended to install the tank as close as possible to the pump. Features of the installation of water supply systems and the operating conditions of the systems also force us to reconsider the standard recommendations for selecting a hydraulic tank. If you have any questions or doubts, do not hesitate to seek professional help.

Hydraulic accumulators for water supply: principle of operation, types, how to choose

Here's how a hydraulic accumulator works step by step:

1. water is pumped into the bulb, which expands, thereby displacing air - a buoyant force is created inside
2. After reaching the required pressure value, a special relay turns off the operation of the electric pump
3. Compressed air forces the liquid from the membrane into the system. Thus, when the tap is opened, water flows from the hydraulic tank
4. After reducing the amount of liquid in the bulb, the pressure decreases - the relay records this indicator, turns on the supercharger until the desired value is reached, and so on in a circle

The principle of operation of a hydraulic accumulator is to generate a buoyant force inside its body, which compensates for the pressure in the system. The empty space inside is filled with air. In this case, the compression force reaches about 2 bar. She pushes out required amount liquid from the “pear” into pipes to stabilize the pressure according to the indicators of the pressure switch.

Hydraulic accumulator for pumping station works with a well according to the following scheme: an electric pump pumps water from the well, it goes through a pipe coming out of it through pressure pipeline. On its way from the source to the water supply system, a HA is inserted, and a pressure switch and pressure gauge are located near the connection point. The liquid first enters the unit and then flows further to the water intake points.

Hydraulic accumulator device:

• oval (thick balloon-shaped) metal body with legs
• inside – a water-filled “pear” made of food or industrial rubber
• at one end there is a valve or pipeline to bleed air, at the other there is a connector (flange) for connecting to a tee
• flexible hose or rigid pipe for connection to the house pipe
• a tee on which a pressure control relay is attached with a nipple for a pressure gauge (sometimes you need to buy it in addition)
• fastening and strapping if the container is attached to the wall

The scheme consists of the following elements (in order):

1. Well: submersible pump with electric cable, hose, pipe, lifting cable
2. Pipeline with check valve, coming from the pump (laid to the house underground below the freezing point)
3. Hydraulic accumulator
4. Endpoints: taps, household appliances

A hydraulic accumulator for a well is always installed where the pipes from the pump enter. Some experts recommend installing it closer to the supercharger station, although this does not really matter. Before connecting, the required pressure is adjusted, then the unit is connected to the pipe through a tee - everything is ready for work.

Before starting, the pressure gauge checks the amount of bar.

If it is 1.5 inside, then the system must be no less than 1.6 (the value is set on the relay). This will be enough for one-story building, For two-story house this figure will have to be increased. If there are many points, then the value is determined empirically. You can adjust it by periodically bleeding the air or pumping it up with a bicycle pump, but it should be noted that the value cannot be higher than that allowed for at least one household appliance, otherwise it will fail.

• Adjustment is periodically necessary: ​​you need to check the pressure (2 - 3 times a year) and bleed the air, lowering it. If it is excessively high, then the useful value decreases. inner space containers
• if the bulb ruptures and there is a device with a removable flange, these parts can be replaced independently by purchasing new ones in a specialized store
• often the circuit includes a water heater
• It is advisable to purchase devices with removable steel flanges

The selection of a hydraulic accumulator must be carried out on the basis that it compensates for the operation of the pump and it turns on no more than 30 times per hour. Less is better. It doesn’t matter if there is a smaller tank - you can install another one. An additional advantage of such systems: if one fails, the other will operate. The only drawback of large devices is the stagnation of unused water.

What distinguishes a hydraulic accumulator from a conventional storage device is a more complex device that significantly expands its functionality.

It consists of:

• metal case;
• inner membrane;
• nipple;
• water pipe.

The membrane divides the container into two parts, one is intended for water, and the second is pumped with air or inert gas. As a result, the liquid inside the device is under a certain pressure. This allows you to regulate the water pressure in the system.

Anyone who has at least once encountered the problem of low pressure in the system can tell you why a hydraulic accumulator is needed. Sometimes the problem is solved using a booster pump, but a GA is a more effective option.

Inside the accumulator there is a membrane which divides the device into two parts: for water and for air, which is why the accumulator is also called a membrane tank

It is installed in the system after the pump on the external or internal water supply, the specific circuit depends on the characteristics of the system. Water enters the container and accumulates there, while thanks to the membrane inside, the pressure necessary for normal operation is created autonomous water supply with trouble-free water supply to the taps.

A regular drive does not guarantee suitable characteristics pressure for water supply, since pressure is created only due to the difference in height of the water intake point and the water container. But with GA there is no need to raise the tank to the attic or overpass, since you can pump in air to create the desired pressure.

Modern technology, for example, automatic machine, hydromassage, jacuzzi, Dishwasher, is capable of functioning only at standard pressure values ​​in the water supply network. And it’s more convenient to take a regular shower when the flow of water is strong enough, rather than flowing in a weak trickle.

The hydraulic accumulator must be used in conjunction with a pressure switch, which controls the pump that supplies water from a well, well, etc., and a pressure gauge designed to control and monitor the operating parameters of an independent water supply.

A pressure switch and pressure gauge are needed to automate the operation of the pump, and filters purify the water from unnecessary impurities and protect the accumulator from damage

The relay is configured so that when the user-selected pressure is reached, the pump turns on and off. When the hydraulic accumulator is full sufficient quantity water and the pressure reaches the maximum set point, the pump will turn off. This indicator is called cut-out pressure for obvious reasons.

As water is used, the pressure in the tank gradually decreases. When it reaches the minimum set value (this is the so-called switch-on pressure), the pump starts working. Water enters the container, the pressure rises, reaches a limit, after which the pump turns off.

