Connection diagram for a well pump and hydraulic accumulator. Installation of a hydraulic accumulator for water supply systems. Operating principle and existing types of automation

The key point in the water supply chain is the installation of an autonomous water supply system.

This device is designed to solve not only the issue of creating a small water reserve, but also to relieve owners of dachas and private houses from variable pressure in the network.

Due to its design, the hydraulic tank also reduces work pumping station, thereby extending its service life.

Equipment

As practice shows, the minimum possible volume of hydraulic accumulators for installation in a private house or cottage should not have a volume less than 24 liters.

It is desirable that this value be slightly higher than the required requirement in order to create a small reserve.

The main point when choosing will be the peak value of water demand, as well as the power of the pumping station. At the same time, the amount of water that will be in the hydraulic accumulator should be enough so that even at maximum load, the pump is turned on no more than 30 times in one minute.

Typically, the volume of the required hydraulic accumulator is determined based on the number of consumers (bathtub, washing machine, etc.). The more there are, the correspondingly higher the volume value should be.

And if you install an option with a smaller volume than required, you can buy another hydraulic tank and install it in addition to the first one, their volume will be summed up.

It is important to know: The membrane material must match the expected load.

Also, when choosing, it is worth considering that the volume of water inside the tank will occupy no more than half of the total volume. It is also worth considering that to combat water hammer small options gyroaccumulators are ineffective, and if you install an excessively large one, then water stagnation is possible in them.

For models of significant size, there must be a reliable base so that it can withstand the considerable weight of the device and the water in it.

In order to more optimally select a hydraulic tank, it is advisable to carry out calculations by contacting specialists.

Accommodation

Some options can be placed in the basement or on the first floor, here everything will depend on the power of the option and at what height the water will have to be supplied.

It is best to install the hydraulic accumulator on the very high point at home to create maximum pressure in the network. In this case, you can use both the attic and the second floor (in the case of a two-story house).

The installation location should not have high humidity. The reason is that in this case condensation will form on the surface of the tank. Over time, it will first destroy the paintwork of the hydraulic tank, and then lead to metal corrosion. The surface on which installation will take place must be secure and level.

Before installing the unit, you must first check the air pressure level to see if it matches the required values. Because in the future, after installing it, in order to make such a measurement, you will have to drain the water and turn off the pump.

Procedure

The wiring diagram of this device must be determined by various design features system to which it is connected, as well as the type of pumping station used to supply water.

There are several connection options, which depend on the type of pump used:

• submersible option, which must be placed in water;
• surface, attached closer to the hydraulic accumulator.

Due to the peculiarities of their design, the connection schemes for storage systems differ.

So, using surface pump, the procedure will be as follows:

All threaded connections sit on the FUM tape, according to generally accepted rules for such connections. After this, you can begin operating the installed hydraulic accumulator.

Take into account: It is advisable to install such units closer to pumping stations for greater efficiency.

Connection using a submersible pump occurs as follows:

1. First of all, the pump itself must be immersed in water. After this, the pressure hose coming from it is connected to the same manifold as described above.
2. Next, from the same collector we make a branch for the hydraulic accumulator.
3. The last step is to connect one more pipe to the water supply, and the rest to the pump control system.

But, there is one peculiarity in the connection.

It is necessary to place between the manifold and the pump check valve, to prevent water from draining back into the well after turning off the water supply.

It is advisable to install it directly at the neck of the pump pipe. And the water from this entire system should flow into the tap after the filter. (You can read more about connecting a hydraulic accumulator to a submersible pump in).

Watch the video in which a specialist explains how to install a hydraulic accumulator for a water supply system with your own hands:

A hydraulic accumulator is a special metal sealed container containing inside an elastic membrane and a certain volume of water under a certain pressure.

A hydraulic accumulator (in other words, a membrane tank, hydraulic tank) is used to maintain stable pressure in the water supply system, protects the water pump from premature wear due to frequent activation, and protects the water supply system from possible water hammer. When the power goes out, thanks to the hydraulic accumulator, you will always have a small supply of water.

Here are the main functions that a hydraulic accumulator performs in a water supply system:

1. Protecting the pump from premature wear. Thanks to the water reserve in the membrane tank, when you open the water tap, the pump will only turn on if the water supply in the tank runs out. Any pump has a certain rate of starts per hour, therefore, thanks to the hydraulic accumulator, the pump will have a reserve of unused starts, which will increase its service life.
2. Maintaining constant pressure in the water supply system, protecting against changes in water pressure. Due to pressure drops, when several taps are turned on simultaneously, sharp fluctuations water temperature, for example in the shower and in the kitchen. The hydraulic accumulator successfully copes with such unpleasant situations.
3. Protection against water hammer, which can occur when the pump is turned on, and can seriously damage the pipeline.
4. Maintaining a supply of water in the system, which allows you to use water even during a power outage, which happens quite often these days. This function is especially valuable in country houses.

