The organization of a water supply system for a private house is always a troublesome process. This system includes many elements, and one of them is a hydraulic accumulator, which occupies one of the most important places in it. However, in order for the water supply to function well, you need to know how to choose the right accumulator. After all, the operation of the entire system will depend on this.
Let's figure out which accumulator is suitable for a country house
The hydraulic accumulator for water supply systems performs two important functions:
Its device scheme is quite simple - there is a metal tank, which is divided into two parts by a rubber membrane. There is water in the membrane itself, and the necessary pressure is created by air, which is pumped into the second part of the tank.
Thus, when using water at points of consumption, the submersible pump does not have to turn on every time the tap is opened. Indeed, in the pear there is a certain supply of water under pressure sufficient for the normal operation of the water supply system. And the pump will turn on only when this volume drops to the set minimum.
In this case, it should be borne in mind that the maximum allowable number of pump starts is 20-30 times per hour. And the optimal one is 15-20 times. Therefore, you need to know in advance how to choose a hydraulic accumulator for water supply in order to avoid mistakes.
One of the most important characteristics of hydroaccumulators is its volume. There are many options on the market, from models up to 20 liters to those with a capacity in excess of 1000 liters. But, the following models are most popular on the market:
A 100-liter hydraulic accumulator is also popular - this capacity is optimal for an average family.
In general, there are several formulas that can be used to calculate the volume of a hydraulic accumulator. However, there are certain statistics on the use of these devices. Based on it, you can also make the right choice.
Moreover, you still have to buy a tank of standard volume. For example, a hydraulic accumulator of 80 liters or 100 liters.
Basic selection rules:
When calculating the volume of a hydraulic accumulator, it is important to understand that its main task is not to create a storage supply of drinking water. Thus, you do not need to make a large margin by volume. Usually, 10-15% is enough, needed in case of an unexpected increase in water consumption.
In addition, the following rules must be taken into account:
Therefore, you can choose a device with a capacity of ~ 60 liters. And if you take into account a small margin, then the best option would be a tank of 80 liters.
Many people believe that one of the functions of a battery is to store water. However, this is not the case and the functions of the device are completely different. Of course, a small margin of capacity is needed - there are times when water consumption may increase. In addition, a slightly increased volume will positively affect the operation of all equipment.
However, given the price, there is no need to overpay extra money for additional capacity. For these purposes, special plastic tanks are designed that are built into the water supply system.
Moreover, if in the future it is planned to increase consumption points, you can buy an additional hydraulic tank. Their total volume will be summed up. For example, if two devices of 40 and 80 liters are installed in the system, then the total working power will be 120 liters.
In order for the GA to do its job well, the pressure must be set correctly in it. In general, the calculation of the required value is done on the basis that for every 10 meters of elevation, 1 atmosphere is required. In addition, another atmosphere provides normal pressure in the plumbing system.
For example:
When installing, you must immediately check this value, and if it is below normal, then pump air into the tank. Also, you need to correctly set the pressure switch. After all, the frequency of switching on the pump and the pressure of water in the system will depend on this.
There are two types of such devices on the market:
Horizontal tank
There are no fundamental differences in their work. The main difference is in the layout. Therefore, first of all, you need to focus on the convenience of placement in the room. After all, you need to take care not only of installation - in the future, the container will need to be serviced, which means that it should have easy access.
Another point is the release of accumulated air. In vertical type models, a special valve is provided located at the top of the tank. And for horizontal ones, you will have to mount an additional crane.
However, the main thing is to make sure that the chosen model generally has such an opportunity. After all, if the tank does not provide a special outlet for discharging air accumulated during the operation of the system, it will be possible to remove it only by completely draining all the water from the tank.
In today's market, there are many different models of hydraulic accumulators. However, among them there are the most popular devices for a private home.
| Name | Characteristics | Price |
| AQUABRIGHT GM-80 V
|
Tank for 80 liters made in Russia, working pressure is 10 atmospheres, maximum temperature is 99 degrees | 3 500 rubles |
| Ultra-Pro vertical (Zilmet)
|
The tank with a volume of 100 liters has a reinforced membrane that can work with aggressive water compositions. Working pressure up to 10 atmospheres, maximum temperature - 99 degrees, vertical arrangement. | 12 000 rubles |
| Hydraulic accumulator SPERONI AV 100
|
The storage capacity is 100 liters, the maximum allowable pressure is 10 atmospheres, the maximum temperature is 99 degrees. This model is available in horizontal and vertical versions. The membrane is made of high-strength food rubber. | 14 400 rubles |
| Hydraulic accumulator vertical Dzhileks pl./fl. 100l.
|
Tank with a capacity of 100 liters and a working pressure of up to 9 atmospheres. It is characterized by high quality and durability at a low cost. Possesses a reliable membrane. The flange is made of plastic. | 5 400 rubles |
| Hydraulic accumulator VCF-36L, vertical | Small capacity tank, designed to be used in tandem with low power pumps. Tank volume - 36 liters, working pressure up to 8 atmospheres. Characterized by high quality material and durability. | 4 000 rubles |
There are plenty to choose from on the market. It is important to understand in advance what characteristics the accumulator should have. And the most important of them are the volume, layout and built-in valve for air release.
