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The hydraulic accumulator is used in autonomous water supply systems. But what is it, how does it work, and why can’t you do without it by just using a pump? I will try to answer these and some other questions in detail.
What is a water accumulator
How it works
Hydraulic accumulators are also called membrane tanks, since they are a container with a rubber membrane inside. It divides the container into two chambers. As a result, water accumulates in one of the chambers, and the second is occupied by air or inert gas.
The tank has a hole for water inlet, a spool for adjusting the pressure in the air chamber, and a pressure gauge that displays the pressure in the air chamber.
The operating principle of the drive is quite simple:
- Water is supplied to the container from a water supply source using a pump;
- When the pressure in the air chamber reaches a critical level, the pump turns off;
- As the water supply system is used, water is squeezed out of the reservoir by the membrane, as a result of which the pressure in the system drops;
- When the pressure reaches critical low level, the automation is triggered and the pump is turned on, as a result of which the cycle repeats.
For small country house You can purchase a pumping station - this is a device in the form of a pump with a small storage tank connected to it. Pumping stations are compact and relatively low cost.
Why do you need a membrane tank?
This device performs several important functions:
- Ensures stable operation of the water supply system. Thanks to the tank autonomous water supply a private house works as stably and with uniform pressure as the central one, since it maintains the pressure at one certain level;
- Provides automatic switching on and turning off the pump. The accumulator relay is responsible for this process;
- Increases pump life. Thanks to storage capacity the pump does not turn on every time the tap is opened, but only when the pressure in the accumulator drops below the required level.
Thus, a membrane tank for water supply systems closed type, i.e. autonomous, simply necessary. Otherwise, normal operation of the water supply system is impossible, since to draw water you will have to turn on the pump each time with your own hands, and then turn it off. In addition, keep in mind that the more actively the water supply is used in the house, the larger the tank volume should be.
Types of water batteries
Hydraulic tanks differ in two main parameters:
Below we will take a closer look at their varieties.
Location in space
Depending on their location in space, membrane tanks are of two types:
- Vertical. They are distinguished by the convenience of releasing air, which accumulates in the container over time. In addition, the vertical tank takes up less space with larger capacity;
- Horizontal. To bleed air from these devices, you need not only a nipple, but also a ball valve to drain the water. Small tanks with a capacity of no more than 50 liters are usually made horizontal.
To bleed air from a small tank, i.e. with a capacity of up to 100 liters, you need to turn off the electricity from it and open the mixer until the water completely drains. After this, you can connect the system to electricity.
It must be said that large, expensive containers may have an automatic nipple, i.e. it itself detects the accumulation of air in the chamber and, if necessary, releases it.
Purpose of the drive
Depending on their purpose, diaphragm pumps come in two types:
- For cold water . These containers are painted blue. Their main feature is the membrane, which is made of food-grade rubber;
- For hot water . The devices are painted red. The membrane of these storage tanks is more durable, capable of withstanding pressure up to 8 bar. However, technical rubber is used for its production.
Replacing the membrane allows you to convert one type of storage device into another.
Price
Below are prices current in the summer of 2017 for popular drive models:
A few words about the connection diagram
Diaphragm accumulators are installed between the pump and internal water supply. Since there is only one hole in the container, a crosspiece is used for connection, to which three elements are in turn connected:
- Pressure switch through which the pump is connected to electricity;
- The pump itself;
- A water pipe connecting the storage tank to the internal water supply.
The maximum pressure in the system should be 2.5-3 bar; when it is reached, the pump should turn off. The minimum is usually 1.5-1.8 bar.
Therefore, installing the container is not difficult even for beginners. The main thing is to ensure the tightness of all connections.
In addition, you need to configure the relay by setting the minimum and maximum pressure. Detailed information This procedure is described in the operating instructions for the device.
Conclusion
So we found out what hydraulic accumulators are and why they are needed at all. Additionally, watch the video in this article. If any of the above is not clear to you, write comments, and I will be happy to answer you.
August 25, 2017If you want to express gratitude, add a clarification or objection, or ask the author something - add a comment or say thank you!
Hydraulic accumulator is a metal sealed container, inside of which there is an elastic membrane. This device is necessary to maintain constant pressure in the water supply and protect the water pump from premature failure due to frequent use. If you want to buy a hydraulic accumulator and install it in a private home, you need to understand its technical characteristics and operating principle.