Hydraulic accumulator device

The sealed body of this device is divided by a special membrane into two chambers, one of which is intended for water and the other for air.

Water does not come into contact with metal surfaces housing, since it is located in a water chamber-membrane made of strong butyl rubber material, resistant to bacteria and meeting all hygienic and sanitary standards for drinking water.

The air chamber contains a pneumatic valve, the purpose of which is to regulate pressure. Water enters the accumulator through a special threaded connection pipe.

The hydraulic accumulator device must be mounted in such a way that it can be easily disassembled in case of repair or maintenance, without draining all the water from the system.

The diameters of the connecting pipeline and the pressure pipe should, if possible, coincide with each other, then this will avoid unwanted hydraulic losses in the system pipeline.

In the membranes of hydraulic accumulators with a volume of more than 100 liters there is a special valve for bleeding air released from the water. For small-capacity hydraulic accumulators that do not have such a valve, the water supply system must have a device for bleeding air, for example, a tee or tap that shuts off the main line of the water supply system.

IN air valve The hydraulic accumulator pressure should be 1.5-2 atm.

Operating principle of a hydraulic accumulator

A hydraulic accumulator works like this. The pump supplies water under pressure to the accumulator membrane. When the pressure threshold is reached, the relay turns off the pump and water stops flowing. After the pressure begins to drop during water intake, the pump automatically turns on again and supplies water to the accumulator membrane. The larger the volume of the hydraulic tank, the more effective the result of its operation. The response of the pressure switch can be adjusted.

During operation of the accumulator, air dissolved in water gradually accumulates in the membrane, which leads to a decrease in the efficiency of the device. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out preventive maintenance on the hydraulic accumulator by bleeding off the accumulated air. The frequency of maintenance depends on the volume of the hydraulic tank and the frequency of its operation, which is approximately once every 1-3 months.

These devices can be in vertical or horizontal configurations.

The operating principle of the devices is no different, except that vertical hydraulic accumulators with a volume of more than 50 liters have a special valve in the upper part for bleeding air, which gradually accumulates in the water supply system during operation. Air accumulates in the upper part of the device, therefore the location of the valve for bleeding is chosen in the upper part.

IN horizontal devices To bleed air, a special tap or drain is installed, which is installed behind the hydraulic accumulator.

From small devices, regardless of whether they are vertical or horizontal, air is released by completely draining the water.

When choosing the shape of a hydraulic tank, proceed from the size of the technical room where they will be installed. It all depends on the dimensions of the device: whichever fits best into the space allocated for it will be installed, regardless of whether it is horizontal or vertical.

Connection diagram for hydraulic accumulator

Depending on the assigned functions, the connection diagram of the hydraulic accumulator to the water supply system may be different. The most popular connection diagrams for hydraulic accumulators are given below.

Such pumping stations are installed where there is high water consumption. As a rule, one of the pumps at such stations operates constantly.
At the booster pumping station, the hydraulic accumulator serves to reduce pressure surges when additional pumps are turned on and to compensate for small water withdrawals.

This scheme is also widely used when the water supply system frequently interrupts the supply of electricity to booster pumps, and the presence of water is vital. Then the water supply in the hydraulic accumulator saves the situation, playing a role backup source for this period.

The larger and more powerful the pumping station, and the greater the pressure it must maintain, the larger the volume of the hydraulic accumulator, which acts as a damper, must be.
The buffer capacity of the hydraulic tank also depends on the volume of the required water supply, and on the difference in pressure when the pump is turned on and off.

For long-term and uninterrupted operation the submersible pump must make from 5 to 20 starts per hour, which is indicated in its technical characteristics.

When the pressure in the water supply system drops to a minimum value, the pressure switch is automatically turned on, and when the maximum value is turned off, it is turned off. Even the most minimal water flow, especially in small water supply systems, can reduce the pressure to a minimum, which will instantly give a command to turn on the pump, because the water leakage is compensated by the pump instantly, and after a few seconds, when the water supply is replenished, the relay will turn off the pump. Thus, with minimal water consumption, the pump will run almost idle. This mode of operation adversely affects the operation of the pump and can quickly damage it. The situation can be corrected by a hydraulic accumulator, which always has the required supply of water and successfully compensates for its insignificant consumption, and also protects the pump from frequent activation.

In addition, a hydraulic accumulator connected to the circuit smoothes out a sharp increase in pressure in the system when the submersible pump is turned on.

The volume of the hydraulic tank is selected depending on the frequency of activation and power of the pump, water flow per hour and the height of its installation.

For a storage water heater, the hydraulic accumulator plays a role in the connection diagram expansion tank. When heated, water expands, increasing the volume in the water supply system, and since it does not have the ability to compress, the slightest increase in volume in a confined space increases the pressure and can lead to destruction of the water heater elements. The hydraulic tank will also come to the rescue here. Its volume will directly depend and increase from an increase in the volume of water in the water heater, an increase in the temperature of the heated water and an increase in the maximum permissible pressure in the water supply system.

