Air pressure in the accumulator is normal

The hydraulic accumulator in the water supply system is designed to maintain a stable pressure. It is a sealed container with an elastic membrane. Together with the accumulator, a pressure sensor (relay) is installed, which will automatically control the operation of the pump.

Why it is important to choose the right pressure

The operation of the water supply network and the resource of the tank depend on a number of parameters:

• Competent selection of the minimum and maximum permissible air pressure at which the pump is automatically turned on.
• Correct setting of the pressure level in the device.

There are two media inside the tank - air and water, which fills the membrane. Turning on the pump causes water to start and pressure builds up. Air pushes liquid from the membrane into the pipes. After reaching the optimum value, the hydraulic accumulator is disconnected. Due to the decrease in the amount of water, the pressure drops again and the pump restarts. The accumulator controls the air flow in the system, thereby creating optimal conditions for the pump to function.

The device prevents repeated short-term starting of the pump. This keeps the system at optimum pressure. In the absence of a hydraulic accumulator, the pump motor overheats, which leads to its breakdown. If the parameters and settings of the device are correctly set, the risk of pressure drops is eliminated.

How to calculate pressure

The air pressure in the hydraulic accumulator is set by the manufacturer. When installing the unit, you can independently calculate the optimal parameter. In this case, you need to focus on the height of the water rise. This indicator is calculated in meters.

There is a formula for calculating the indicator in the accumulator:

Rathm. = (maximum height + 6) / 10,

where Rathm. Is the minimum allowable air pressure, and the maximum height is the highest water intake point, measured in meters.

If the indicator is less than the calculated one, then the liquid will rise to the top of the water supply system. Typically, the factory setting for systems used in a domestic environment is 1-1.5 atmospheres. This indicator does not depend on the capacity of the tank. The indicator may change due to the characteristics of the membrane, which are indicated in the passport.

When using a hydraulic tank with a pump, the indicator should correspond to the lower limit for starting the pump. The pump on and off limits must be adjusted using the relay settings. It is important to ensure that the container is at least one third full. This will prevent premature wear on the unit.

When self-checking and adjusting indicators, it is necessary to adhere to the recommendations indicated by the manufacturer in the device passport. The main rule is that the pressure in the tank should be lower than that of the pump in operating mode. The difference can be 10-12%.

The low head prevents wear on the system, but limits the use of instruments. A pressure drop below 1 bar causes the diaphragm to expand. Excessive pressure increases the load on the pipe and system elements, which leads to their damage.

How and how to adjust it, how often to check

Large pressure drops in the accumulator significantly reduce the life of the diaphragm. Air gradually flows into the nipple, which causes the membrane to stretch. Because of this, it can burst.To prevent the unit from failing ahead of time, you need to periodically measure the pressure using a pressure gauge.

The frequency of checks is indicated in the accumulator passport. The standard rate is 2 times a year. Before checking the parameter, you need to drain the water from the tank and disconnect the pump from the power supply. It is necessary to carry out control before connecting the unit to the system.

The verification procedure consists of a number of stages:

1. Checking the initial pressure. It is necessary to disconnect the device from the system and drain it with liquid. Next, you need to connect the pressure gauge to the nipple and measure the pressure. It must correspond to the indicator specified in the unit's passport. If the parameter is not correct, it is necessary to pump air with a compressor.
2. Checking values ​​in working and off state. It is necessary to turn on the water supply and take the indicator at the time the pump is started. After closing the valve, it is necessary to measure the indicator in the off mode.

Basic regulation rules:

1. Turn on the tap to start the system and fill the tank with water. After that, the pressure will begin to decrease until it reaches the lower value. At this moment, the relay will work and you can remove the indicator from the pressure gauge.
2. Close the tap. The water supply will stop and the pump will continue to run. This will increase the pressure in the device. When the indicator reaches the maximum mark set for the system, the accumulator will come into action. You need to write the data again.
3. The data obtained as a result of checks must be compared. Optimum indicators are indicated in the passport of the device.
4. If the values ​​are very different, you need to adjust with a wrench. You will need to tighten the nut to relieve the pressure. To increase the indicator, you must loosen the nut. Repeat these steps until the required parameter is reached.

Pressure control is as important as water pressure control. The minimum and maximum pressure on the relay must be determined without errors. Exceeding the values ​​can lead to equipment damage.

The hydraulic accumulator can fail for the following reasons:

• frequent running of water;
• valve leakage;
• low pressure at the time of fluid inlet / discharge.

Before identifying the cause of the malfunction, it is necessary to determine the exact pressure in the pumping station. If it is strongly deviated from the norm, the membrane, relay or housing is damaged. In such cases, it will be necessary to replace the damaged part. In order for the device to serve for a long time, it is necessary to carry out preventive measures: check and adjust the mechanical elements, as well as correctly set the pressure in the device.

The device and functions of the accumulator

The accumulator is a small box with additional elements under the cover that are responsible for its operation. The accumulator is attached to the outlet of the container connection. The mechanism is equipped with springs to adjust the nuts.

The principle of operation of the device:

• The springs are connected to a diaphragm that controls the pressure force.
• A signal to turn on is sent to the pump.
• As the tank is filled, the pressure increases. After that, the device deactivates the pump by giving an appropriate signal.
• As the water is consumed, the pressure becomes weaker. The system automatically starts the engine.

Liquid trapped in the container leads to stretching of the rubber membrane, forcing air out of the cavity. The pressure in the hydraulic accumulator increases

In addition, the hydraulic accumulator performs a number of functions:

• eliminates the risk of water hammer, which can occur due to a rapid change in the rate of water supply;
• maintains a minimum supply of water in the device;
• controls the start and stop of the pump.