When arranging a water supply system for a private house, it becomes necessary to buy a special tank for storing a certain amount of water. For this, a hydraulic accumulator tank is often used, which maintains the desired pressure level, protects the pump from shutdowns, and the system from water hammer. And if the power goes out in the house, the accumulator will continue to supply water.
Content
- Design purpose
- Device and features
- The operation of accumulators for water supply
- Main types
Design purpose
A hydraulic accumulator (the second name is a membrane tank or hydraulic tank) is intended for the stable operation of the system water supply, as well as maintaining the required pressure and protecting important water supply units from possible damage. Among the key functions of such a reservoir should be highlighted:
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Protection of the pump against rapid wear. As mentioned above, there is a small supply of water in the hydraulic tank. This means that the pumping equipment will start working only after the depletion of this reserve. But all pumps have a service life declared by the manufacturer, which is indicated by the number of starts per hour, therefore, thanks to the membrane tank, it will noticeably increase.
- Maintaining a stable pressure in the water supply system. Because of this, any drops in water pressure are practically excluded. In the absence of a hydraulic tank, a situation arises that with the simultaneous use of different cranes temperature jumps occur, and hot water can be supplied in one place of the house, and in another - cold. The accumulator completely eliminates this phenomenon.
- Protection against water hammer that occurs when the pump is started and is a serious threat to the pipeline.
In addition, the hydraulic tank is able to keep a small supply of water in its tank, providing access to it in the event of a power outage. For residents of private houses, this function is simply invaluable.
Device and features
The water tank has a protected case, which consists of two chambers. One contains water and the other contains air.
Considering the fact that the water supply is located in the water chamber-membrane, it never touches the body surfaces. The second air chamber contains a pneumatic valve that regulates the pressure.
The device of the accumulator must be such that the structure can be quickly disassembled for repair or maintenance work without draining the water.
With regard to the diameters of the connecting pipe and the discharge pipe, they must be the same. In this case, any hydraulic losses in the water supply system will be excluded.
In membranes with a volume of more than one hundred liters, there is a special valve that bleeds air released from the liquid. In hydraulic tanks of a smaller volume, this valve is not, but its task is performed by another device for bleeding air. In his role they use:
- Tee.
- Tap.
In the chamber with air, there must be a stable pressure in the range of 1.5-2 atm.
The operation of accumulators for water supply
The principle of operation of hydraulic tanks is quite simple and straightforward. The pumping equipment supplies water to the membrane of the tank at a certain pressure, and when it reaches peak levels, the relay turns off the pump and the water supply is suspended. Then pressure level decreases and the pump starts working again, restoring the circulation of the substance. The efficiency of the tank depends on its volume. As for the pressure switch actuation, it is set manually.
During the operation of the equipment, air from the water begins to gradually fill the membrane, which significantly reduces the efficiency of its operation. As a result, the system needs periodic maintenance to bleed off excess air. The intensity of these procedures is determined by the volume of the hydraulic tank and the frequency of its use. Experts recommend carrying out preventive work at least after 1-3 months.
Main types
Depending on the configuration, the tanks can be vertical or horizontal. At the same time, the principle of their operation remains the same, except that the first type has a valve in the upper part for bleeding the air gap. But this element is available only in 50-liter (and more) designs.
Horizontal models are equipped with a special drain or tap, which is installed directly behind the device. Small models, both vertical and horizontal, bleed air by completely draining the liquid.
When choosing the optimal shape of the hydraulic tank, it is necessary to take into account the dimensions of the room in which it will be installed. The design must be compact and ergonomic, as well as fit perfectly into the overall concept of the style of the room. As for the hydraulic tank connection diagram, it depends on the functions of the system.
Knowing what a hydraulic accumulator is needed for in the water supply system and how to install it correctly, you can proceed with the installation immediately after purchasing the required equipment.