The hydraulic accumulator is connected in front of the booster pump along the water flow. It is needed to protect against a sharp decrease in pressure in the water supply network when the pump is turned on.

The capacity of the hydraulic accumulator for the pumping station will be greater, the more water is used in the water supply system and the smaller the difference between the upper and lower pressure scale in the water supply in front of the pump.

How to install a hydraulic accumulator?

From all of the above, it can be understood that the design of a hydraulic accumulator is absolutely different from an ordinary water tank. This device is constantly in operation, the membrane is always dynamic. Therefore, installing a hydraulic accumulator is not so simple. The tank must be strengthened during installation reliably, with a margin of safety, noise and vibration. Therefore, the tank is secured to the floor through rubber gaskets, and to the pipeline through rubber flexible adapters. You need to know that at the inlet of the hydraulic system, the cross-section of the line should not narrow. And another one important detail: the first time you fill the tank very carefully and slowly, using low water pressure, in case the rubber bulb has stuck together due to long inactivity, and with a sharp water pressure it may be damaged. It is best to remove all air from the bulb before putting it into use.

The hydraulic accumulator must be installed in such a way that it can be easily approached during operation. It is better to entrust this task to experienced specialists, since very often the tank fails due to some unaccounted for, but important little detail, for example, due to a mismatch in pipe diameter, unregulated pressure, etc. Experiments cannot be carried out here, because what is at stake is normal operation plumbing system.

So you brought the purchased hydraulic tank into the house. What to do with it next? You immediately need to find out the pressure level inside the tank. Usually the manufacturer pumps it up to 1.5 atm, but there are cases when, due to a leak, the performance drops by the time of sale. To make sure the indicator is correct, you need to unscrew the decorative cap on an ordinary automobile spool and check the pressure.

How can I check it? Typically a pressure gauge is used for this. It can be electronic, mechanical (with a metal body) and plastic, which is supplied with some pump models. It is important that the pressure gauge has greater accuracy, since even 0.5 atm changes the quality of the hydraulic tank, so it is better not to use plastic pressure gauges, as they give a very large error in the indicators. These are usually Chinese models in a weak plastic case. Electronic pressure gauges are affected by battery charge and temperature, and they are also very expensive. Therefore, the best option is an ordinary car pressure gauge, verified. The scale should be at a small amount of divisions to allow more accurate pressure measurements. If the scale is designed for 20 atm, but you only need to measure 1-2 atm, then high precision there is no need to expect.

If there is less air in the tank, then there is a larger supply of water, but the difference in pressure between an empty and almost full tank will be very significant. It's all a matter of preference. If you need constant high water pressure in the water supply, then the pressure in the tank must be at least 1.5 atm. And for domestic needs, 1 atm may well be enough.

At a pressure of 1.5 atm, the hydraulic tank has a smaller supply of water, which is why the booster pump will turn on more often, and in the absence of light, the supply of water in the tank may simply not be enough. In the second case, you will have to sacrifice pressure, because you can take a shower with a massage when the tank is full, and as it empties, you can only take a bath.

When you decide what is more important to you, you can set the desired operating mode, that is, either pump air into the tank or bleed off excess air.

It is undesirable to reduce the pressure below 1 atm, as well as to exceed it excessively. A bulb filled with water with insufficient pressure will touch the walls of the tank and can quickly become unusable. A overpressure will not allow you to pump in a sufficient volume of water, since most of the tank will be occupied by air.

Setting up the pressure switch

You also need to configure the pressure switch. Opening the cover, you will see two nuts and two springs: a large one (P) and a small one (delta P). With their help, you can set the maximum and minimum pressure levels at which the pump turns on and off. A large spring is responsible for turning on the pump and pressure. You can see from the design that it seems to encourage water to close the contacts.

Using a small spring, the pressure difference is set, which is specified in all instructions. But the instructions do not indicate a starting point. It turns out that the reference point is the spring nut P, ​​that is, the lower limit. The lower spring, responsible for the pressure difference, resists the water pressure and moves the movable plate away from the contacts.

When already posted correct pressure air, you can connect the hydraulic accumulator to the system. After connecting it, you need to carefully observe the pressure gauge. All hydraulic accumulators indicate normal and maximum pressure values, exceeding which is unacceptable. Manual disconnection of the pump from the network occurs when the normal pressure of the accumulator is reached, when the limit value of the pump pressure is reached. This occurs when the increase in pressure stops.

The pump power is usually not enough to pump the tank to the limit, but this is not even particularly necessary, because when pumping, the service life of both the pump and the bulb is reduced. Most often, the pressure limit for switching off is set 1-2 atm higher than switching on.

For example, when the pressure gauge reads 3 atm, which is sufficient for the needs of the owner of the pumping station, you need to turn off the pump and slowly rotate the nut of the small spring (delta P) to decrease until the mechanism is activated. After this, you need to open the tap and drain the water from the system. While observing the pressure gauge, you need to note the value at which the relay turns on - this is the lower pressure limit when the pump turns on. This indicator should be slightly higher than the pressure in an empty accumulator (by 0.1-0.3 atm). This will make it possible to serve the pear for a longer period of time.