Hydraulic accumulator functions
Hydraulic accumulator, it is also called membrane tank or hydraulic tank, performs a number of functions:
— Maintains pressure in the water supply system at a stable level.
— Protects the water supply from sudden changes in water pressure. In case of changes, strong temperature fluctuations in the water occur if several taps are turned on at the same time, for example, in the kitchen and bathroom. The hydraulic accumulator can cope with such issues.
— Saves the pump from rapid wear due to frequent use. There is a certain volume of water in the hydraulic tank, so the pump does not start working every time the tap is opened, but only when the water is completely used up. Each pump has a standard indicator for the number of starts per hour. Using a hydraulic tank allows you to increase the number of unclaimed pump connections, and this affects its service, increasing the operating period.
— Protects the water supply system from potential water hammer that occurs when the pump is connected, which can significantly damage the pipeline.
— Allows you to create a certain supply of water in the system. Thanks to this, you will always have water, even during periods of power outages, which is a common occurrence in our world. This function will be especially useful for owners of country houses.
What does a hydraulic accumulator consist of?
It is worth noting that the hydraulic tank capacity is sealed and divided into two chambers using a special membrane, the first is diverted for water, the second is for air.
Hydraulic accumulator device
As for the air chamber, it contains a pneumatic valve that regulates the pressure. The connecting pipe, with a thread, allows you to fill the accumulator with water.
The connecting pipeline is selected in such a way that its diameter matches the pressure pipe, since this directly affects the occurrence of hydraulic losses in the water supply system.
Watch the video: Why is there a hydraulic accumulator in the water supply system?
A hydraulic accumulator designed for a water volume of more than 100 liters is equipped with a valve that releases air accumulated in the water. For a hydraulic tank of a smaller volume, without such a valve, devices are placed in the water supply that allow air to be released. This can be either a tee or a tap that shuts off the central water main.
In general, the accumulator should be mounted in such a way that it can be easily disassembled for repair or maintenance work, without draining all the water from the system.
How does a hydraulic accumulator work?
The operating principles are as follows:
— Water is supplied to the membrane of the hydraulic tank using a pump, thanks to the created pressure;
— As soon as the pressure reaches the desired level, the pump turns off, which means the water stops flowing;
— After the next water intake, the pressure gradually decreases, so the pump is automatically connected, starting to supply water to the membrane.
Operating diagram of the hydraulic accumulator
It has been established that the maximum efficiency of the hydraulic tank directly depends on its total volume. It is possible to regulate the operation of the pressure switch.
During operation, air dissolved in aquatic environment, accumulates in the device membrane. This reduces the performance of the membrane tank. To correct the situation, it is necessary to carry out preventative work, during which the air is released.
The connection diagram of the hydraulic accumulator directly depends on its purpose. The battery structure is not like a regular water tank, so its installation requires special knowledge and skills. Installation must be carried out experienced specialist, since the work of the entire plumbing system.
Often homeowners are faced with the problem of a sharp increase in pressure (jumps) of cold water in private sectors. You can turn a blind eye to this if the owner is not interested in anything other than the water supply. But when a washing machine is installed in the house, Dishwasher, this will become a problem. In this case, hydraulic accumulators for water supply systems, which stabilize the pressure, save household appliances from breakdowns. Some models are spacious and allow you to use water for some time after the supply has stopped, which is not uncommon in the private sector. Today we’ll talk about the types of storage tanks for water supply, connection diagrams, and also find out which manufacturing companies offer such products on Russian markets.
Read in the article:
What is a hydraulic accumulator: the role of the unit in water supply
A hydraulic accumulator, also called a hydraulic tank or membrane tank, is a water reservoir included in the water supply system. Inside there is a membrane on which air presses, which allows you to turn the pump on and off as needed. Why is it installed?
Why do you need a hydraulic accumulator in cold water supply and hot water supply?
The hydraulic tank performs several functions:
- maintaining water pressure at a given level (adjustable);
- protection against pressure surges;
- increasing the service life of the water pump, turning it off periodically;
- protection of water supply system components from water hammer;
- increase in service life household appliances, connected to the cold water supply system;
- the ability to use the water supply for some time after the supply is cut off.
