A hydroaccumulator is an extremely useful device, both for organizing autonomous water supply and for improving the performance of a system connected to a central water supply.
The master, who has at least minimal experience in the plumbing work, will easily install the accumulator with his own hands and connect it to the water supply system.
Agree, the key to successful work is an understanding of the device and the principle of operation of the equipment. We will help you understand these issues, as well as describe and illustrate the step-by-step installation technology of the accumulator.
Information about the connection, configuration and maintenance of current storage tank useful in the course of its operation.
The content of the article:
- How does the accumulator work
-
Installation, connection, configuration
- Accumulator installation rules
- How to connect the device
- Some important nuances
- Rules of operation and repair
- Conclusions and useful video on the topic
How does the accumulator work
Principle hydroaccumulator devices simple as all ingenious. A rubber gasket of conical, pear-shaped or other shape is inserted into the body of the metal tank.
The gasket or membrane is often made from butyl, which has a significant margin of safety and is resistant to constant stretching and exposure to water.
This material is also characterized by high antibacterial properties and meets all hygienic standards. The water entering the tank is held by this gasket; it does not contact the walls of the metal body.
On the back of the case, a nipple is installed, which allows air to be pumped into the container.
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Hydroaccumulators are called hydropneumatic tanks designed for the organization of automated independent water systems.
Hydraulic accumulators work in tandem with both surface pumping equipment and submersible pumps.
Installing a hydraulic tank allows you to create a reserve supply of water in case of power outages, protects the pump from premature wear, protects the system from water hammer
Misuse of the hydroaccumulator is fraught with failure of the equipment due to rupture of an important element - an elastic membrane
Hydraulic tank as part of the pumping station factory assembly
Accumulator in the circuit with a submersible pump
Functions and purpose of hydraulic tanks in water supply
Rules of competent operation of hydroaccumulators
Water and air are separated by a gasket. Pumping or bleeding the air, you can adjust the pressure it exerts on the water. As a result, water enters the system under pressure, and this provides the necessary pressure.
A mandatory element for a hydroaccumulator is a pressure gauge with which the current pressure in the tank is monitored. The best indicators of pressure in the air compartment of the accumulator are 1.5-2.0 atmospheres.
The diagram clearly shows the device accumulator. The upper part receives water, which is retained by the rubber membrane, and the lower part is pumped air, which provides the necessary water pressure
Wherever a good pressure head is needed, the installation of a hydroaccumulator will be more than relevant. And the requirements for good pressure are constantly increasing.
For example, for normal operation of an automatic washing machine or dishwasher, at least 0.7-2 atmospheres may be needed. A shower with hydromassage or the famous Jacuzzi bath will work normally only at four atmospheres.
Immediately it should be noted that the excess pressure in the plumbing system is not the most useful phenomenon, since this creates an additional and completely unnecessary load on the structure.
This reduces their lifespan and leads to leaks, breakdowns and other problems. Although the pressure can reach even 10 atmospheres during pressure testing, the performance is best left at 4-5 atmospheres.
Accumulators differ in volume, and they can also be oriented horizontally or vertically. Hydraulic tanks designed for operation at high temperatures are intended for heating systems.
Even if the house does not have modern household appliances that are sensitive to the pressure of water in the water supply system, the hydroaccumulator can still be useful. On the upper floors of high-rise buildings, the water pressure in the water supply system is very, very weak. Hydroaccumulator allows to effectively solve the problem of this kind.
The capacity of the accumulator may vary in the range of 5-100 liters. Of course, to save water, these are very modest numbers. If there is a need to always have a solid supply of water, it is better to use a storage tank of sufficient volume.
When organizing an autonomous water supply, a hydroaccumulator is used in combination with a surface or submersible pump. The device pumps water into the tank until the pressure reaches a certain, predetermined level. After that, the equipment is turned off automatically.
Water decreases, pressure decreases, reaches a minimum level. At this point, the pump starts up again and runs until the container that was previously empty is filled with water.