When the nut of the large spring P rotates, the lower limit is set. To do this, you need to turn on the pump and wait until the pressure reaches the desired level. After this, it is necessary to adjust the nut of the small spring “delta P” and complete the adjustment of the accumulator.

In the air chamber of the accumulator, the pressure should be 10% lower than the pressure when the pump is turned on.

An accurate indicator of air pressure can only be measured with the tank disconnected from the water supply system and in the absence of water pressure. Air pressure must be constantly monitored and adjusted as necessary, which will increase the life of the membrane. Also for continuation normal functioning membranes should not allow a large pressure drop when the pump is turned on and off. A normal difference is 1.0-1.5 atm. Stronger pressure drops reduce the service life of the membrane, greatly stretching it; moreover, such pressure drops do not allow comfortable use of water.

Hydraulic accumulators can be installed in places with low humidity, not subject to flooding, so that the flange of the device can successfully serve for many years.

When choosing a brand of hydraulic accumulator, you need to pay attention Special attention check the quality of the material from which the membrane is made, check certificates and sanitary and hygienic conclusions, making sure that the hydraulic tank is intended for systems with drinking water. You also need to make sure that there are spare flanges and membranes, which should be included in the kit, so that in case of a problem you do not have to buy a new hydraulic tank.

The maximum pressure of the accumulator for which it is designed must be no less than the maximum pressure in the water supply system. Therefore, most devices can withstand a pressure of 10 atm.

To determine how much water can be used from the accumulator when the power is turned off, when the pump stops pumping water from the water supply system, you can use the membrane tank fillability table. The water supply will depend on the setting of the pressure switch. The higher the pressure difference when turning the pump on and off, the greater the supply of water in the accumulator. But this difference is limited for the reasons stated above. Let's look at the table.

Here we see that in a membrane tank with a volume of 200 liters, with the settings of the pressure switch, when the indicator on the pump is 1.5 bar, the pump off is 3.0 bar, the air pressure is 1.3 bar, the water supply will be only 69 liters, which is equal to approximately a third of the total volume of the tank .

Calculation of the required volume of the hydraulic accumulator

To calculate the accumulator, use the following formula:

Vt = K * A max * ((Pmax+1) * (Pmin +1)) / (Pmax- Pmin) * (Pair + 1),

• Amax – maximum flow rate of liters of water per minute;
• K is a coefficient that depends on the power of the pump motor;
• Pmax – pressure when the pump is turned off, bar;
• Pmin – pressure when the pump is turned on, bar;
• Pair. – air pressure in the hydraulic accumulator, bar.

As an example, let’s select the required minimum volume of a hydraulic accumulator for a water supply system, taking, for example, the Aquarius BTsPE 0.5-40 U pump with the following parameters:

Pmax (bar)	Pmin (bar)	Pair (bar)	A max (cubic m/hour)	K (coefficient)
3.0	1.8	1.6	2.1	0.25

Using the formula, we calculate the minimum volume of HA, which is 31.41 liters.

Therefore, we choose the next closest GA size, which is 35 liters.

The tank volume in the range of 25-50 liters is ideally consistent with all methods for calculating the volume of hydraulic fluid for household plumbing systems, as well as with the empirical assignments of different manufacturers of pumping equipment.

If there are frequent power outages, it is advisable to choose a tank of a larger volume, but at the same time you should remember that water can only fill the tank to 1/3 of the total volume. The more powerful the pump installed in the system, the larger the volume of the accumulator should be. This sizing will reduce the number of short starts of the pump and extend the life of its electric motor.

If you bought a large-volume hydraulic accumulator, you need to know that if the water is not used regularly, it will stagnate in the hydraulic accumulator and its quality will deteriorate. Therefore, when choosing a hydraulic tank in a store, you need to take into account the maximum volume of water used in the home’s water supply system. After all, with a small water consumption, using a tank with a volume of 25-50 liters is much more expedient than 100-200 liters, the water in which will be wasted.

Repair and maintenance of hydraulic accumulator

Even the simplest hydraulic tanks require attention and care, like any working and useful device.

There are different reasons for repairing a hydraulic accumulator. This is corrosion, dents in the body, violation of the integrity of the membrane or a violation of the tightness of the tank. There are also many other reasons that oblige the owner to repair the hydraulic tank. To prevent serious damage, it is necessary to regularly inspect the surface of the accumulator, monitor its operation in order to prevent possible problems. It is not enough to inspect the HA twice a year, as stated in the instructions. After all, you can eliminate one malfunction today, but tomorrow you will not pay attention to another problem that has arisen, which within six months will turn into irreparable and can lead to failure of the hydraulic tank. Therefore, the hydraulic accumulator must be inspected at every opportunity so as not to miss the slightest malfunctions, and they must be repaired in a timely manner.