Regardless of whether the water supply system of a private house is subject to pressure drops or water hammer, such a device will not be superfluous in the scheme. After all, prevent emergency situation easier than eliminating its consequences.
Construction of hydraulic accumulators for water supply to private houses
This unit consists of two parts - the hydraulic tank itself and a membrane that divides its internal volume into 2 sections, one of which is filled with water and the other with air. Hydraulic tanks of 100 liters or more are equipped with a valve through which air accumulated in the water is released. Smaller devices are equipped with a special valve or tap for these purposes.
The membrane for the hydraulic accumulator is made of butyl - a special rubberized material that is resistant to bacterial influences and meets all the requirements of sanitary and epidemiological standards.
The principle of operation of a hydraulic accumulator in a water supply system
The operating algorithm of such devices is divided into four stages:
- Water supply by pump to the internal membrane.
- Upon reaching required pressure, turning off the pump, stopping the water supply.
- When the taps are opened, the flow from the tank is shown when the pump is turned off.
- A decrease in pressure in the tank causes the membrane to sag in reverse side, the pump turns on again.
The pressure switch, as well as the amount of air pressing on the membrane, can be adjusted within the range specified by the manufacturer.
Related article:
In the publication we will look at what it is, scope of application, design features, principle of operation, advantages and disadvantages, selection criteria, models and manufacturers, do-it-yourself installation.
Good to know! The larger the storage capacity, the wider the range of settings. Large tanks allow you to turn on the pump less often, which increases its durability.
Hydraulic accumulators need to be serviced periodically. The fact is that the air supplied with water accumulates inside, which leads to a decrease in the performance of the tank. Once every 2-3 months, the accumulated air is released through a special tap or valve (if automatic release is not provided). Hydraulic tanks with automation require only visual inspection and checking for leaks every six months. Air pressure is adjusted as needed.
Types of hydraulic water tanks: separation by location and other parameters
Let's present this section in tabular form for ease of understanding:
| Separation | Designation | Peculiarities |
|---|---|---|
| Location type | Horizontal | The volume of such tanks is larger. The vertical position allows the installation of an air bleed valve from above. This makes maintenance easier. The only limitation in installation is the volume of the room. |
| Vertical | Compact options in which a tap is installed to vent air. The disadvantage is that in some models you have to completely drain the water to bleed the air, which is not economical. | |
| Energy storage | Pneumatic accumulation | Diaphragm, balloon or piston. The problem arises when the partition wears out - expensive and labor-intensive repairs are required. |
| Balloon or pear | Most popular. When worn out, the pear is replaced with a new one independently, without the involvement of professionals. | |
| Mechanical storage | Weight or spring. Work is based on kinetic energy. Quite voluminous and work autonomously. |
How to choose a hydraulic accumulator for water supply systems of a private house
Before purchasing, you should consider all the parameters of the hydraulic tank. Special attention worth paying attention to:
- tank volume;
- type of location;
- type of energy storage;
- nominal pressure;
- cost of the selected model.
When purchasing, you should ask your sales consultant about the availability and cost of replacement membranes or cylinders for the selected model and how accessible they are in principle. It would be useful to check the accompanying documentation and certificate of conformity, as well as clarify the warranty period for the device.
Related article:
: what it is, device and principle of operation, types, how installation is performed, review of models, average prices, useful tips and recommendations – read our review.
Important information! If planned self installation, you need to find out if this is a reason to void the warranty. Some manufacturers oblige buyers to hire professional installers - this is prescribed as one of the clauses of the warranty service agreement.
It is quite difficult to understand the range of such products. Today on store shelves there are products various companies. In order to help the reader, we will consider the most famous and popular among the population.
Which company is better to buy a hydraulic accumulator for water supply systems?
As an example, here are the 5 most famous and popular brands (one model from each manufacturer) with some technical characteristics.
| brand, model | Tank volume, l | Operating water temperature, ˚С (max) | Pressure, atm. (max) | Dimensions (VShG), mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80 | 99 | 8 | 480×460×600 | |
| 20 | 99 | 10 | 492×250×250 | |
| 12 | 70 | 10 | 310×280×280 | |
| Stout | 50 | 100 | 10 | 770×382×382 |
| 24 | 90 | 6 | 290x265x265 |
The 50 and 100 liter Gilex hydraulic accumulator models are very popular. They are made from high-strength steel, which ensures reliability and durability. Here's what netizens say about this brand.
