A hydraulic accumulator is a device that is used to maintain pressure and create a reserve of water for domestic purposes when the pump is turned off. This device is presented in the form of a water container with a rubber elastic membrane located inside it. The membrane itself has a hermetically sealed connection with the metal body of the tank, which is carried out using a flange. The space located between the metal housing and the membrane is filled with compressed air.
Without the use of this unit, it is quite difficult to imagine the quality functioning of the entire system. Accordingly, the question of choice of this device is as sharp as possible. In the absence of certain knowledge in this area, it is quite difficult to choose the most suitable device. In this context, it would be appropriate to engage an outside specialist to provide advisory guidance.
Operating principle of a hydraulic accumulator
The hydraulic accumulator consists of a metal body and a membrane. The device also has a flange with a bypass valve and a nipple designed for pumping water. The operating principle of the device is quite simple.
At the initial stage, the pump begins to pump water, which subsequently enters the rubber membrane inside the hydraulic accumulator. The container is filled until the pressure reaches maximum. The level of this indicator can be pre-set on the relay regulator. Subject to achievement maximum pressure the pump switches off automatically. It should be noted that the frequency of turning the pump on and off directly depends on the volume of the accumulator - the larger it is, the less often this procedure will be carried out.
Thanks to the installed hydraulic accumulator, the pressure inside the water supply system can last for a certain period of time. This will help maintain the functionality of the entire system a little.
Types of hydraulic accumulators
First of all, when choosing hydraulic accumulators, you should pay attention to the volume of the device, which can vary from 24 to 1000 liters. To do this, it is necessary to first analyze the amount of water that is regularly consumed for domestic purposes. If we talk about the minimum needs in the form of a toilet, shower, kitchen, watering the beds in the adjacent area, then it is quite possible to get by with a battery with a capacity of 24 liters. If we are talking about more global goals, then you should use a more significant device. As a last resort, if there is a need to increase the volume of water consumed, you can additionally install a second hydraulic accumulator of a minimum size.
Classification by installation method
According to this feature, hydraulic accumulators can be horizontal or vertical. The differences between such devices lie not only in the method of placement, but also in at different distances excess air.
- In hydraulic accumulators vertical type installation of a fitting with a valve through which air is released is provided. In horizontal hydraulic accumulators, it is necessary to use an additional section of water supply, which consists of a ball valve, drain and air outlet nipple. Here it should be noted that there is no valve in horizontal hydraulic accumulators of minimum volume.
- Hydraulic accumulators horizontal type are used for subsequent installation of external pumps on them. Vertical ones are used when working with submersible pumps.
Classification by purpose
It should be noted here that there are three types of hydraulic accumulators. Each of them has its own design features And various conditions operation.
- The first of them are intended For cold water . They are used for the purpose of supplying and storing liquid. In addition, such devices are capable of performing a protective function, minimizing possible harm from mechanical impact resulting from water hammer during pressure surges.
- The second type of hydraulic accumulators is used For hot water . Peculiarity of this device lies in the fact that it is able to function at the highest possible temperature temperatures of the liquid.
- The third type of hydraulic accumulators is used for heating systems and is her very important element. Such batteries have the form of expansion tanks.
Features of connection to a surface pump
The hydraulic accumulator can be connected to a surface or submersible pump. The technology for carrying out work will be slightly different in different cases. When connected to surface pump You should first pay attention to checking the air pressure in the tank. To carry out the procedure, you may need a fitting with five outlets, a pressure gauge, tow and sealant.
The sequence of actions will look like this:
- Checking the pressure in the tank.
- Connecting the fitting to the tank.
- Relay connection.
- Pressure gauge connection.
- Connecting the pipe leading to the pump.
- Testing and launching the system.
The fitting here is necessary for a high-quality connection of the pump, accumulator, pressure gauge and relay. A fifth output may be needed to connect water pipe leading into the house.
At the initial stage, you should connect the fitting to the tank using a rigid hose or flange. After this, a pressure gauge, a regulator and a pipe coming from the pump are screwed to it.
Important! At the end of the work it is necessary to seal it very well. all threaded connections using tow and special sealant. It is necessary to start the pump only after carefully examining all areas for the presence of leaks.