Causes of breakdowns and their elimination

The reason for the breakdown of the expansion tank may be too frequent switching on and off of the pump, water exiting through the valve, weak water pressure, weak air pressure (lower than designed), weak water pressure after the pump.

How to troubleshoot a hydraulic accumulator with your own hands? The reason for repairing the hydraulic accumulator may be low air pressure or its absence in the membrane tank, damage to the membrane, damage to the housing, a large difference in pressure when turning the pump on and off, or an incorrectly selected volume of the hydraulic tank.

Troubleshooting can be done as follows:

• to increase air pressure, you need to pump it through the tank nipple using a garage pump or compressor;
• a damaged membrane can be repaired at a service center;
• the damaged housing and its tightness are also repaired at the service center;
• The difference in pressure can be corrected by setting the differential too large in accordance with the frequency of pump activation;
• The adequacy of the tank volume must be determined before installing it in the system.

Traditionally, hydraulic accumulators are in demand in the private sector and in populated areas with problematic water supply. This device allows you to make any water supply system more efficient. Installing and operating a hydraulic accumulator is not a difficult task, but, as with everything else, there are some nuances that need to be understood in more detail.

Purpose

This device allows you to reduce the load on the water pump: when pumping from a well, well or other container, part of the water enters the hydraulic accumulator reservoir. This way, the water from the tank will be used first, and the pump will only turn on again when the tank is empty. In general terms, a hydraulic accumulator reduces the number of times the water pump is turned on and off. This device also minimizes the likelihood of water hammer, which increases the maintenance-free operation of the entire water supply system. IN heating systems The hydraulic accumulator is used as an “expansion tank”: excess heated water goes into the hydraulic tank, reducing the overall pressure in the system.

Connecting a hydraulic accumulator with your own hands, for example, a pass-through or a deep-seated one, is not at all difficult, if you take into account the recommendations of specialists.

Device, principle of operation and types

Regardless of the brand, configuration and intended purpose, practically All hydraulic accumulators have a similar design, including the following elements:

• body on a stand (legs or reinforcing “shoes”);
• a membrane or rubber “bulb” for pressurizing, which is located inside the housing;
• air supply nipples, which are equipped with protective covers.

According to the type of housing location (configuration), hydraulic accumulators can be as follows:

• horizontal models are used for connection to external pumps;
• vertical models are usually connected to a water supply system with submersible pumps.

Depending on the type of destination various models hydraulic accumulators may have such additional elements designs like:

• to bleed off excess air, horizontal models are equipped with special valves;
• hydraulic accumulators for drinking water equipped with bulbs made of chemically neutral rubber, which prevents the accumulated water from imparting an unpleasant aftertaste;
• housings for heating systems are used as “expansion tanks” and play an important role in pressure regulation.

The configuration of the hydraulic accumulator is determined based on considerations of space saving, intended purpose, and local water supply features.

Criterias of choice

For long-term use, experts recommend purchasing models with a pear. Membrane accumulators are more susceptible to corrosion, since the membrane is not able to isolate the walls of the housing from the effects of water. However, for models with a pear, repairs are more complicated than for membrane analogues. When choosing a storage tank, you also need to take into account future water consumption.

If the number of permanent residents in a house or apartment is no more than three people, plumbing fixtures are a minimum, then a 24-liter container is sufficient.

If there are more users, then an appropriate hydraulic accumulator is required. Please note the following before installation:

• number of users;
• number of water points;
• number of household plumbing fixtures;
• presence of heating elements.

If preliminary calculations did not turn out to be final, for example, another person appeared in the family or the number of plumbing fixtures increased, the best solution would be to install a larger tank or install an additional tank.

Both procedures have approximately the same complexity and comparable equipment costs.

Installation: options and connection diagrams

Depending on the internal features plumbing system installation methods may vary. It is worth considering the most popular options.

Connection to a pumping station

IN in this case work on connecting the hydraulic accumulator to an autonomous water supply system is carried out simultaneously with the installation of automation and adapters. The most common installation cases require the following components:

• pressure gauge;
• five-inlet fitting;
• switching hydraulic relay (pressure switch).

If a submersible pump is used to draw water, the well piping must be equipped with a check valve and a dry inlet relay. If a simpler surface centrifugal pump is used to pump water, it is cheaper and more expedient to buy an assembled pumping station rather than install individual elements. The second option is preferable for those who have little experience but want to install the pump themselves.

Two hydraulic tanks for one pump

Connecting two (or more) hydraulic tanks is a common problem for people faced with a forced increase in water consumption. If the volume of one tank is too small, installation additional hydraulic accumulator- This is not a very burdensome matter.

Additional elements can be installed parallel to the existing system: it is enough to use another adapter fitting, flexible hose or water pipe. A system with two (or more) tanks is rational decision, and excellent insurance. If the membrane fails in one of the tanks, you can still use the pump, but not in intensive mode. Such a system will provide enough time to replace the faulty unit.