MarEvo512, Russia, Moscow: Last week we had to replace an old hydraulic accumulator that had worked for eleven years with the exact same model. The Gilex brand hydraulic accumulator is a metal tank with a capacity of 50 liters with horizontal installation... I can confidently recommend such a hydraulic accumulator, because 11 years of impeccable year-round operation gives me the right to do so, although the manufacturer plays it safe and gives a service life that is half as long. I rate the Gilex hydraulic accumulator “excellent” and have no doubt that it will work for many years, like its predecessor...
More details on Otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_5225199.html
We calculate the required volume of the hydraulic accumulator for the water supply system
The volume of the accumulator depends on the number of consumption points (shower, sink, toilet), as well as on the number of residents (a secondary indicator). It is worth considering the power (type) of the pump.
| Pump | Power, W | Location | Hydraulic accumulator tank volume, l | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Surface | ≤ 1000 | Horizontal | 24 |
| ≥1000 | Horizontal | 50 | ||
| Submersible | ≤500 | 24 | ||
| 500-1000 | Horizontal or vertical | 50 | ||
| 1000-1500 | Horizontal or vertical | 100 | ||
Stages of installing a hydraulic accumulator for do-it-yourself water supply systems
The installation of the purchased hydraulic accumulator is carried out in several stages. The first thing to do is check the pressure in the air chamber. This is done simply, using a car pump or compressor equipped with a pressure gauge. The pressure is made slightly greater than the value at which the pump turns on. The upper level is set with a relay and is set one atmosphere above the primary level.
Selecting a hydraulic tank connection diagram
The most convenient connection diagram for a hydraulic accumulator with a five-terminal manifold is considered. Installation is carried out according to the diagram, which is in the technical documentation. A manifold with five outputs is screwed to the hydraulic accumulator fitting. The remaining 4 outputs from the manifold are occupied by a pipe from the pump, water supply to the home, a control relay and a pressure gauge. If you are not planning to install measuring instrument, then the fifth pin is muted.
Connecting the accumulator to the water supply system
After assembling all the components, a pump (if the system is equipped with a submersible pump) or a hose (if the pump is surface-mounted) is first lowered into the well or well. The pump is supplied with power. That's all, actually.
Important! All connections are made with the winding of FUM tape or flax. It should be understood that the pressure in the system will be quite high. However, you shouldn’t be too zealous either; everything is good in moderation. Otherwise, there is a risk of the nuts on the fittings breaking.
Having dealt with the installation, you can move on to the issue of replacing the membrane, which more often fails in models with a vertical arrangement. Here we will compose step by step instructions with photo examples.
| Photo example | Action to be performed |
|---|---|
 | First, unscrew the bolts of the flange of the dismantled hydraulic tank. They are wrapped “into the body” or tightened with nuts - depending on the model. |
 | Once the bolts are removed, the flange can be easily removed. Let's put it aside for now - to remove the failed bulb, you need to unscrew another nut. |
 | Unfold the container. At the rear there is an inflator nipple. The nut also needs to be removed. There can be two of them, one of which acts as a locknut. This is done with a key of 12. |
 | Now, with a little effort, the pear is pulled out through big hole, from the flange side. |
 | We lay out the new pear and expel the air from it. This is necessary to make it more convenient to install it in the tank. |
 | Having folded it in four lengthwise, we insert it completely into the container, including the part that was outside when dismantled. This is done so that it is possible to get the nipple into the hole intended for it. |
 | The next stage is not for people with full physiques. Experienced craftsmen they say that in order to install the nipple for the hydraulic accumulator in place, sometimes you have to call your wife for help - they say, she has a thinner hand. |
 | Once in the hole, you must tighten the nut so that during further assembly it does not go back. In this case, everything will have to start again. |
 | Straightening seat pears and tighten the nuts on the nipple. There's only a small matter left... |
 | ... - install the flange in place and tighten the bolts. When tightening, do not overdo one screw. Having tightened everything a little, we begin broaching according to the system of opposite units. This means with six bolts the order is 1,4,2,5,3,6. This method is used in tire shops when pulling wheels. |
Now it’s worth taking a closer look at the required pressure.