The hydraulic accumulator for water supply is designed not only to take on part of the pressure, it also performs some useful functions for heating. You should understand a little more about what the features of the accumulator are, as well as how it is installed.
Before proceeding to the question of the purpose of the accumulator, it is necessary to understand what it is. The hydraulic accumulator is a metal tank, inside of which there is an elastic cavity. Subsequently, the cavity can be filled with water. Due to the air gap located between the metal walls of the tank and the elastic cavity, the water "bag" never comes into contact with the metal.
Such a device gives the accumulator many positive qualities.
First of all, the accumulator allows you to partially remove the load from the pump. Before water is supplied directly by the pump, it is supplied from the accumulator. When the water level drops to a certain level, the pump turns on. Thus, the pumping unit is protected from water hammer.
Such measures can significantly increase the amount of time that the pump will last. Such a careful attitude will protect it from premature breakdowns and wear, while the quality of the pressure will not suffer. Even if you use two taps connected to the selected pumping station at the same time, the pressure will remain at the set level.
Plumbing that works from the same source will also last longer because it will not be subjected to water pressure drops. For example, washing machine pipes won't wear out as quickly. And an additional supply of water will allow you not to be afraid of interruptions in its supply, which is convenient if you live in a private house and you always need water in the proper amount.
Summing up all the useful properties that are provided by the presence of a hydraulic tank, you can determine its functions:
Depending on the need, you can choose a large accumulator (up to 500 liters) or a very small one (up to 5 liters).
The peculiarity of hydraulic tanks is that water does not come into direct contact with the metal body, but remains enclosed in an elastic cavity, also called a membrane. The membrane is made from butyl, a durable rubber material. Butyl provides the proper level of water protection from bacteria, which metal cannot boast of.
There is an air gap between the elastic membrane and the metal case. Nitrogen is pumped into it, but the chamber can also be filled with ordinary air. The chamber is equipped with a special pneumatic valve through which the pressure inside is regulated. You can fill the chamber through this valve or, conversely, bleed the air.
The hydroaccumulator installation can be disassembled and reassembled at any time. It has a simple device. This simplicity is ensured so that it is always possible to identify problems and carry out timely repairs. In this case, the device can be repaired without pouring all the water out of it.
Large volume accumulators have an additional valve in the membrane, which also allows you to bleed air, but here we are talking about air that is released from the water. In small hydraulic tanks, this function is not available, but the valve should then be on the pipeline.
The operation of the accumulator is carried out as follows.
Now there are practically no such options, but there are still outdated hydraulic tanks, the degree of fullness of which must be monitored and filled independently as necessary.
There are many criteria based on which hydraulic tanks are divided. Each of them has its own characteristics that must be considered in the selection process. One of these criteria is the material. If the expansion tank itself is made of stainless steel, then the membrane can be made from various types of rubber:
When choosing, be sure to pay attention to what type of rubber is used, since the last two types do not meet sanitary standards and therefore are not suitable for storing drinking water.
By configuration, accumulators are divided into vertical and horizontal.
The horizontal unit has a mount, through which it is connected directly to the pump. Because of the possibility of fixing an external pump, they have gained such popularity.
According to the type of storage accumulators are divided into mechanical and pneumatic.
For the operation of this type of drive, the kinetic energy of the load or spring is required. These models have not been practically used recently, since they have more disadvantages than advantages. Among the shortcomings, the most significant are:
Sometimes adaptability is needed. However, such accumulators are cheaper.
Today, such accumulators are more common, since the operation due to the effect of gas is simpler. Such a device was described in the previous sections. Apparatuses from this category are divided into piston, pear or balloon and membrane.
According to their purpose, accumulators can be divided into those suitable for heating, hot water and cold water systems.
This solution is chosen mostly for private houses.
Tanks are divided into small and large sizes.
Among other things, attention should be paid to those points that should fundamentally affect the choice of a particular unit. Summing up all of the above, we can highlight the following points that deserve special attention:
To make the volume calculation more accurate, it is recommended to use the following table. It shows the approximate amount of water that will be available after the pump stops pumping water due to power outages. Please note that this indicator cannot be determined exactly, since it all depends on how the relay is configured.
In order to make more accurate calculations, it is recommended to use a special formula: K (motor power factor) x Amax (limiting flow in liters per minute) x ((Pmax (pump off pressure in bar) + 1) x (Pmin (pump on pressure in bar) + 1)) / (Pmax – Pmin ) x (Pair (air pressure in the accumulator in bar) + 1).
For example, let's calculate according to the table, taking random values.
With coefficient K = 0.25, maximum flow Amax = 2.1, and pressures Pmax = 3, Pmin = 1.8 and Pair = 1.6, we get: 0.25 x 2.1 x ((3 + 1) x (1.8 + 1)) / (3 - 1.8) x (1.6 + 1) = 31.41 liters.
The installation of a hydraulic accumulator is carried out in several steps, completely different from those for an ordinary tank. . It should be borne in mind that the hydroaccumulator tank is practically never at rest. It is constantly working, the membrane or pear is involved all the time and is under pressure. Therefore, all installation and configuration steps must be carried out carefully and slowly.
First you need to fix the tank.
It must be securely fixed to the floor, not wobble. Under the legs you need to put rubber thrust pads so that in case of vibrations, noises and other things, the tank is cushioned and does not stagger so much.
