In order for the water supply of a private house to function without interruptions, it is important to choose a suitable hydraulic accumulator - a metal or plastic tank for connection to the water supply pumping equipment. The inner part of the tank is used to store the reserve volume of liquid under a certain pressure, which allows you to not be left without water in case of power outages. But the device has other useful functions that must be considered when choosing it.
Purpose of the hydraulic accumulator
Hydraulic tank structural elements: housing, nipple for connection, polypropylene gasket and pear-shaped diaphragm made of rubber, which prevents water from contacting the inner surface of the housing.
In addition to preserving the water reserve, the accumulator is also used for such purposes:
- maintaining a stable pressure in the water supply system;
- reduction in the frequency of starting and stopping pressure equipment;
- pump protection against wear;
- water hammer protection.
A pressure unit equipped with a hydraulic accumulator saves more on energy and water consumption.
The diaphragm inside is hermetically connected to the body through a flange equipped with a threaded fitting for connection to a water supply system. Pressure arises due to air between the walls of the device and the diaphragm.
Fluid from a well or well under a pressure of 1.5–2 atmospheres increases the membrane attached to the water supply system. As a result, air is compressed, which leads to an even greater increase in pressure. When a certain level is reached by means of a relay, the power supply stops and the pump switches off. Further, as the reserve stock is consumed, the relay detects a decrease in pressure, starts up the pumping equipment and the cycle repeats.
Types of accumulators
Hydraulic tanks, depending on the type of installation they are, are vertical and horizontal. Structurally, they differ in only one way: the former with a volume of more than 50 liters are equipped with a valve for bleeding air, which accumulates in the water compartment and reduces the efficiency of the device.
In horizontal batteries with a volume of 50–100 liters, the valve is installed at the side. Air from the water compartment in hydraulic tanks less than 50 liters is vented, completely draining the liquid.
The main criteria for choosing a device for a country house
The selection of the tank according to the type of installation is carried out taking into account the size of the room where it will stand. Acquire a battery suitable in size for installation in the selected location. Do not put it tightly against walls and furniture - you need space for maintenance and repair.
The operating pressure of the device must be set at 0.1-0.5 atmospheres less than the indicator for the automatic start of pumping equipment. For example, the pump starts at 1.6 atmospheres. The pressure in the battery should be 1.3–1.5 atmospheres. This is the minimum indicator at which the hydraulic tank works. It is also important to consider the maximum pressure safe for the drive. Its value can reach up to 8–10 atmospheres.
Excessive overpressure in hydraulic tanks can lead to breakdowns of mixers, household appliances, and pumps. The value of 1.5 atmospheres is calculated based on numerous technological tests.
Pay attention to the material from which the drives are made.It is better to choose steel tanks. They are more reliable, since the plastic case can be deformed. The diaphragm protects the metal walls from rust. But steel devices are more difficult to install, as they weigh a lot.
The material of the "pear" is distinguished by its resistance to high or low temperature, service life:
- Rubber from natural rubber is quite elastic, but at the same time it has low resistance to water diffusion. It is used at temperatures from 0 to 50 degrees Celsius.
- Artificial rubber from butyl is not so elastic, but with a long service life. Temperature range from 10 degrees of frost to 100 degrees of heat.
- Artificial rubber from ethylene propylene surpasses the first types in quality and reliability.
If the manual for the hydraulic accumulator indicates that a diaphragm made of EPDM food-grade rubber is installed, its service life is quite long, even with heavy use of the device. The temperature range from 50 degrees of frost and 130 degrees of heat.
It is necessary to consider the design features of the installation of the membrane. It can be built-in and replaceable. The latter options have an advantage, since when the diaphragm breaks, it changes very simply. The part is removed from the hydraulic accumulator through a flange mount on the neck of the tank. In the process of repair work of the drive with a large internal volume, it is necessary to check in advance the presence of additional membrane fastening on the other side of the flange.