To submersible

You can guess that we are talking about a pump that is immersed in the aquifer of a well or well. For uninterrupted water supply, such a system must be equipped with a check valve: this device will not allow the pumped out water to return to the bottom of the well after use. Accordingly, the pump will not run idle and will last much longer.

In most cases, the check valve is already installed on the pump; additional installation may be required during the repair process. To avoid being left without water for an indefinite period of time, it is recommended to purchase a pump with a spare valve, which is sold separately or supplied with the pump.

Another important point is the quality of the pressure pipeline: since the pipe lies at a fairly large depth, a possible breakdown may not be noticed immediately.

The first sign of problems with the pipeline is a sharp drop in pressure; the accumulator takes longer to fill with water; over time, this gap may increase.

Superficial

When connecting a hydraulic accumulator to a system with an external centrifugal pump There are also some nuances, namely:

• first of all, you need to check the internal pressure of the tank: it should not exceed 1 bar;
• To prepare for connection, you will need a five-pin fitting. This small but very important part combines the accumulator itself, a pipeline, a pressure switch, a pressure gauge and an external pump. Before the actual installation process, you need to stock up on sealing materials (sealant or plumbing tape);
• to connect the fitting to the tank, use a rigid hose or flange with a bypass valve;

• after installing the tank, it is worth installing the remaining elements: pressure gauge, relay, water supply leading to the pump unit;
• before starting operation, a series of on and off cycles should be carried out to identify possible leaks;
• if something goes wrong, you need to find out the cause of the problem and, if necessary, repeat the entire installation cycle again.

To the water heater

Hydraulic accumulator in a system with storage water heater acts as an expansion tank. As water heats up, it increases in volume, which also increases the load on the water supply. Since pressure increases in a confined space, the process can become very critical, and the temperature decrease is unacceptable. There is a need to transfer this excess pressure somewhere. This is where the hydraulic accumulator comes to the rescue. Excess heated water will go into the hydraulic tank, which will normalize the pressure in the system. Further, the water from the expansion tank can be used for domestic purposes.

Relay settings

To understand the principle of operation of the pressure switch on a hydraulic accumulator, you do not need to have special knowledge - everything is quite simple. Until it is completely filled, water is supplied to the tank with a membrane (or bulb) under pressure, which causes an increase in pressure in the system. When it reaches the maximum, the relay is activated and the water supply stops. As operation progresses, the pressure begins to drop, and when it reaches minimum threshold the relay is activated again and the water supply is activated. The above cycle is repeated until the system is in good condition.

Many people mistakenly imagine the process of installing a relay as something incredibly complicated. In fact, this is far from the case. Any homeowner in the private sector who has a well or artesian well at his disposal can easily cope with this task on his own. The main thing is to approach this wisely and patiently. After all, water supply to a private home is a vital thing.

It is worth understanding that the relay is an “intermediate link” between the plumbing system and the electrical supply system. It is obvious that on this device there is a huge responsibility. For this reason, all the nuances (and there are not so many of them) should be treated with the greatest possible attention. To secure the system, it is recommended to provide a separate power supply line. To connect, use a two-core copper cable. The wires must be grounded and well insulated: we are talking about the interaction of current and water, and this combination is always dangerous for humans.

The wiring must be connected to the terminal block through the perforations on the housing. Next, according to the instructions, you should connect the phase, neutral wire and ground to the corresponding terminals. You need to be careful and careful; the entire relay installation process must take place in a de-energized environment. You need to take care of this in advance. Under no circumstances should you neglect basic safety rules.

To adjust the pressure switch on the hydraulic accumulator, you will need a high-quality, high-precision pressure gauge capable of measuring pressure exactly to a tenth of a bar. The more accurate the pressure gauge, the faster the adjustment will occur. To avoid mistakes in further work, you must adhere to the following sequence of actions:

• it is necessary to turn on the system, record the pressure gauge readings in the cycles of turning the relay on and off. At this stage, it is possible and necessary to identify malfunctions of the pressure gauge;
• You should adjust the lower pressure level spring (it is the largest). For fitting, you should use an ordinary wrench the right size(it is best to have an adjustable one);
• you need to test the set level. If something goes wrong, repeat the previous step;
• Next, you should tighten the nut of the upper pressure level spring (it is smaller);
• it is necessary to conduct a full test of the system. If any shortcomings are identified, repeat the entire setup cycle again.

When supplying a building with water from a well or well, a hydraulic accumulator must be installed, which is a container of suitable volume. It is usually used in conjunction with a special pressure switch. For the hydraulic accumulator, it is a control device that allows you to reduce the number of pump operating cycles.

Main components pumping unit with hydraulic accumulator

From point of view design features relay is a block small sizes equipped with special springs. The first of them defines the boundary maximum pressure, and the second – minimal. The adjustment is made using auxiliary nuts located inside the housing.

The working springs are connected to a membrane, which reacts to pressure surges in one way or another. Exceeding the maximum values ​​leads to compression of the metal spiral, and a decrease leads to stretching. Thanks to this device, the contact group closes and opens contacts at a certain moment.