To regulate the operation of such a system, use pressure switch. This reduces the number of on / off pumping equipment to a minimum, which significantly increases its service life.
The water inlet to the hydroaccumulator is equipped with a special pipe that is installed on the threaded connection.
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The body of hydraulic tanks is a welded container, painted with powder composition. In the manufacture of the vessel is equipped with a counter flange
A plastic or metal flange is tightly connected to the counter flange, in the center of which there is a threaded nipple
On the opposite side of the accumulator there is a nipple - an air valve through which air is pumped when pressure is required.
Hydroaccumulators with a capacity from 14 to 50 liters are available in horizontal design with a platform for mounting a surface pump. Hydraulic tanks with a capacity of more than 50 liters of vertical design, working mainly with submersible pumps
Accumulator body material
Threaded Flange
Hydraulic Tank Air Valve - Nipple
Hydroaccumulator area
Modern models are relatively easy to disassemble and then assemble by performing the necessary maintenance, replacement of parts or other types of repair. If the accumulator is installed correctly, then for its maintenance it is not necessary to drain water from the plumbing system.
This table can be used to calculate the volume of the hydraulic tank for a specific situation, based on the predicted conditions of its work (+)
With the choice of the accumulator, you should pay attention to the diameter of the nozzle and compare it with the size of the water pipe. Experts claim that the more accurate these figures, the less hydro loss will be in the system. If the diameters of the structures do not match, you will have to use an adapter.
Water tends to evaporate, which can affect the pressure in the device. To vent such excess air on large-capacity hydroaccumulators — about 100 liters — a valve is installed.
Models of a small volume do not have such a device. It is recommended to install a valve or a tee in the system, which will block the water supply to the water supply system and will allow to remove excess air.
Installation, connection, configuration
Understanding how the hydroaccumulator works and works will allow you to properly install it, competent connection and fine tuning.
From this device during the day, water is taken and pumped. As a result, the unit is constantly under the influence of the workflow, during which it makes noise and vibrates. This point should be considered when choosing a place to install it.
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Step 1: The connection of any type of gidobak is performed according to a similar scheme. First we prepare it for connecting the pipe.
Step 2: We turn the vertical container upside down and tightly wrap the thread of the fitting with sanitary flax
Step 3: Screw the corner fitting required for connecting the water pipe to the flax-wound pipe.
Step 4: If a non-return valve was not installed in front of the pump, we put it in front of the hydraulic tank so that after turning off the pump unit, the water does not flow back into the production
Step 5: A water pipe is inserted into the house through a hole drilled in the plinth or foundation, into which a metal sleeve is installed
Together with a water pipe, we enter the electrical cable of the pump into the house, to which, after entering, we connect a capacitor box
Step 7: At the outlet of the accumulator we have a pressure gauge, fixing the pressure readings in system, and a pressure switch that responds to these readings, according to which the shut-off or pump in
Step 8: Connect the water pipe to the corner fitting connected to the flange of the hydraulic tank, then test the system for operability and tightness of the nodes
Preparing to connect
Liner winding
Fitting the elbow fitting to the nipple
Technical devices for hydraulic tank operation
Input of a water pipe to the house
Input electrical cable pump
System pressure switch location
Water pipe connection
Accumulator installation rules
First you need to choose the most suitable place. It should be spacious enough, especially if a large volume tank is used.
After installing the container around it should be enough space for the master to be free to inspect hydraulic tank, carry out maintenance and repair activities, and if necessary dismantle and disassemble unit.
To dampen the vibration, the hydroaccumulator should be installed on a solid base, for example, on a concrete slab. The mounting base should be carefully leveled. Rubber linings are placed between the base and the body of the accumulator, which should partially dampen the vibration.
How to connect the device
The connection of the hydroaccumulator with the water supply system is performed through a special fitting for five outlets.
It is through this element that the remaining elements of the system will be connected to the hydraulic tank nozzle, namely:
- water pipe;
- source of water intake (eg, submersible pump);
- pressure gauge;
- pressure switch.