If this rule is neglected, during operation, the metal case can swing and rattle strongly, producing unpleasant sounds, and also being subjected to unnecessary influences.
The pipeline must also be connected using rubber pads, which in this case perform an insulating function. It is important that the rubber adapters must be flexible, otherwise they may crack and begin to leak water. In addition, flexible materials are easier to set up and operate.
It is optimal if the inlet of the accumulator and the connected pipeline have the same cross section. Then there will be no additional problems with the connection. It is impossible for the cross section of the wiring to the outlet to narrow: this will lead to an unreasonable increase in pressure in the accumulator tank, which can cause a strip, since tanks are often not designed for this.
The tank must be properly prepared before first use. First of all, the membrane or pear is checked for the presence of air. If there is air, it is bled off. Next, the tank is filled with water under very low pressure. This is due to the fact that the rubber, caking, sticks together, and if it is too sharply unsticked, it can be damaged or torn. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to carry out the filling slowly and carefully.
When choosing a place for operation, it is necessary that free access to the mechanism be provided from any side. In general, it is best to entrust the connection of a hydroaccumulator tank in the water supply system to experienced specialists, since it is possible, due to inexperience, not to take into account some non-obvious, but important factors, such as pressure drop or a mismatch in the cross-section of water pipes. Such risks are unacceptable, since the accumulator is an expensive unit, and the repair of the plumbing system will cost a pretty penny.
If you decide to take a chance and do everything yourself, use the following step-by-step instructions.
After the tank has been purchased and brought home, the first step is to check the pressure inside it. Usually it is equal to 1.5 bar, but often due to leaks due to long storage, the pressure drops. The pressure is checked with a manometer.
You can check it while in the store. Then, right at the time of purchase, ask the sales assistant to make the necessary measurements. The accuracy of the pressure gauge offered in the store is usually high enough that the error does not greatly affect the final result of the changes.
Usually, experts recommend setting a pressure that will be 10% lower than in the membrane when the pump is turned on. To adjust the level, pump up the air chamber or bleed off excess air. However, it should be borne in mind that pressure drops have an extremely negative effect on the life of the membrane. If the difference is more than 1.5 bar, then this will increase the load.
T Also, the pressure should be set with an eye to what exactly you need the tank for. For example, some people like to take a shower with strong water pressure or use a hydromassage. Then the pressure in the air chamber should be slightly higher than if you only want to take a bath. However, the pressure in the air chamber should not be too high, otherwise you simply will not be able to pump water into the membrane. Too little pressure is also fatal: the membranes are not designed for an increased volume of water.
After the adjustment of the accumulator is made, they proceed to the adjustment of the relay responsible for turning the pumping station on and off.
To make the setting the right way, do the following:
After you have made the settings, test what happened. If you are not very happy with the result, tighten or loosen the nuts again.
During tests, it is not necessary to close the relay with a lid, but after setting all the settings, the lid must be closed.
After the pressure inside the accumulator is set and the relay is set, you can proceed directly to filling the hydraulic tank. Here again you will need a high-quality pressure gauge with a detailed scale of values and a small error. It is necessary to connect it to the tank and fill it with water, strictly observing the values.
Arm yourself with the specifications of your tank. They indicate which pressure can be considered normal, and which - the limit. If the pressure gauge is nearing limits, immediately stop the flow of water and try to equalize the pressure by bleeding or adding air to the air chamber.
When filling the accumulator tank, it is necessary to manually turn off the pump at the moment when the pressure becomes optimal. After that, the relay is adjusted according to the desired parameters, weakening or tightening the small spring. Keep in mind that a pressure of 3 bar is sufficient, although you can vary it to your liking. The difference between the pressure for turning the pump on and off should be about 1-1.5 bar. As practice shows, this is quite enough.
Having performed all of the above actions, you can safely proceed to the full operation of your accumulator. Once every couple of months, check the pressure in it, inspect the relay and joints with the plumbing system, and also monitor the operation of the pump.
The connection diagram shown here is not the only one. There are several other options that have found application in domestic conditions.
First of all, the scheme for connecting a hydraulic accumulator to a pumping station depends on the functions that are imposed on it, as well as on the method of using the hydraulic tank itself. The most requested options include the following.
Installing a hydraulic accumulator in this way is appropriate when there is a large amount of water consumption. At such pumping stations, there is always one pump running continuously, which can cause large pressure surges that need to be eliminated immediately.
Here, the hydraulic tank dampens pressure surges, thereby extending the life of all pumps. It also compensates for small pressure fluctuations that may occur due to the large volume of water consumed.
However, the scope of this type of connection is not limited to this.
It happens that power outages occur constantly, and the presence of water is vital. Similar situations may arise in agricultural facilities, for example. Here, a reserve of water helps to survive such periods of crisis, often lasting several days.
The accumulator here plays the role of a damper. The more powerful the pumping station, the larger the volume of the hydraulic tank and the greater the pressure it must cope with. Otherwise, the desired effect will not be achieved.
In order for the submersible pump not to run idle, it is necessary that it make only 5 to 20 starts per hour, as detailed in its technical specifications. If the pressure drops in the plumbing system, the pump will turn on automatically. Such falls can occur much more often than 20 times per hour. To compensate for such differences, a hydraulic tank is needed.