What pressure should be in the accumulator: check the system for operability
The factory settings of the hydraulic tanks mean set pressure at 1.5 atm. It does not depend on the volume of the tank. In other words, the air pressure in a 50-liter accumulator will be the same as in a 150-liter tank. If the factory settings are not suitable, you can reset the indicators to ones that are convenient for you. home handyman meanings.
Very important! You should not overestimate the pressure in hydraulic accumulators (24 liters, 50 or 100 – it doesn’t matter). This is fraught with failure of mixers, household appliances, and pumps. 1.5 atm., installed from the factory, were not taken from the ceiling. This parameter was calculated based on numerous tests and experiments.
The cost of various models of hydraulic tanks on the Russian market
You can buy a hydraulic accumulator for water supply systems in large construction hypermarkets, specialized stores or on online resources. When choosing a tank, it is better to immediately purchase a volume with a reserve. Of course, you can later buy another one and connect it in parallel with the first one (this is allowed), but the price of a hydraulic accumulator for water supply systems of 100 liters will be lower than the cost of two containers of 50 each. Let's consider some models of such devices with their technical characteristics and prices, as of January 2018.
| brand, model | Pressure (max), atm. | Water temperature (max), ˚С | Tank volume, l | Cost, rub. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 100 | 24 | 1800 | |
| 10 | 70 | 100 | 11800 | |
| 10 | 100 | 80 | 6000 | |
| 10 | 99 | 20 | 1300 | |
| 8 | 50 | 100 | 6000 | |
| STOUT | 10 | 100 | 80 | 4500 |
If we take average values, then the price of a hydraulic accumulator for water supply systems of 50 liters (the most common) is not so high. Which means there is a big hole in purchasing this desired device It won't break the family budget.
Conclusion
The installation of hydraulic accumulators in the water supply systems of a private home is necessary. This will save you a lot of problems and unnecessary costs. Having once paid a small amount for a hydraulic tank, you don’t have to worry about the performance of your dishwasher or washing machine, durability of the pump and mixers.
And finally, we suggest watching an educational video on installing such tanks:
A country estate, as a rule, does not have central water supply. In this case, the source of water is a well or well, from where the liquid is pumped into the home water supply system using a pump.
Water consumption is not a constant value. Sometimes you need to draw a glass of water from the tap, and other times you need to fill the bathtub. In both cases, when the tap is opened, the water pressure in the system will drop and the pump will turn on, but if the pump runs for 10 minutes for a bathroom, then 5 seconds will be enough for a glass of water. And if you need to draw several glasses of water at intervals of half a minute, the pump will turn on for each of them - this mode of operation is unacceptable for an electric motor and it quickly breaks down. To prevent this from happening, a hydraulic accumulator for water supply systems is built into the pipeline.
A hydraulic accumulator in a private home will help avoid problems with water supply
Purpose and principle of operation
The main task that falls on hydraulic tanks for water supply systems is to accumulate a certain volume of liquid and release it into the water supply system when the pressure in the pipes drops. Thus, the system has a supply of water and when the taps are opened briefly (to fill the kettle with water or rinse your hands), the pump does not work, since the water comes from the hydraulic tank.
As a result, the main principle of operation of a hydraulic accumulator in a water supply system is to reduce the number of on/off switches of the water pump, and therefore increase its service life.
Structurally, the hydraulic tank is a sealed hollow metal cylinder. Inside there is a membrane, also called a “pear,” made of special rubber - butyl or synthetic ethylene-propylene rubber. These materials are durable, meet all sanitary and hygienic requirements and are resistant to bacteria. The membrane divides the cavity into two parts, in one of which water accumulates. The second one is busy compressed air, which pushes water from the hydraulic tank into the system when the tap is opened.
The device consists of a hollow cylinder and a flexible membrane inside
The hydraulic accumulator operates cyclically:
When the water pressure in the system decreases (when water has already been selected from the hydraulic tank), the pressure sensor is triggered and the pump starts to supply water.
The “pear” is filled with water, its volume increases. The air is compressed, the pressure in the tank increases.
The pressure switch gives a signal and the pump stops working.
When water is consumed, the pressure switch is activated again and the cycle repeats.
Beginning and end of the accumulator operating cycle
Advantages of installing a hydraulic tank
There are a number of reasons why a hydraulic accumulator is needed in a water supply system:
The main task is that thanks to the hydraulic accumulator, starting and stopping the pump occurs less frequently. The engine does not overheat and does not fail longer.
In addition to creating a supply of water, the storage tank softens hydraulic shocks in the water supply system. The air contained inside the cylinder reduces pressure drops in the pipeline due to its ability to compress. As a result, all elements of the system wear out less.
During a power outage, a reserve supply of water remains in the hydraulic tank, which is important in case of frequent power outages.
Types of structures and their structure
Depending on the pump used and location pumping station, hydraulic accumulators of horizontal and vertical installation are used in everyday life.
These types of molding allow them to fit into the space of any technical room. The unit must be installed with ease of maintenance in mind. It is necessary to provide access for repairs and, if necessary, drainage of water.
Vertical and horizontal hydraulic accumulators will fit into any room
On our website you can find contacts construction companies who offer installation and design services for sewerage and water supply. You can communicate directly with representatives by visiting the “Low-Rise Country” exhibition of houses.
It is most rational to connect horizontal hydraulic tanks to external pumps, and vertical ones to submersible ones, but in any case, the final decision must be made on site depending on the parameters of the entire system.
In operation of the units fundamental differences No. The difference is in the method of bleeding off excess air that accumulates in the plumbing system during operation. When large volumes of water pass through the storage tank, dissolved air is released from it. He can create air jams and impede the operation of the system.
In designs with a vertical cylinder, the hole with the valve is located in the upper part of the unit, because air collects at the top of the cylinder. Horizontal hydraulic tanks usually do not have such a device. Additional installation of pipeline from ball valve, drain tube and nipple.
There are no air release devices in storage tanks with a capacity of up to 100 liters. Excess gas is removed after the water is completely drained.
Water is drained using a standard tap at the inlet
Why you need to know how to select a hydraulic tank
In order for the equipment to function well and provide water to the residents of the house, you need not only to know what a hydraulic accumulator is for water supply systems, but also how to choose it correctly.
If the storage volume is insufficient, the pump will work in enhanced mode in order to provide the necessary pressure in the network.
If the volume of the hydraulic tank is excessive, there will be no such problem; in addition, there will always be a certain amount of water in the tank, which can be used, for example, in the event of a power outage. But you shouldn’t chase the size, because the main purpose of the equipment is to maintain pressure to distribute liquid in the network. And to store water, you can choose another, less expensive tank, for example, made of plastic.
Each thing has its own purpose - storing water “in reserve” is better suitedregular plastic container
Calculation of the optimal volume of the hydraulic tank
A correctly selected hydraulic tank volume will allow:
ensure sufficient water consumption,
optimal use of pumping equipment,
extend the service life of the drive and system elements.
There are several ways to select a hydraulic accumulator for water supply systems and calculate the required storage volume.
Italian engineers have developed a calculation method UNI 8192. Selection is carried out according to three parameters: maximum water flow, the number of permissible pump starts per hour and the water supply height.
If the need for water supply is small, for example, for a family of 2-3 people living in one-story house, the volume of the hydraulic tank can not be calculated. A 24-liter container will be enough.
For houses with more floors and with a considerable number of water consumption points, a calculation should be made.
The required hydraulic tank size can be selected only based on calculations
It is carried out according to the scheme:
The tables determine the total coefficients of water consumption depending on the equipment used.
The maximum water flow is calculated. For example, when working together shower, cistern and kitchen faucet, this figure will be 30 l/min (Qmax).
The estimated number of pump starts per hour (for comfortable operation) is taken as a=15. With more intensive work, the hydraulic tank membrane oscillates too frequently, which leads to its premature destruction. In addition, the pump’s performance does not make it possible to completely fill the reservoir with water. During continuous operation, the pump overheats and fails faster.
The next important value is the maximum and minimum pressure for the relay to operate. For two-story houses these values are 3 bar and 1.5 bar respectively (Pmax and Pmin). The initial gas pressure in the setting P0=1.3 bar is included in the calculation.