Calculation of the required volume
It is possible to calculate the volume of a suitable accumulator for water supply of a private house after determining the reasons that led to the need for its installation:
- Unloading the pump. Due to the fact that it is recommended that pressure devices be started no more than 30 times per hour, and as a rule, models with a capacity of up to 40 l / min are used in everyday life, batteries with a volume of about 100 liters are suitable for home use. They solve problems with the need for frequent startup of pumping equipment.
- Support for the required pressure. When the pump does not work, even a device with a tank volume of only 24 liters can create the required water pressure. These are usually purchased for small apartments with a standard number of water intake points. You can install the tank anywhere in the water supply, but to improve efficiency, mount it as close as possible to the pump.
- Creating a reserve stock. If there is a need for a backup source of water during a power outage, you should purchase a stolitrovye model. The useful volume of the tank is on average 40 percent of the declared.
If a battery is required to compensate for water shortages during peak periods, special formulas are used to calculate unit volume. They take into account the performance and power factor of pressure equipment, water flow, water and air pressure and other parameters. There are many options, and only a person who knows how to count can accurately determine the desired indicator.
For example, you can apply the following equation:
O = K x R x (Dmax + 1) x (Dmin + 1) / (Dmax-Dmin) - (P + 1), where:
- K is the power factor of the pressure apparatus;
- Rmax - maximum planned fluid flow in liters per minute;
- Dmax - fluid pressure level in the hydraulic tank to turn off the pumping device;
- Dmin - the smallest limit of water pressure to start the pump;
- P is the air pressure in the drive.
The last three values are taken in bars.
The peculiarity of the method is that even when you receive a result of 38.5 or 42.7 liters, you will need to purchase a fifty-liter drive.
If there is a mistake in the calculations or after the installation the water flow increases, you can always put another hydraulic accumulator. They will act as one drive.
To purchase a hydraulic tank with a volume of more than 100 liters is rational in case of frequent and prolonged interruptions with the energy supply of the house, when a significant reserve of drinking water is required or at a high flow rate of liquid. Otherwise, the water will stagnate and lose its taste. However, small tanks practically do not provide protection against water hammer. These are more suitable for giving.
A fifty-liter accumulator can be selected for a family of 4 people. The optimal performance of the device should be approximately two cubic meters per hour.
Comparison of popular models
You can check the quality of the battery you like by reading the feedback from users on the Internet. In addition, it is preferable to buy well-known brands. Such firms will not risk their reputation and sell low-quality products. Based on the reviews, you can make a rating of popular models. It will allow you to compare technical indicators and choose a device that is right for you.
Rating of accumulators for water supply systems:
| Manufacturer | Model | Comparison of parameters | Owners opinion | ||||
| Capacity | Pressure | Temperature | Location | Price | |||
| Jilex | 50 GP | 50 l | 8 atm | 99 degree maximum | Horizontal | 3000 rub | Reliable and easy to maintain, but a replacement membrane is not easy to find on sale. |
| Belamos | 24 SS | 24 l | 6 atm. | 45 degree maximum | Horizontal | 3500 rub. | Great for a small private home. |
| Jilex | Poplar 100 VM | 100 l | 10 atm. | 99 degree maximum | Vertical | 4500 rub. | Good assembly, the pump turns on much less often. |
| Reflex | DE 100 HW | 100 l | 10 atm. | 70 degree maximum | Vertical | 13,000 rub. | A high-quality German brand, but the membrane often breaks, and replacing is expensive. |
| Wester | Wav 12 | 12 l | 10 atm. | 99 degree maximum | Vertical | 1200 rub. | Simple, inexpensive, it is worth checking for leaks before installation. |
A comparative review will help determine the characteristics of the desired tank, even if it is not in the list of popular models.
A hydraulic tank is necessary for the smooth operation of the water supply system, especially in a country house where a well pump is installed. The right choice will protect the equipment from wear and always remain with a supply of water.