In this case, the accumulator is designed to compensate for a small flow of water, which also leads to the pump turning on, thereby preventing the stupid start of the submersible unit. The accumulator relay is not as sensitive as that of a submersible pump. In addition, the pump delivers water in sharp shocks and instantly, which is why the pressure jumps sharply. This negatively affects the pipes. Connecting a hydraulic tank eliminates this problem as well.
You don't need a big hydraulic tank. To choose the optimal volume, it is necessary to evaluate how much water is consumed per hour, how often the pump is turned on, and pumping power. An important role is played by where the tank will be installed relative to the pump and at what height the pump itself is fixed.
If you connect a hydraulic tank to a water heater, it will be used as an expansion tank, not reacting to changes in water temperature. Since the water in the water heater rises under the effect of expansion, the water heater elements, not always designed for such loads contrary to their intended purpose, may be damaged, resulting in the need for a complete replacement of this expensive equipment.
The membrane in the hydraulic tank can easily withstand the expansion that the water is subjected to. The cavity is elastic and cannot be damaged by a small volume expansion.
In this regard, connecting a hydraulic tank to a water heater is a good idea, allowing you to save the water heater itself safe and sound.
In this case, the accumulator is connected to the circuit in front of the imperious pump. It is needed so that the pressure does not drop so sharply immediately after turning on the water and the pressure remains at the same level. The volume of the hydraulic tank plays a special role here. So, the more water is consumed, the higher the capacity should be, otherwise all measures to install the accumulator will be useless and pressure compensation will not be achieved.
The hydraulic tank is included in the circuit in the place where it can provide the greatest return. The exact connection points are marked on the drawings above. Depending on the problem you are facing, the location of the accumulator and its volume will differ.
Checking the accumulator is carried out in order to identify malfunctions of the membrane and timely replacement of this important component. To date, there are many videos and instructions on how to conduct a test yourself at home. Below is the simplest of the instructions.
To begin with, there are several preventive measures designed to ensure the smooth operation of the membrane cavity. There are also signs that clearly indicate that something is wrong with the hydraulic tank. These include the following:
Checking the initial pressure has already been covered in one of the previous sections, so it makes sense to briefly describe the order:
During the operation of the accumulator, many problems can arise, and it is necessary to know how to eliminate each of the malfunctions. To do this, it is necessary to take into account the reasons that can lead to such troubles.
If fluid comes from the pneumatic valve or forms near it, it means that with one hundred percent probability the membrane will have to be replaced.
Below is a video in which a specialist clearly justifies the need to purchase a hydraulic accumulator. He states that a hydraulic tank is one of the best ways to offset the excessive load on pumps, thereby significantly extending their service life.
The accumulator is an expansion tank for water supply that performs several tasks simultaneously. Basically, a hydraulic accumulator is a container divided by an elastic membrane into two parts - for air and water. The air pressure in the air cavity is 1.5-2.0 bar. Water entering the container increases the filling volume by stretching the membrane. At the same time, the pressure in the air cavity of the tank increases. When a certain pressure is reached, the automatic shutdown of the feed pump is activated. When opening the water tap, i.e. when the pressure in the network drops, the air squeezes the water out of the accumulator into the network, replenishing the volume loss and compensating for the drop in water pressure. In this way, pressure is maintained in the system when the pump is turned off, hydraulic shocks are softened when the pump is turned on, and the system as a whole has an additional supply of water.
In working condition in the accumulator there are always water and air. The air pressure in the air cavity of the installation may decrease over time, so it should be checked once a year in the hydraulic tank after the water has been completely removed. In case of insufficient pressure, air can be pumped up with a conventional hand pump through the nipple. It will not be possible to fill the accumulator completely with water, and the maximum volume of water depends on several factors:
Hydraulic accumulators are used with water supply systems of both residential and industrial buildings.
We list all the functions of the accumulator:
Install the accumulator as close as possible to the pump. If two accumulators are used, then they should be placed side by side to ensure uniform pressure and filling of both containers.
Of all the existing types of accumulators for water supply, we will consider in detail the work of two, which are usually used in the water supply systems of individual houses.
They are a thick-walled container, inside of which there is an elastic rubber balloon filled with water. The space between the cylinder and the walls of the container is filled with air under a certain pressure. When the cylinder is filled, the air pressure inside the tank increases, when the water pressure in the network drops (the tap is opened), the air “squeezes out” the water from the cylinder, making up for the lack of it in the system. At the same time, the total pressure in the system drops, but gradually, “smoothing out” sharp pressure drops between pump starts.
The principle of operation of such a device is similar to a balloon. The only difference is in the design: the membrane tank is divided into two parts, between which an elastic sealed membrane is installed. One part of the container is filled with water, the other - with air. As the tank fills, the air pressure rises; as the pressure drops, the compressed air "squeezes" the water into the system.
Of the two types of accumulators, when choosing, we recommend choosing a balloon-type installation. The water in it is in contact with the rubber wall, unlike membrane models, in which corrosion of the metal wall and water pollution are possible
For a sufficient supply of water in the event of a power outage, a hydraulic tank of the appropriate working capacity is needed. Hydroaccumulators of vertical and horizontal types are produced. The first are convenient for installation in cramped conditions.