The operating principle of a pressure switch for a hydraulic accumulator is as follows. Water enters the membrane tank until it is completely filled, which leads to an increase in pressure. When the maximum permissible level is reached, it stops pumping liquid.

As water is consumed, the pressure in the system drops. When the lower level is overcome, the equipment will turn on again. Cycles of on and off are repeated over and over again until the system elements are in working order.

Typically a relay consists of the following elements:

• plastic housings;
• rubber membrane;
• brass pistons;
• membrane cover;
• threaded studs;
• metal plate;
• couplings for cable fastening;
• terminal blocks;
• articulated platform;
• adjusting springs;
• contact node.

Addition! During operation, adjustment springs apply pressure to the moving part of the platform, counteracting the force created by the piston. Turning the pump on and off depends on the degree of compression.

Optimal pressure inside the hydraulic tank

Any hydraulic accumulator inside has a rubber membrane that divides the space into two chambers. One of them contains water, and the other contains compressed air. Thanks to this structure it is possible to create required pressure when filling and emptying the rubber container.

To extend the life of the device, you need to know what pressure should be in the accumulator. It largely depends on the indicators set to turn on the pump. The pressure inside the tank should be approximately 10 percent less.

For example, if the turn-on is set to 2.5 bar and the turn-off is set to 3.5 bar, then the air pressure inside the container should be set to 2.3 bar. Ready-made ones usually do not require additional adjustment.

Carrying out work on connecting and setting up a pressure switch for a hydraulic accumulator

Although many people consider the process of installing and adjusting the device to be difficult to understand, in fact it is not. Every owner country house with the presence of a well or well, he can independently connect and configure the device to provide the building with water.

Standard diagram for connecting a pressure switch to a hydraulic accumulator

The finished product interacts with both water supply and electrical system building. When the contacts are closed and opened, liquid is supplied or shut off. The pressure device is installed permanently, since there is no need to move it from place to place.

It is recommended to allocate a separate electricity line for connection. Directly from the shield you should run a cable with a copper core with a cross-section of 2.5 square meters. mm. It is not recommended to connect wires without grounding, because the combination of water and electricity is fraught with hidden danger.

The cables should be passed through the holes located on the plastic housing and then connected to the terminal block. It contains terminals for phase and neutral, wires for the pump.

Note! Electrical installation work must be carried out disconnected from the network. During installation, compliance with general technical safety rules must not be neglected.

Correct setting of the accumulator pressure switch

To adjust the device, an accurate pressure gauge is required to determine the pressure without errors. Based on its readings, you can make a relatively quick adjustment. By turning the nuts located on the springs, the pressure can be reduced or increased. During setup, you must follow a certain sequence of actions.

So, the pressure switch for the hydraulic accumulator is adjusted as follows.

• The system turns on, after which, using a pressure gauge, the indicators at which the device turns on and off are monitored;
• First, the lower level spring is adjusted, having big sizes. For adjustment, use a regular wrench.
• The set threshold is tested. If necessary, the previous point is repeated.
• Next, the nut for the spring is rotated, allowing you to set the upper pressure level. It is smaller in size.
• The system is fully tested. If for some reason the results are not satisfactory, then re-tuning is performed.

Note! Before setting up the accumulator pressure switch, you need to remember a simple truth. The minimum permissible difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​should not be less than 1 atmosphere.

Cost of relays and hydraulic accumulators of some manufacturers

Relay models can be purchased relatively inexpensively. Usually the cost of products does not exceed one thousand rubles. However, electronic analogues may have a higher price, as they allow for more precise adjustments. The table shows models of some manufacturers and their prices.

Image	Model	Dimensions in millimeters	Price in rubles
	Gilex RDM-5	110x110x70	900
	Danfoss KP1	107x65x105	1 570
	Belamos PS-7	150x80x150	575
	Caliber RD-5	103x65x120	490

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If the water pressure is normal or even strong, then you simply need this device. You will find out why in our separate review.

As for hydraulic accumulators, their cost can be noticeably higher. It mainly depends on the volume of the structure. A large tank can significantly reduce the number of work cycles. However, there is not always enough space for it. The table shows prices for hydraulic accumulators for different sizes.

Note! On average, a hydraulic accumulator with a capacity of 50 liters is usually enough for a family of 4-8 people. If there are fewer people living, a capacity of 24 liters is purchased, and if there are more people, 100 liters.

Summarizing

Since a hydraulic accumulator cannot function without a pressure switch, which is a control device, special attention was paid to the installation and configuration of this particular device. With proper adjustment of the product, it is quite possible to extend the operating period of the main equipment.