The fitting can be installed both directly on the hydraulic tank nozzle and on the transition element in the form of a rigid hose. The decision should be made on the basis of where the hydraulic tank is installed and how convenient it is to connect the rest of the communications to it.
Pressure gauge, pressure switch and other elements are connected using threaded connections. Of course, all of them should be well sealed and sealed with flax, FUM tape or other suitable material.
To connect the hydroaccumulator to the plumbing system, as well as to install a pressure gauge and a pressure switch, use a special fitting for five outlets
Pressure switches should also be connected to the network and to the pump that is used to supply water. To do this, under the housing cover of the device there are two pairs of contacts. They are usually labeled as “pump” and “network”.
If there are no such marks, and the wizard who connects the relay does not have experience in performing electrical work, you should ask for advice from a professional electrician.
During the test of the hydraulic tank, all threaded connections are checked for tightness. It is enough to feel the fitting nozzles and make sure that they remain dry. If a leak is detected, re-sealing and sealing works should be carried out.
Very often, the hydraulic tank is part of a pumping station, which also includes a surface pump, a pressure gauge and a pressure switch.
A hydroaccumulator in combination with a surface pump is most often used as a complete pump. pumping station. It is a practically ready-to-install unit, including the accumulator itself, pressure switch, surface pump, and pressure gauge.
It remains only to connect the pump to the water source, and the hydraulic tank - to the plumbing system of the house. After that, it is necessary to provide the pump station with power supply, as well as competently set up pressure switch.
Schematically, the connection of the pumping station can be presented in the form of the following steps:
- Prepare a solid base in a suitable place for installation.
- Install the pump station on the base.
- Measure and correct the air pressure in the emptied pressure accumulator.
- Install a five-outlet connection to the outlet of the accumulator.
- Connect the surface pump pipe to the nozzle outlet.
- Connect a water pipe to another outlet.
- Install a pressure gauge and pressure switch.
- Fill the accumulator with water.
- Check for the presence / absence of leaks in places of threaded connections.
- Adjust the pressure switch.
Surface pump is not always used in the autonomous water supply system of a private house. Owners of deep wells have to use special submersible pumps.
The process of connecting the hydroaccumulator to the water supply system with deep well pump perform as follows:
- Lower the submersible pump prepared for operation into the water source (well, well, etc.)
- Connect the pressure hose or the water supply pipe of the pump to the fitting on the five connectors.
- Connect the hydraulic accumulator nozzle to one of the nozzle outlets.
- Install a pressure gauge and pressure switch.
- Connect the hydraulic accumulator to the water supply system of the house.
When connecting the hydraulic tank to the submersible pump, provision should be made for check valve, which prevents the outflow of water into the well when the pump is turned off.
This scheme allows you to understand the procedure for connecting the accumulator to the water supply network with a submersible pump. As with the installation of the pumping station, a special (+) fitting is required here.
Some important nuances
To connect the accumulator using special flexible adapters. This helps reduce the influence of vibrations on the plumbing system.
It should be noted that in this area, between the water supply and the accumulator, it is unacceptable reduction of the lumen of the connecting structures, as this will worsen the hydrotechnical characteristics system.
To reduce the effect of vibration that occurs when the hydraulic tank is in operation, it is recommended to use special flexible connections. Their sizes should not be smaller than the output diameters to which they are connected.
The initial filling of the tank with water must be done very slowly. The fact is that during long-term storage, a rubber membrane made in the form of a pear could simply stick together.
A sharp flow of water can break the gasket, and with a weak head it gently straighten. Another really important point is that before supplying water to the accumulator, completely remove air from the part into which the water will be pumped.
Immediately after unpacking the purchased battery, and / or immediately before it is connected, it is necessary to measure the pressure of the air that is pumped inside. This figure should be 1.5 atm, just so pumped up accumulators in the manufacture. However, during storage in a warehouse, a portion of this air is completely natural before being sold.