Features of connecting to a submersible pump
A submersible pump, unlike a surface pump, is located directly or in the well. From there, the water flows directly into the hydraulic accumulator. When connecting the device in this case, it is very important to focus on installing a check valve, which is necessary to prevent water from being squeezed out by the membrane.
In this case, the hydraulic accumulator is installed on the pump before water is supplied. In some cases, a thread is cut on the cover of the water pumping device. This is necessary in order to facilitate the installation procedure.
You should be very careful when installing the check valve. This solution will help prevent the membrane from squeezing water back into the well. This directly affects the quality of functioning.
After the installation of the check valve has been successfully carried out, you can begin to resolve the next issue, which is connecting the water supply pipe. You must first measure the length of the pipe. For this you can use a simple rope with a weight at the end. Data must be measured from the very edge of the well to the pump. It is advisable to make sure that after calculating the length, the pump can hang above the surface of the bottom of the well at approximately a height of 20 or 30 cm.
For continuous quality work Hydraulic accumulators with submersible pumps are often used in dachas and private houses without a centralized water supply. Next we will talk about the advantages of using a hydraulic accumulator.
For recognition, hydraulic accumulators have different colors: red ones are for heating; blue - for cold and hot water supply.
A hydraulic accumulator is a metal container divided into two conventional parts by a membrane: a diaphragm or a cylinder.
Hydraulic tanks with a diaphragm membrane consist of:
Hydraulic tanks with membrane balloon type consist of:
Hydraulic tanks are designed for:
- cold water supply;
- hot water supply;
- heating systems.
There are horizontal and vertical hydraulic accumulators.
More often for country houses Vertical hydraulic tanks are used. They have legs, as well as a special mount on the body for hanging on the wall. They take up little space. 
Horizontal hydraulic tanks are most often used in pumping stations with external pumps. In this case, the pump is installed on the tank, which saves a lot of space.
A hydraulic accumulator with a membrane has a longer service life than a galvanized steel hydraulic tank
Is a hydraulic accumulator necessary for a submersible pump?
If the accumulator is not installed, the pump will turn on constantly as soon as the tap is opened. In this regard, the likelihood of water hammer increases. Water hammer is formed by an abrupt increase in pressure, which appears due to frequent inclusions.
Therefore, the importance of the hydraulic accumulator is obvious. The hydraulic accumulator has several names; it is called a hydraulic tank, expansion tank or membrane tank.
Normal pressure in the accumulator is from 1.4 to 2.8 atm. The pressure in the system must exceed the pressure of the tank by 0.1 atm. If you need to calculate on your own what pressure in the accumulator needs to be adjusted, then use the following formula:
Hydraulic tank pressure = ( Maximum height parse points +6) / 10
Connection diagram for hydraulic accumulator
The water supply system includes: pump, hydraulic accumulator, pressure switch, check valve, steaming fittings, filter system, pressure gauge, pipeline, and, of course, electrical power.
The check valve allows water to accumulate in the hydraulic tank from the submersible pump.
Installed on the pump before connecting the entire accumulator circuit in the following sequence:
- We lower the pump into the well;
- It is necessary to secure the safety rope that holds the pump;
- We connect all the elements of the circuit using a five-pin fitting;
- It is necessary to configure the pressure switch.
Pressure switch
The pressure switch plays an important role in the operation of the accumulator, as well as the entire home system. For efficiency and correct operation of the relay, it is necessary to configure it.
To do this you need:
Water supply scheme with submersible pump and the hydraulic accumulator after connection works like this:
How often your pump will turn on directly depends on the volume of the accumulator. Remember to take this into account when choosing a container.
Connection diagram for several hydraulic accumulators to a submersible pump
If, when using a hydraulic accumulator, you need another capacity to store water, then it is possible to install several more hydraulic tanks in parallel, of a suitable volume for you. 
The second and subsequent tanks are connected simply using a screwed-in tee. A pump (five-pin fitting) is connected to one input, and a new hydraulic tank is connected to the other.
When connecting several hydraulic accumulators, there is no need to reconfigure the system.
Also, the largest number of hydraulic tanks will extend the life of your pump, because... it will have to be turned on less often.