The choice of hydraulic accumulators in the distribution network is now large. You can buy a hydraulic accumulator in a specialized building supermarket or a trading company. Prices depend on the manufacturer, volume and type of equipment. On the Internet you can find many videos that talk about different types of accumulators. At the end of the article you will find a detailed video on this topic.
If everything is clear with the choice of design and type of accumulator in form, then the main characteristic of the hydraulic tank - its volume - requires a detailed explanation. The network has complex mathematical calculations of the required capacity of the accumulator, but we will get by with simple recommendations based on the conclusions of the calculations and the operating experience of such equipment:
Let's consider some of the most important functions of a hydraulic accumulator with the choice of equipment that is suitable in terms of volume. Hydraulic tanks for water supply systems should provide:
In order to prevent the water supply pump from turning on often (it is considered optimal no more than 1 time per hour), the required volume of the accumulator can be calculated from the pump performance. With a water cavity volume of 50% of the total, in most cases, homeowners are quite satisfied with a 60-80 liter hydraulic accumulator.
An important characteristic of a hydraulic accumulator is to maintain normal pressure in the network. For these purposes, a minimum volume of a hydraulic accumulator of 24 liters is sufficient with its installation near the pump.
The problem of creating a reserve supply of water arises, as a rule, in places of frequent power outages. In this case, the pump often stops, which negatively affects its operation. The solution to the problem here can be the installation of a hydraulic accumulator with a volume of 100 liters or more, the useful volume of the storage capacity of which is up to 50% of the total.
Speaking of the expansion tank of the accumulator, it should not be confused with the expansion tank of heating and hot water systems. The equipment looks very similar. The fundamental difference is that heating expansion tanks serve to compensate for the thermal expansion of the coolant.
Working pressure is one of the main characteristics of a hydraulic accumulator. This is the pressure in an empty tank without water, and its value is indicated on the tank body. The specified pressure should not be lower than the pressure of the height of the liquid in the water supply of the house. With a system height of 10 m, the pressure will be 1 bar.
The pressure when starting the pump must exceed the pressure in the expansion tank of the water supply by more than 0.5 bar. For the most efficient operation of the system, the difference should be 1.5 - 3.0 bar.
The maximum pressure in the tank must not be less than the maximum pressure of the system when the relay fails. Therefore, the maximum pressure of the containers is usually 10 bar.
In addition to the technical selection criteria discussed above, we will give a few more considerations regarding the quality of the accumulator materials.
The service life of pumping equipment in autonomous water supply systems not least depends on the capacity of the accumulator. A hydraulic tank that is too small increases the load on, and water stagnates in tanks that are too large. How to find the golden mean and which saves the pumps and will not leave without water when the electricity is turned off?
How does the volume of the hydraulic tank affect the operation of the pumps?
The main purpose of accumulators is to balance pressure drops during water intake or power outages and protect the system from water hammer. The function of controlling an automatic pumping station is usually performed by a pressure switch. When the pressure in the system approaches the upper limit, the relay cuts off the power supply to the pumping equipment. With the beginning of the drawdown, the pressure in the network begins to fall; when the lower threshold values are reached, the power supply is restored and the pumps start pumping water again.
If there was no hydraulic accumulator in an automated water system, the pump would kick in whenever someone turned on a faucet or used the toilet. No electric motor can withstand such intensive operation. The more powerful, the lower the permissible switching frequency due to the risk of overheating:
One way or another, more than 30 starts per hour is already a critical load level that is not provided for by the design of the unit. Also, the tolerance to repeated inclusions is influenced by the design features of pumping equipment: the more moving parts, the less often the pump should turn on. To reduce the cycles of switching on and off pumps, it is necessary to create reserve water supplies.
The internal capacity of the hydraulic tank is filled with a balloon membrane into which water enters. During water intake, air, air filling the space between the membrane and the inner walls of the tank, displaces water into the network. As a result, the change in pressure in the system occurs smoothly, limiting the number of short-term switching on and off. In other words, the pumping station turns on and off as many times as the volume of the 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:
In practice, everything is much simpler - the range of most stores is limited to three lines of standard sizes:
Compact models with a capacity of up to 20-24 liters are designed for pumping stations with a capacity of up to 0.75 kW with a flow rate of 2-2.5 m3 / h, but for a small family of two or three people there is no reason to increase the flow rate. Of course, the pumps are switched on more often than in the case of a medium volume hydraulic tank, but since there are no sharp pressure fluctuations, low loads compensate for frequent switching on and off. Most often 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 / h and - a typical combination for the internal networks of private houses with three water points, but without an internal bathroom. With an increase in the number of water points, it is enough to buy another 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 / h and a power of pumping equipment up to 1.5 kW. The reserve supply of water is from a third to a half of the 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, toilet bowls and similar equipment that consumes large amounts of water. If the house is equipped with a bathroom, the volume of the accumulator is calculated according to the UNI 9182 method.
There are also more massive ones on sale that can hold up to 5 liters of water in excess of the minimum reserve, but is the game worth the candle? The gain is not to say that it is big, but the price of the unit is significantly higher.
Buying a hydraulic tank for 100 liters or more is justified only if the water flow exceeds 5 m3 / hour. To do this, at least 10 people must live in the house at the same time. Before buying, please note that not every well has sufficient productivity. In addition, installing a massive tank requires a lot of space - are you ready to give up square meters?