Then the water decreases from the tank again when the owners of the house open the tap, the pressure drops, the relay starts the pump, etc. If we exclude the GA and relay from this chain, the pumping equipment will turn on every time the tap is opened. Such use of expensive equipment is irrational, since its service life is limited to a certain number of on-off switches.

The hydraulic tank can be supplied as a separate unit or as part of a pumping station. In the first case, it is connected to a submersible pump via a pressure switch

In addition, the pump supplies water rapidly, which can result in a phenomenon such as water hammer. For a water supply system, such loads are undesirable; they can damage the pipes. And the hydraulic accumulator is a durable device that will become a buffer and protect the system from unwanted influences.

Finally, the hydraulic tank allows you to create a certain supply of water. Even in the absence of electricity, it will be possible to use water stored in the HA for some time. Of course, this is not as large a reserve as in a drive, but it can also be very useful.

The pressure in it is created not by raising the liquid to a certain height, but by using its incompressibility property. To do this, a rubber bulb is placed in a metal tank, something like a large syringe.

It is filled with water, and air or nitrogen is pumped into the tank. An elastic membrane made of butyl rubber perceives this pressure and transmits it to the liquid inside it.

Since water is an incompressible substance, the pressure created by air or nitrogen in the accumulator is transmitted to the entire system. If a pump with high operating pressure is connected to it, then the elastic membrane inside the tank will compensate for it, preventing hydrodynamic shock.

The amount of water pumped into the accumulator can be significant. Therefore, when the water supply stops, it begins to play the role of a supply tank. In this case, the pressure in the system gradually decreases.

The main selection criterion is volume. There are formulas for its calculation, but they are all complex, and the calculation results are approximate, since they are based on the average statistical water consumption, taken almost out of thin air.

You can try to make do with ready-made calculations, and go from the opposite - assuming that the amount of water consumed is equal to the volume of sewage. In the book by V.M. Masyutina "Modern manor house» it is determined for a family of four in the quantities indicated in the table.

Now for calculations it is necessary to find a compromise between the desired water supply and the number of pump starts during the day.

A table will help with this, which indicates the one-time water consumption, after which the pump turns on.

For example, let’s take a one-story “hacienda” in which four people live, and they use water for washing, washing dishes and doing laundry. Water is supplied by a submersible pump “Aquarius 0.5-16 U”.

The pressure in the water supply system is standard - 1.3 bar, the pressure switch is set to turn on the pump with a pressure of 1.5 bar and turn it off at a pressure of 2.5 bar. If you choose a hydraulic accumulator with a volume of 100 liters - half the daily water consumption rate, then a one-time consumption of 26.3 liters is acceptable.

What is a hydraulic accumulator

A hydraulic water tank is a special sealed metal device with an internal elastic membrane, designed to maintain a constantly stable pressure in the water supply.

In addition, the device is used to solve the following problems:

1. Protecting pumping equipment from wear. The pump will turn on when the water tap is opened if the accumulator tank is completely empty. This will result in more unused pump starts and longer pump life.
2. Maintaining constant pressure in the water supply system, preventing pressure drops and water hammer while simultaneously using several water intake points.
3. Maintaining an optimal supply of liquid in the water supply system, which ensures water supply in conditions of frequent power outages.

How it works

Maintaining consistently the same pressure in the system, so the pipes will last much longer. Unpleasant situations are excluded when sudden change pressure changes the temperature of the water (if you are in the shower at the same time, the sensations will not be pleasant). Providing home owners with a certain supply of water, which helps out in cases of power outages.

The amount of water depends on the volume of the hydraulic accumulator and can be 100, 200 liters or more. Preventing premature wear of the water pump. For any pump there is a limit on the number of starts per hour. The principle of operation of the hydraulic accumulator autonomous system water supply means that water comes from a tank, and the pump turns on only when the supply is almost completely depleted.

The water in the hydraulic tank does not come into contact with its metal walls, since it is located in a butyl membrane chamber, which is why hydraulic accumulators are also called membrane tanks.

Butyl is a durable rubber material that meets all hygienic and sanitary standards installed for drinking water.

Compressed air is pumped between the membrane and the metal body, which is under a pressure of 1.5 - 2 atmospheres. The pressure can be adjusted using a pneumatic valve.

How a hydraulic tank works is easy to understand. Water is pumped into the membrane chamber, which expands, while the air in the outer chamber is compressed. When the pressure limit is reached, the relay is activated and the pump is turned off. As water is consumed, the pressure drops again, and at a certain value the pump turns on and supplies water to the chamber. The operation of the pressure switch can be adjusted.

Air dissolved in water gradually accumulates in the membrane. It must be vented regularly to reduce the likelihood of formation to zero. air jams in the system, which have a destructive effect on it.

The construction of vertical hydraulic tanks for water pipelines implies a different principle of air removal. In vertical hydraulic tanks, a special nipple is provided in the upper part of the housing to remove air. In horizontal models, a special tap or drain is mounted behind the tank. If the tank volume does not exceed 100 liters, air is removed from it by completely draining the water.

Important! This procedure must be done once every 1–3 months (exact instructions can be found in the instructions for the device).

For the manufacture of the membrane, durable butyl is used, resistant to mechanical damage, chemical and biological influences, which fully complies with sanitary and hygienic standards.

The membrane is fixed to the body using a flange with an inlet valve.

The pumping station supplies compressed air to the hydraulic accumulator tank. When withdrawing fluid from the system air gap reduces internal pressure in the hydraulic tank and prevents possible diaphragm rupture. Water is supplied to the device through the inlet pipe.

The connecting pipeline and the pressure pipe must be identical in size to prevent possible hydraulic losses in the pipeline.

In devices with a volume of over 80 liters, a special valve is installed to remove air from the liquid. For small appliances with a capacity of 24 liters, it is recommended to install additional element– adapter or tap.