For home autonomous water supply It is important to ensure stable pressure in the network. This will reduce inefficient pump operation. Also, when you open the tap, water will flow immediately, without any delay.
Water hammer should not be allowed to occur in the water supply system. Such phenomena destroy not only the water supply system, but also adjacent units, for example, the boiler heat exchanger, or damage dishwashers. To get rid of any negative factors, you need to know how to connect a hydraulic accumulator to a submersible pump.
Hydraulic accumulator design
As a rule, the exterior of these devices is painted blue or a light blue tint to distinguish it from expansion tanks that have a red outer surface. Components hydraulic device are the following elements:
- metal case;
- membrane made of rubberized material;
- a lid with a valve for filling the cavity with liquid;
- nipple assembly used for pumping compressed air;
- legs with holes for mounting bolts to ensure stability on a level platform.
Hydraulic accumulators are usually called metal hollow vessels that have a membrane inside, fixed to inside housings. It is a water storage device. The membrane cavity is filled either clean air, or a mixture of inert gases. To know how to choose the right hydraulic accumulator for a well and water supply, you need to consider that the operating pressure inside the filled membrane is about 1.5 atm. This value is maintained throughout the entire period of operation of the device.
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Design diagram
Before connecting the accumulator to the system, it is filled with inert gas or simple air. This operation is performed using a standard car pump. If there is a pumping of the value, then it is enough to bleed off excess air through the nipple.
When water enters the tank, the bulb is prevented from bursting. It also helps regulate systemic pressure.
There are three most popular groups of hydraulic accumulators:
- Cold. Used on highways with cold water. Works effectively in protecting against wear and during smoothing out water hammer.
- Hot. Performs all the same functions as cold, but is able to withstand aggressive temperature environments.
- For heating. This type is only relevant in heating systems closed type.
Battery performance
The hydraulic accumulator connection diagram includes a chain of a water supply pump, a main pipeline and the fluid accumulator itself. Water is supplied directly into the rubber membrane located in the cavity metal product. The procedure stops after achieving parity in pressure values.
As a rule, the values on the pressure gauge in such a situation are 1-3 atm. Having entered the generator operating mode, the automation turns off the pump.
When a consumer opens a tap or starts a dishwasher, the water accumulated in the accumulator cavity moves into the water supply system, since the pressure there has become less than in the accumulator. This happens gradually, and at the stage when the pressure level in the cavity has reached a certain set point(the setting is made by the manufacturer or consumer of the product), the relay is turned on, connecting the make-up water pump. Through it, the membrane is again filled with water. Such cycles occur almost constantly. Before setting up the accumulator and relay, you should read the detailed instructions.
Interested in how to properly connect a hydraulic accumulator for water supply, many forget about the importance of its volume. Big sizes tank allow you to use the pump less often, because with low water flows there is no refilling every time. The pressure difference between the maximum and minimum values is quite large.
Application of surface pump
To know how to properly install a hydraulic accumulator in a water supply system, it is worth studying the step-by-step auxiliary instructions:
- It all starts with checking the air pressure inside the gas cavity in the battery. The value must be brought to such a figure that it is 0.2...1.0 less than the minimum set by the relay manufacturer.
- Work is being done with a fitting that has 5 outputs, since the hydraulic accumulator will need to be connected to a pressure gauge, relay, and pump. The last exit is relevant for connecting a water pipe.
- The fitting allocated for the procedure is connected to the tank. To do this, you will need a rigid hose that has an air bypass valve in its design.
- We tighten the remaining devices with the necessary force so as not to strip the threads.
After installation, the module must be tested under high pressure to identify possible leaks in the connections.
Before setting up the hydraulic accumulator and connecting the relay responsible for regulating the pressure to it, you will need to familiarize yourself with the installation marks on the latter. The contacts are labeled “network” and “pump”. It is undesirable to make mistakes with the electrical connection, so as not to damage the unit.
Since the vessel operates under high pressure, it is necessary to maintain maximum sealing in all threaded connections. For this purpose, the use of FUM tape or the use of technical flax is suitable. They are capable of maintaining a connection up to several atmospheres, which is typical for household hydraulic systems.
Model selection
There are models of household hydraulic accumulators on sale from 24 liters to 1000 liters. You need to start from what fluid flow needs to be provided, as well as whether the system is used for irrigation.