The required volume is determined by the formula: V=16.5 x Qmax x Pmax x Pmin /(a x (Pmax-Pmin)x P0)=16.5x30x3x1.5/(15x(3-1.5)x1.3)=76 l.
The closest in value is a tank with a volume of 80 liters.
A hydraulic accumulator for water supply systems with such a capacity will meet the water supply needs of residents of 2 storey building with three water collection points operating simultaneously.
Do you need extra capacity?
The additional volume of water stored in the hydraulic tank does not affect its operation. The main function of the unit is to maintain pressure in the water supply network.
If a significant supply of water is needed, it is easier and much cheaper to integrate a plastic reserve tank into the system. Therefore, when selecting equipment, it makes no sense to purchase a hydraulic accumulator with a reserve.
If the need for water supply increases, for example, with an increase in the number of residents or the number of household appliances consuming water, you can additionally install another small-volume hydraulic tank. Their performance is cumulative. The installation location of the additional hydraulic tank does not play an important role.
If necessary, several hydraulic tanks can be installed in the system
Calculation of pressure in the accumulator
In order for the equipment to operate efficiently and meet the needs of the residents of the house, the pressure in the hydraulic tank must be excessive.
In order for water to flow to the upper point of analysis, the air pressure in the cylinder must be greater than the hydrostatic pressure created by a column of liquid with a height from the bottom to top point water consumption For example, for two-story building this value is equal to P min = 0.7 bar (10 m = 1 bar). The height difference in this case is about 7 m.
For stable operation, a difference of 0.5-0.6 bar is required between the pressures at the lower and upper points.
Thus, the nominal pressure in the accumulator Рnom = 0.6 + 0.7 = 1.3 bar
Factory settings provide the required pressure of 1.5-2 bar, which is optimal for the operation of the accumulator. To monitor it, a tonometer is built into the device.
A tonometer is necessary to monitor the pressure in the hydraulic tank
If the pressure parameter deviates downward, it can be corrected by pumping air with a car pump, for which a nipple is provided in the device body.
Installation, testing, connection
Simply installing a hydraulic tank is not challenging task– the more pressing problem is usually the correct choice of volume and operating pressure, so it is better if all the work in the complex is carried out by specialists.
First of all, a location for installation is selected, which must meet the following requirements:
vibration and noise from operating equipment do not disturb residents,
there is sufficient space for maintenance and repair of the hydraulic tank,
reliable support is ensured on a flat and strictly horizontal base.
During installation, shock-absorbing rubber pads are used, which partially dampen vibration.
To install the hydraulic tank, you need a reliable foundation
The hydraulic accumulator is connected to the water supply system in the following order:
Prepare a level area on a solid foundation, for example, concrete floor basement
The hydraulic tank is installed on the base using special gaskets.
Control measurements of pressure in the cylinder are carried out in a non-working state. It must be at least 1.5 bar (atm). This is the factory setting. If the pressure is insufficient, you can use a car pump.
A fitting with five outlets is installed on the accumulator pipe.
The water pump is connected alternately, water pipe, pressure gauge and pressure switch to the outlets of the fitting.
To reduce vibration, flexible adapters are used. They are installed in the area where the unit is connected to the water supply. Make sure that the adapter's clearance is not less than the diameter of the connected pipe.
Connecting the pump to the hydraulic tank is shown in the video:
The hydraulic tank is filled with water and checked for leaks. If necessary, additional sealing of threaded connections is carried out.
Water must be poured into the tank very slowly to avoid rupture of the membrane. During long-term storage, the “pear” may stick together; with gradual filling, the flexible form will smoothly straighten out.
The power supply is connected and the pressure switch is adjusted according to the instructions for the equipment.
Using submersible pump you need to install check valve. It prevents water from flowing back into the well.
Diagram of connecting the hydraulic accumulator to the elements of the water supply network.
Popular models
When purchasing a hydraulic accumulator, the buyer pays main attention to the volume of the cylinder. Today, models with a capacity from 10 liters to 200 liters are produced and used in everyday life.
According to a survey of the Russian Internet audience, the most popular are hydraulic tanks with a volume of 76-100 l, 11-25 l and 26-50. For summer cottages Drives up to 10 liters are often purchased. Vertical installation among the priorities.