They are also more in demand in regions with frequent power outages - they are used as if in case of a power outage. But if the supply of water far exceeds the needs of the residents, during the "H" the water in the tank may not be suitable for drinking and cooking. For long-term storage of water, an open water tank is more suitable.
The bigger the volume, the bigger the problem.
Massive dimensions significantly complicate the service maintenance of hydraulic accumulators. In particular, for hydraulic tanks with a capacity of 100 liters or more, the problem of removing air that accumulates in the membrane and forms plugs that upset the operation of the unit is relevant.
To bleed excess air, air-separating 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, a drain and a ball valve, is responsible for removing air bubbles. To ensure the smooth functioning of the water supply, the air from the tank should be released at least once a month.
In more compact accumulators, air is removed from the membranes during the complete emptying of the tank. Due to the greater number of operating cycles, air plugs do not have time to form. For reliability, you can periodically release air through a valve located in the immediate vicinity of the tank. After turning off the power to the pumps, let the water 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 task of maintaining pressure in the network. Equally important is the correct location of the accumulator: it is recommended to install the tank as close as possible to the pump. The features of the installation of water supply systems and the operating conditions of the systems also force us to revise the standard recommendations for the selection of a hydraulic tank. If you have any questions or doubts, do not hesitate to contact the experts for help.
We 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 arrangement allows the installation of an air bleed valve from above. This makes maintenance easier. The limitation in the installation is only the volume of the room. |
| vertical | Compact options, for air discharge in which a valve is installed. The disadvantage is that some models have to drain the water completely to release the air, which is not economical. | |
| Energy storage | Pneumoaccumulation | Membrane, balloon or piston. The problem arises when the partition is worn out - an expensive and labor-intensive repair is required. |
| balloon or pear | The most popular. When worn, the pear changes to a new one on its own, without the involvement of professionals. | |
| Mechanical storage | Cargo or spring. Work is based on kinetic energy. Quite voluminous, work autonomously. |
You can choose the volume of the tank arbitrarily. There are no requirements or restrictions. The larger the tank, the more water you will have in case of a shutdown and the less often the pump will turn on.
When choosing a volume, it is worth remembering that the volume that is in the passport is the size of the entire container. Water in it will be almost half less. The second thing to keep in mind is the overall dimensions of the container. A 100 liter tank is a decent barrel - about 850 mm high and 450 mm in diameter. For her and the strapping, it will be necessary to find a place somewhere. Somewhere - this is in the room where the pipe comes from the pump. This is where most of the equipment is installed.
If you need at least some guidelines to choose the volume of the accumulator, calculate the average flow rate from each draw-off point (there are special tables or you can see it in the passport for household appliances). Sum all these data. Get the possible flow rate if all consumers work at the same time. Then estimate how many and which devices can work at the same time, calculate how much water will go in this case per minute. Most likely by this time you will already come to some kind of decision.
The volume of the selected accumulator tank must be greater than or equal to the volume obtained as a result of the calculation. There are no negative consequences from overestimating the volume of the accumulator, in excess of the calculated value, no matter how much it is exceeded.
When choosing a hydraulic accumulator, one should take into account its temperature and strength characteristics. The maximum tank pressure must be greater than or equal to the maximum pressure at the connection point.
If the installation of hydraulic accumulators is provided for indoors, then it should be taken into account that tanks with a diameter of more than 750 mm and a height of more than 1.5 m may not pass through the doorway, and mechanization will be required to move them. In this case, it is better to give preference to not one, but several tanks of hydraulic accumulators of a smaller capacity.
When choosing a hydraulic accumulator, it should be remembered that the volume of water stored in it averages 40-50% of the volume of the tank.
The most important question is how to choose the volume of the accumulator for water supply systems. To answer it, you need to bring together a lot of data. These are the performance of the pump, and the equipment of the house with water-consuming equipment, and the number of people permanently living in the house, and much more.
But first of all, you need to decide whether you need this reservoir only to stabilize the operation of the system as a whole, or whether there is a need for a supply of water in case of a power outage.
Internal cylinders of different volumes
If the house is small and equipped only with a washbasin, toilet, shower and watering tap, and you do not live in it permanently, you can not make complex calculations. It is enough to buy a tank with a volume of 24-50 liters, it will be enough for the system to work normally and be protected from water hammer.
In the case of a country house for permanent residence of a family, equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable life, it is advisable to approach the issue more responsibly. Here are a few ways in which you can determine the size of the accumulator.
The parameters that affect the choice of tank volume are the performance and power of the pump, as well as the recommended number of on / off cycles.
To calculate, you will need to determine the approximate water consumption per hour. To do this, a table is compiled that lists all the devices that consume water, their number and consumption rates. For example:
Table for determining the maximum water flow
Since it is almost impossible to use all devices at the same time, a correction factor of 0.5 is used to determine the real flow rate. As a result, we get that you spend an average of 75 liters of water per minute.
To use this formula, you need to know the settings of the pressure switch that turns the pump on and off. The following picture will help you understand:
Changes in pressure in the accumulator when the pump is turned on and off
The formula looks like this:
Table for determining the correction factor
The values of the minimum (starting) and maximum (switching off) pressure on the relay, you must set yourself, depending on what pressure you need in the system. It is determined by the farthest from the accumulator, and the highly located draw-off point.