As a rule, a capacity of 24 is enough for the needs of two people. The kitchen, toilet and watering of a small area are taken into account. For increased requirements, it is recommended to use cavities of 50 liters. In this case, the number of consumers is calculated. The container can be changed at any convenient time to a larger one, because the connecting nodes of most models have the same thread parameters.
Use of pumping stations
If it is not possible to collect individual elements in the chain, you can purchase a pumping station. This is a fully assembled unit, which includes:
- surface centrifugal pump;
- pressure meter;
- automatic relay.
When connecting the hydraulic accumulator, it is necessary to completely de-energize the equipment. Operating pressure is 2-2.5 atm, after injection of which it is necessary to check the equipment for leaks and proper switching.
Why do we need another hydraulic accumulator?
An additional hydraulic accumulator ensures the most optimal operating mode. The fact is that a centrifugal pump, like any other, when turned on more than 6-7 times a minute, fails 3-4 times faster. The built-in hydraulic accumulator is designed to equalize the difference in pressure between the unit being turned on and off, while the additional one will compensate for the difference, stabilize the operation of the equipment when turned on frequently and increase the pressure in the system.
Vertical or horizontal?
The design of both vertical and horizontal hydraulic accumulators is absolutely identical, so the choice of any of them is a purely personal matter. Whichever one fits certain conditions needs to be installed. With a small amount of free space, vertical is preferable.
Where do you buy pumps, pumping stations and components?
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All elements necessary for water supply are sold in construction and specialized stores. It is also fashionable to order them online, but carefully check the performance of the equipment.
Be sure to obtain a warranty. Complex instruments, including surface and deep well pumps, often fails for reasons beyond the control of the consumer.
VIDEO: Why is there a hydraulic accumulator in the water supply system?
A correctly selected hydraulic accumulator connection diagram for water supply systems will ensure ease of operation, as well as durability and cost-effectiveness of the system. The hydraulic accumulator is an important component of the water supply system, which contains water and compressed air separated by a membrane.
When the water flow parameters change (pressure decreases), the pump turns on and water is pumped into the accumulator, restoring the parameters of the required maximum pressure and then turns off. Further consumption water is coming from hydraulic device, preventing frequent switching on of the pumping unit, which occurs before next moment pressure drop to minimum threshold. In addition, hydraulic accumulators can ensure the operation of the system for some time (depending on the volume of the tank) in the event of a power outage or damage to the pump.
IN general view All hydraulic accumulators consist of the following main parts:
- body with legs,
- membrane (in some models it is replaced by a rubber bulb located in the body according to the “vessel within a vessel” principle),
- air injection nipple, usually equipped with a protective cap.
Some products have distinctive design features:
- horizontal models are supplemented with a tap or valve for bleeding air,
- equipment for drinking water supplied with “pears” made from special grades of rubber, chemically neutral and not giving the liquid any foreign odors or tastes,
- hydraulic accumulators for heating systems are expansion tanks.
Based on the type of location, there are two types of models:
- Horizontal products are more often used for outdoor pumps. In such cases, pumping units are installed on hydraulic accumulators.
- Vertical models are often equipped with water supply systems with submersible pumps.
The choice of configuration and installation of a hydraulic accumulator for water supply systems at the same time can be carried out based on the availability of free space for the installation of a particular model.
According to their purpose, the following types of hydraulic accumulators are distinguished:
- for cold water supply (the most popular option, used not only in houses with permanent residence, but also at dachas),
- for hot water supply, made of materials capable of withstanding high temperatures and installed during the installation of a full-fledged system, including cold and hot water supply
Heating accumulators are painted red, and equipment for water supply systems (hot water supply and hot water supply) are painted blue.
Connecting a hydraulic accumulator to a submersible pump
The connection diagram of the hydraulic accumulator to the submersible pump must be include. Its presence will not allow compressed air to squeeze water back into the well through the membrane. The valve is mounted directly on the pump, before connecting other elements of the system.