Adjusting the pressure switch of the hydraulic accumulator of the pumping station - nothing complicated (video)

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Self-installation and adjustment of the water pressure switch for the pump

When installing an autonomous water supply system, it is necessary to achieve stable pressure in the network. Pressure surges and water hammer affect the comfort of using communications and, more importantly, can cause breakdowns household appliances. To normalize the operation of the water supply system, hydraulic accumulators are installed. IN autonomous systems they perform the same functions as water towers in centralized networks. The hydraulic accumulator is the main unit connecting the pump group with the internal water supply. How to connect a hydraulic accumulator to a submersible pump? How to choose and install it correctly?

Hydraulic tanks come in different shapes, volumes and configurations. For each system you can select best option

How different types of hydraulic accumulators work

The main structural elements are the body, the membrane and the nipple. The storage tank body is a sealed cylinder designed to operate under a pressure of 1.5-6 atmospheres. Maximum load – 10 atmospheres. A membrane is fixed at the neck of the housing, access to which is only possible through a special flange with a valve. On the opposite side there is a nipple through which air is pumped into the tank. The entire structure is mounted on legs.

Depending on the configuration, vertical and horizontal storage tanks are distinguished. They work on the same principle with the difference that large-volume vertical models (over 50 l) have a special valve through which air is released. This is necessary because during operation of the plumbing system, excess air gradually accumulates. Therefore, a valve is installed on top of vertical accumulators, and a drain or tap is installed in horizontal accumulators. In small-volume tanks, the air is vented, completely draining the water.

Video: operating principle and functions of hydraulic tanks

Diagram for connecting a hydraulic accumulator to a submersible pump

In order for the pump to properly serve its intended life, it must be operated in the mode provided technical characteristics. Submersible equipment should be turned on no more than 5-20 times per minute (exact indicators are indicated in the documentation for the specific model).

The pressure switch gives a command to turn on the pump when the pressure in the system drops to the specified parameters. If a hydraulic accumulator is not installed, the pressure drops even when minimum consumption water, and the equipment will constantly turn on and off. This will lead to rapid wear and breakage.

Connect to the water supply circuit storage tank, which allows you to reduce the frequency of turning the pump on and off and extend its service life. The volume of the device is also selected taking into account the intensity of water consumption, power and installation height of the pump.

Diagram: installation location of the hydraulic tank in an autonomous water supply network

Tank connection procedure

• A pressure hose is removed from the mounted pump and connected to a pressure switch through a manifold with five connectors (“five-piece”).
• The flow is diverted from the “five-piece” to the hydraulic tank.
• One collector pipe is connected to the water supply network, and another to the control unit.
• A check valve is installed between the “five-piece” and the pump. It is needed so that when the pump stops working, the water does not drain back into the well or borehole.

Video instructions for assembling a pump group with a storage tank

Features of installing a hydraulic accumulator

The hydraulic accumulator is attached to the floor through rubber gaskets. Flexible adapters are used to connect to pipes. If the device is new or has not been used for a long time, it should be filled very carefully for the first time so as not to damage the membrane, which may stick together due to long-term inactivity. It is advisable to remove all air before filling.

The location for mounting the hydraulic accumulator is chosen so that it has easy access for maintenance. If you don’t have the skills, it’s better not to take risks and install the device yourself, but turn to more competent people, especially if you have to connect two submersible pump to one hydraulic accumulator.

How to set up the device correctly

New hydraulic accumulators are set up at the manufacturing plant. Typically the pressure is 1.5 atmospheres. However, it may take a long time before the sale occurs, and performance declines. Therefore, the first thing you need to check is the pressure. An electronic or mechanical pressure gauge is suitable for monitoring. You can use a car one.

Some models of hydraulic tanks are specially equipped with pressure gauges. But you can choose any device. The main thing is that it is accurate. Even 0.5 atmospheres affects the operation of the drive. For the same reason, it is better not to use plastic Chinese pressure gauges. They rarely show accurate data.

If you need to achieve high pressure in the network, leave the “factory” 1.5 atmospheres. If the water is used only for domestic household needs, the indicator can be reduced to 1 atmosphere. The higher the pressure, the more air in the hydraulic tank and the less water volume. Therefore, many homeowners bleed off excess air to increase the capacity of the tank and reduce the frequency of pump activation.

The pressure switch sets the upper and lower limits at which the pump will turn on and off. For this purpose, two nuts and springs are provided under the device cover. You can use them to adjust the settings. The optimal difference between the pressure on and off is 1-2 atmospheres. Too large a difference is also undesirable, because this will lead to rapid wear of the hydraulic tank membrane.

When choosing a hydraulic tank model, you need not only to determine the required volume and technical characteristics, but also to find out what material the membrane is made of. The seller must have certificates of conformity, a sanitary and hygienic certificate, which indicate the scope of application of the drive. You need to choose a model designed for cold drinking water systems.

As for manufacturing companies, the brands Aguasistem, Varem, Wester Line, Zilmet, and Reflex have proven themselves well. Hydraulic tanks are equipped with spare flanges and membranes. When purchasing, make sure they are in stock. If the hydraulic accumulator is selected and installed correctly, in a dry place, and the owner carries out timely Maintenance, the device will last for many years.