Approximate ratios of pressure switch settings
To adjust the pressure switch, you need to know how to pump up the accumulator for water supply systems with air, or bleed the excess. This will require a car pump that connects to the tank through a spool.
Now we can calculate the volume. For example, let's take:
We get V = 66.3 liters. The closest standard accumulators in terms of volume have a volume of 60 and 80 liters. We choose the one that is more.
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The storage tank begins to accumulate excess heat in the upper part of the tank after the room is fully heated. As the accumulator cools, it gradually releases heat into the heating system.
It depends on the capacity of the accumulator how many times a solid fuel boiler will be loaded during the day.
The operation of the storage tank is based on the use of high heat capacity of water, which, when cooled by 1 ° C, releases several times more heat to heat 1 m 2 of the room.
To calculate the volume of the storage tank, use the ratio - 25 - 30 liters of capacity per 1 kW of solid fuel boiler power.
For example, for a 20 kW boiler, the volume of the tank will be from 500 to 600 liters.
The hydraulic accumulator is an integral component for autonomous plumbing and heating systems.
Without this device, it is difficult to ensure an uninterrupted supply of fluid from wells and wells.
Therefore, these mechanisms are very popular among summer residents and owners of private houses, this unit often comes with a pump, but it can be bought and installed separately.
The installation is most often used for water supply needs.
But no less relevant is the use of a hydraulic accumulator for heating systems (how to expel an air lock).
This mechanism serves to take on an excess volume of liquid substance and, thereby, reduce excess pressure in the line, and, if necessary, return water back to the system to maintain the optimal pressure of the working medium.
In fact, there are three goals, and they are all interconnected:
Thanks to the design capabilities of the accumulator (expansion tank), it is possible, in automatic mode, to normalize the pressure of the coolant in case of a change in temperature indicators.
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The main tasks of the accumulator:
There are two types of tanks - open and closed. The second option is used in most modern heating systems. This is a fully sealed hydraulic accumulator with a membrane or pear (it is used in large tanks).
Hydraulic accumulators are installed only for heating with a circulation pump, since this system is characterized by a high working pressure.
The hydraulic tank connection diagram is similar to the previous one, the difference lies in the way the pump is installed.
The water supply system from the submersible pump uses a check valve that prevents water from escaping the membrane back into the hydraulic structure. The valve is mounted in front of the supply pipe on the pumping equipment; in some cases, an internal thread is made on the cover for this.
For connection, a fitting of the required diameter with an external thread is used. After installing the valve, a supply water pipe of the required length is supplied to it.
The length is determined quite simply: the end of the rope with the sinker is lowered into the hydraulic structure and the top point of the structure is marked. Next, the rope rises and the length is measured from the sinker to the top point. The height from the point to the place where the pipe from the hydraulic structure is laid into the ground is subtracted from the finished value, as well as the length of the pumping equipment with the valve. The optimal pipe length is when the equipment rises above the bottom of the well or well to a height of up to 35 cm.
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 accumulating in the water is vented. Smaller devices are equipped with a special valve or tap for this purpose.
The membrane for the accumulator is made of butyl - a special rubberized material that is resistant to bacterial attack and meets all the requirements of sanitary and epidemiological standards.
Sometimes the pear inside the tank bursts - in this case, replacement is required
Compressed air is in one part of the accumulator, water is pumped into the second. The air in the tank is under pressure - factory settings - 1.5 atm. This pressure does not depend on volume - and on a tank with a capacity of 24 liters and 150 liters it is the same. More or less may be the maximum allowable maximum pressure, but it does not depend on the volume, but on the membrane and is indicated in the technical specifications.
Before connecting the accumulator to the system, it is advisable to check the pressure in it. The settings of the pressure switch depend on this indicator, and during transportation and storage the pressure could drop, so control is very desirable. You can control the pressure in the gyro tank using a pressure gauge connected to a special inlet in the upper part of the tank (capacity of 100 liters or more) or installed in its lower part as one of the piping parts. Temporarily, for control, you can connect a car pressure gauge. The error is usually small and it is convenient for them to work. If this is not the case, you can use the regular one for water pipes, but they usually do not differ in accuracy.
If necessary, the pressure in the accumulator can be increased or decreased. To do this, there is a nipple at the top of the tank. A car or bicycle pump is connected through the nipple and, if necessary, the pressure is increased. If it needs to be bled off, the nipple valve is bent with some thin object, releasing air.
So the pressure in the accumulator should be the same? For the normal operation of household appliances, a pressure of 1.4-2.8 atm is required. To prevent the tank membrane from tearing, the pressure in the system should be slightly higher than the tank pressure - by 0.1-0.2 atm. If the pressure in the tank is 1.5 atm, then the pressure in the system should not be lower than 1.6 atm. This value is set on the water pressure switch, which is paired with a hydraulic accumulator. These are the optimal settings for a small one-story house.
If the house is two-story, you will have to increase the pressure. There is a formula for calculating the pressure in a hydraulic tank:
Vatm.=(Hmax+6)/10
Where Hmax is the height of the highest draw point. Most often it is a shower. You measure (calculate) at what height relative to the accumulator its watering can is, substitute it into the formula, you get the pressure that should be in the tank.
If the house has a jacuzzi, everything is more complicated. You will have to select it empirically - by changing the relay settings and observing the operation of water points and household appliances. But at the same time, the working pressure should not be more than the maximum allowable for other household appliances and plumbing fixtures (indicated in the technical specifications).
A hydraulic water tank is a special sealed device made of metal 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 tasks:
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The expansion tank must only be installed in a heated room. If the weight of the accumulator exceeds 30 kilograms, then it is installed on a special stand. The location for the expander should be easily accessible for maintenance.
Heating and water supply systems
The insert is made into the pipes only on the return line. The insert is made between the final radiator, close to the boiler. A non-return valve and a pressure gauge are installed in front of the expansion tank to constantly measure the pressure in the system.
It is best to choose a model with a replaceable membrane, which is replaced in the event of a breakdown without much effort. If possible and desired, the accumulator can be installed without outside help, but if you are not sure or do not want to mess around for a long time, you can hire a specialist. However, in this case, you will not be able to save.
Heat accumulator in solar heating system
The need to improve the heating system of their own home forces owners to constantly search for useful ideas, additional devices that save fuel, evenly distribute heat inside the house, and increase the heat transfer of radiators.
The problem of uniform heat distribution is especially acute in houses with solid fuel boilers. In them, it is impossible to instantly stop the process of fuel combustion and the supply of heat to the pipeline of the system. If you turn off the supply tap, hot water, accumulating at the inlet, can reach the boiling point and damage part of the pipeline. You can distribute the number of kindlings over time. Such solutions are labor-intensive and ineffective. In this case, it is advisable to use a heat accumulator, which will ensure uniform distribution of heat throughout the house and eliminate temperature fluctuations.
In houses where a heat accumulator is built in, heat losses are significantly reduced.
A hydraulic accumulator is a container that accumulates heat produced by a solid fuel boiler, keeping it for a long time. The device works on the principle of a thermos.
The storage tank consists of the following components:
The buffer tank accumulates the heated coolant inside, maintains heat in the house for up to two days after the heating system is turned off.
When installing a hydraulic accumulator, it is necessary to arrange a piping circuit between it and the boiler, including:
The storage tank must be thermally insulated, otherwise the heat generated will heat the room where the accumulator is located.
The storage tank works like this:
The tank has two technical openings: a branch pipe for connecting to the system and an opening on the opposite side, equipped with a valve to relieve excess pressure in the gas (air) chamber.
At the initial stage of installation, it is necessary to choose the right place for installation. It is recommended to embed the hydraulic accumulator on the water return pipe between the last battery and the heating boiler. Moreover, the closer the tank is to the boiler, the better it is for the stable operation of the system - there will be no sudden pressure drops.
A check valve and a pressure gauge must be placed in front of the tank to control pressure indicators. The task of the valve is the same as that of the accumulator. This unit compensates for pressure surges, but it is designed for a large load.
It is important that free access is provided to the tank - in some cases, the owners will have to independently adjust the air chamber valve. It is forbidden to place shut-off valves on the section of the line between the hydraulic accumulator and the circulation pump! Reinforcement will violate the parameters of hydraulic resistance
It is forbidden to place shut-off valves on the section of the line between the hydraulic accumulator and the circulation pump! The armature will violate the hydraulic resistance parameters.
In water supply systems, with the help of a hydraulic accumulator, a lot of problems are solved, and the calculation for each of the cases is performed using various methods. The above algorithm for calculating a hydraulic accumulator allows you to select tanks for solving the two most popular problems and determines the initial pressure of the gas space, the pressure on and off the pump.
The first option for calculating the accumulator is with the priority of the frequency of switching on the pump. In systems with booster stations, downhole and booster pumps, a hydraulic accumulator tank is necessary to reduce the frequency of pump activation.
Water is an incompressible liquid, so even a short-term opening of one tap in an apartment building can cause the pump to turn on. Frequent switching on of the pump leads to its rapid wear and failure.
The switching frequency is related to the electric power of the pump, so, for example, it is recommended to turn on pumps with a power of more than 8 kW no more than 10 times per hour, pumps with a power of less than 5 kW - no more than 20 times per hour, and pumps whose power falls in the range from 5 to 10 kW no more than 15 times per hour. This dependence underlies the above calculation algorithm.
In addition to the pump power, many other factors affect the permissible switching frequency, for example, the greater the mass of moving parts, the lower the permissible switching frequency.
Therefore, pay attention to the correspondence between the switching frequency values obtained as a result of the selection of the accumulator and the optimal frequency for the previously selected pump, and if necessary, repeat the calculation of the tank
The second option for calculating the accumulator is with the priority of the stored volume of water. It is recommended for systems where interruption of water supply is not allowed, but there are interruptions in the supply of electricity or water from centralized water supply systems.
In this video, the principle of operation of the hydraulic accumulator is discussed in detail:
To calculate the volume of the accumulator, you can use special calculator programs. One of these options is presented in the following video:
Replacing the hydraulic tank membrane is not a very complicated process. It's covered in detail in this video:
A hydraulic accumulator is an important part of a modern autonomous water supply system. Of course, this device is more complicated and more expensive than a conventional storage tank.
But all costs are fully paid off, because in the presence of a hydraulic tank, the quality of tap water is better, and the service life of pumping equipment increases significantly. Finally, it is simply convenient, because there is always a stable water pressure in the water supply system, which is taken care of by reliable automation.
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