Usually, which hydraulic accumulator to buy for water supply systems is chosen simply based on the price-quality ratio. Manufacturers offer models that combine various components and decent quality at a reasonable price. The ranking of manufacturers is as follows: Reflex, Jeelex, Wester, UNIPUMP, CIMM.
Conclusion
A hydraulic accumulator is a necessary element for the water supply system of a private home, which will ensure long-term operation of the pump and uninterrupted water supply. So that the device lasts a long time and does not require frequent repairs, it must be correctly selected and installed correctly, for which it is recommended to use the services of competent specialists. Having figured out why a hydraulic accumulator is needed, you can plan its installation and look for good specialists who will do everything at the highest level.
Hydraulic accumulators are important element water supply systems country house. It performs several important functions: it increases the reliability of the water supply system, increases the comfort of use and extends the service life of pumping equipment.
This review describes the device and operating principle of a hydraulic accumulator for water supply, how to connect it yourself, and its possible malfunctions.
Operating principle and device
In houses with individual water supply, the water pressure is created by its own pump. When you open the tap, water begins to flow and the pressure in the system drops. When it decreases, the pressure sensor in the system is triggered and turns on the pumping equipment.
In order to reduce the number of pump starts and stops, water hammer, overpressure Storage tanks are used to accumulate water reserves in the system for peak consumption. They are also called expansion tanks.
Let's look at the principle of operation of a hydraulic accumulator. This element of the system is a metal tank that is only partially filled with water. The second half of the container is filled with air.
Water and air are separated by a rubber membrane. When the tank is filled with water, the air is compressed and the pressure in the tank increases. When you open a water tap, the pressure will not drop immediately, but as the storage tank empties. Thanks to this, the pressure sensor will turn on the water pump less often and this will extend its service life.
Installation of expansion tanks for water supply
There are two types of these devices: for water supply and heating systems. Hydraulic water supply accumulators are easily recognizable from the photo, have characteristic shapes and are usually painted blue. Heat supply equipment is painted red.
For full confidence You should read the documentation for your existing equipment. They differ in that in tanks for heat supply they use technical rubber, not food grade rubber, and in these tanks it is not always possible to replace the rubber on your own. In red tanks, a membrane is often installed with a fastening in the middle of the tank.
Hydraulic accumulators for water supply systems have two standard design options based on the method of separating liquid and air: membrane and bulb devices.
In the first type of storage tank, air and water are separated by a rubber membrane. It is attached in the middle of the tank. Water comes from below, and on top there is a spool for pumping and bleeding air. Such tanks are mounted vertically.
Bulb storage units are installed horizontally. In them, a rubber bulb is filled with air, and the volume around it is filled with water. The end of the bulb is attached not in the middle, but from the end of the tank to the flange and therefore it is easier to change than the membrane
.
There is no fundamental difference between the two types of structures. They differ only in the method of fastening, which must be taken into account during installation.
Selection and installation of equipment
Equipment is selected based on the planned water consumption at peak consumption. The larger the capacity, the fewer cycles of on and off the pumping equipment will perform with the same cycles of opening and closing water taps.
Standard 24-liter containers are usually used, but are also available large containers volume of 100 liters or more, which are installed in buildings with a large number water consumers. For example, with a small container, the pump will first turn on after washing your hands in the bathroom and putting water in the kettle, and the second turn on will happen after flushing the toilet.
With a large water tank, the pump will only turn on once after these three operations. In any case, the system will work with both a large and a small tank.
The choice of equipment depends on the wishes of the owners and the ability to place such a device in the room. A small tank can even be placed under the sink, and a large tank is installed in a separate room, usually together with pumps. When installing, you should take into account its weight and provide for the possibility of draining water from it.
Diagnostics and troubleshooting
Incorrect operation of the storage tank is indicated by frequent activation of the pump. This may be caused by a lack of air in the tank due to a ruptured membrane, or by bleeding it through the valve.
In this case, the pressure drop in the accumulator and the pump will turn on almost instantly when the water is turned on. To eliminate this malfunction, it is necessary to pump the tank with air or replace the rubber membrane.
Conclusion
The expansion tank is an important element of the plumbing system. Hydraulic accumulators for water supply systems can be easily connected or replaced on your own. It can be repaired at home. Operational problems are easily identified and corrected.
Photos of hydraulic accumulators for water supply