The most reliable option for such measurements is an ordinary automobile gauge with a suitable gradation scale, which allows measurements to be taken with an accuracy of 0.1 atmosphere. As practice has shown, to use for this purpose cheap Chinese plastic models are not worth it, their accuracy is very doubtful.
Electronic models are sensitive to the state of the environment, and this is too expensive for a conventional hydroaccumulator.
What is the air pressure in a hydraulic tank filled with water? It all depends on the situation.
A pressure of 1.5 atmospheres will provide quite decent water pressure in the plumbing system. But it should be remembered that the higher the pressure, the smaller the volume of water stored in the tank. If you need and a solid supply of water, and a good pressure, it makes sense to look for a large volume tank.
To control the air pressure in the hydraulic tank, it is recommended to use a conventional automobile pressure gauge, which allows measurements to be taken with an accuracy of 0.1 atmosphere.
It is recommended that in the accumulator the working parameters of the air pressure should be less than the minimum pressure that causes the pump to start up, about 0.5-1.0 atmosphere. Sometimes do otherwise.
The air pressure in the hydroaccumulator is kept at 1.5 atmospheres, as set at the factory, and the value of minimum pressure or firing pressure is calculated as 2.0-2.5 atmospheres. Thus, the air pressure in an empty tank — 1.5 atmospheres — adds this difference to 0.5–1.0 atmospheres.
Excessive pressure is not very well reflected in the integrity of the elements of the hydraulic tank, but the low air pressure in it is not useful. If this figure is reduced to less than one atmosphere, the membrane will touch the walls of the tank. This will lead to its deformation and rapid breakdown.
To control the pressure switch are two springs. With the first one, the shutdown pressure of the pump is set, and with the second, the difference between the maximum and minimum pressure is set.
After the system is installed and connected, it is necessary to adjust the pressure switch. To do this, under the body there are two adjusting nuts with springs. The order of adjustment of the pressure switch is usually described in detail in the instructions that come with the device.
Rules of operation and repair
Connecting and adjusting the accumulator correctly is only half the battle. In order for the device to work for a long time, it must be properly operated, periodically carried out routine inspection and maintenance.
The instructions prescribe to conduct a medical examination twice a year, but practice shows that this is not enough. Check the condition of the accumulator should be every three months. With the same periodicity, it is advisable to monitor the settings of the pressure switch in order to correct them if necessary.
Incorrect operation of the relay creates additional loads on the entire system, which can affect the condition of the accumulator.
If, during inspection, dents or corrosion are found on the device body, these damages must be repaired. It is best done as soon as possible, otherwise corrosion processes will develop, which may lead to a violation of the integrity of the body of the accumulator.
An important preventive measure is to check the pressure in the hydraulic tank itself with a pressure gauge. If necessary, the device should be pumped the right amount of air or bleed its excess.
If this does not help and the new readings of the manometer do not correspond to the expected values, then either the integrity of the body of the accumulator or its membrane is damaged.
If the membrane installed in the accumulator is worn out, you can try to replace it with a new one. For this device will have to be dismantled and disassembled.
Some craftsmen can detect and repair damage to the case, but this repair is not always durable and reliable. Rubber liner or membrane - the weak point of the accumulator. Over time, it wears out.
You can also replace the membrane with a new element at home, but for this you have to completely disassemble and reassemble the hydraulic accumulator.
When choosing a suitable location for the installation of the accumulator, remember that it should be spacious enough to maintain the device
If a home craftsman doubts his abilities in this area or does not have enough experience, he can do even more harm to the device than the previous breakdown. In such a situation, it is better to contact the service center.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
An overview of the operation of the 50-liter accumulator is presented in the following video:
This video demonstrates how to adjust the pressure in the hydraulic tank and adjust the pressure switch:
The advantages of using a hydroaccumulator are obvious, therefore, more and more often this device is used in private homes outside the city, and in the apartments of the metropolis. If the unit is installed and connected correctly, it will work for many years without breakdowns and interruptions, providing the family with high-quality water supply.
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