The photo shows a diagram of connecting a hydraulic accumulator to a submersible pump The first step is to install a submersible pump. To do this, use a rope and a weight to determine the depth of the well, after which a place on the rope is marked to which the pumping unit will need to be lowered so that it is at a distance of 20-30 cm from the bottom. After fixing the pump, its pressure pipe or hose that goes to the surface is connected to the pressure switch using a manifold (fitting) with five connectors. A hydraulic accumulator and water supply system are connected in series to the same collector for supply to points of consumption. The remaining connector is used to connect the equipment control system.
Connecting a submersible pump to a hydraulic accumulator, like the other systems described below, necessarily requires sealing of all connections. For this purpose it is used FUM tape or tow with sealant.
Connection to surface pump
Before you begin connecting the hydraulic accumulator to the surface pump, you need to determine the required water supply parameters, in particular, decide what pressure is needed in the system. It is believed that water supply from a small amount points of consumption can operate at a pressure of 1.5 atm. Depending on the availability of equipment that requires high pressure, this value can increase to 6 atm., more high pressure considered dangerous for communications and connecting elements.
Considering the selected pressure to be nominal, it is determined what reduction should be considered acceptable, that is, At what value will the pump turn on?. The critical value is set on the control relay, and from the nipple side the air pressure in the accumulator is measured when there is no water in it. The resulting value should be 0.5-1.0 atm below the minimum acceptable value.
The connection diagram for the hydraulic accumulator to the surface pump is the same as for connecting pumping station, which already includes a hydraulic accumulator If no adjustment is required in this direction (for example, pumping), a hydraulic accumulator connection diagram for water supply systems is assembled
using a five-input collector. The hydraulic accumulator is installed first, then sequentially: pump pressure pipe, household water supply, pressure switch, pressure gauge.
Connecting the pumping station
Quite often, in private homes and dachas in the absence of a centralized water supply, submersible pumps are used.
Due to their advantages, their use has become widespread and they are quite popular.
But in order to achieve high-quality and uninterrupted operation, you should connect them correctly. After all, these devices are important node for water supply and they contain compressed air and water, which are separated by a membrane.
Hydraulic tank design
The presence of a hydraulic accumulator is required in cases where water pressure decreases.
If this happens, the pump turns on, pumps the required volume of water into the accumulator, and then turns off.
This device is also capable of providing the system with water in cases where the pump is damaged or there are problems with electricity.
The hydraulic accumulator consists of the following components:
- membrane;
- body with legs;
- nipple with protective cover.
Advantages
Like any other device, a hydraulic accumulator has its advantages and disadvantages.
The first include its large capacity, which, depending on the model, ranges from 5 to 100 liters. So it is quite possible to store water in it.
Also, its cost is quite objective and accessible to all segments of the population. For example, if the price of a hydraulic accumulator is approximately 15 thousand rubles, then its plastic analogue for 3 liters costs no more than 4 thousand rubles.
The presence of this device makes it possible to always support required pressure, at which household water supply appliances can operate. In addition, the use of a hydraulic accumulator allows you to increase the durability of the pump, since the frequency of its switching off and switching on is reduced.
How to connect
Relay settings
Pressure switch device One of the most important stages of connection is correct configuration.
Although at first glance this procedure seems quite simple, setting it up properly requires some knowledge.
All rules must also be followed. Having opened the pressure switch, you will see that under the cover there are only two nuts and the same number of springs, which, according to the instructions, are required to set the value at which the well pump turns on.
Specialist's note: To adjust the pressure difference, a smaller pair of screws should be used, while a larger pair is required to turn on this mechanism. In addition, it is also used to configure the smaller pair.
For the smooth functioning of the entire system, the difference between turning on and off should be equal to 2 atmospheres. When making settings, you need to remember that this should be done in the right sequence.
If the pressure is working, the pump turns off. In this case, the nut installed on the lower spring rotates in the decreasing direction to the point of its operation.
In addition, you should open the tap to drain the existing water from the system. When doing this, you need to use a pressure gauge to control the pressure at which the pump turns on. The value of the nut of the large pair should be set to the lower limit, and the small pair should be adjusted to the previously set value.
As we can see from what was written above, connecting a hydraulic accumulator to a pump is a fairly simple procedure, provided that everything is done according to the instructions. It can be produced independently in a fairly short period of time.
Watch the video in which a specialist explains in detail how to connect a hydraulic accumulator to a submersible pump:
