How to install a membrane tank
Membrane tank is needed to protect the engineering system from water hammer and fully ensure its high-quality work. After purchasing the equipment you need to think carefully, How to install a membrane tank so that it works without failures. The accumulator in the water supply performs several functions: it accumulates water supply, maintains the required pressure in the system, serves as a reserve for reducing the frequency of switching the pump on and off.
Without installing a membrane tank, pump life is significantly reduced. In a system equipped with a hydroaccumulator, water can be drawn even when the electricity is turned off. During the first start of the pump, the water chamber of the tank is filled with water. The greater the volume of water in the tank, the smaller the volume of air and the higher the pressure. Reaching a given indicator of pressure, which is necessary to turn off the pump, it is automatically shut off. As soon as the pressure in the system drops to an acceptable level, the water supply will immediately turn on. A pressure gauge is installed on the accumulator to check the pressure. It is also necessary to adjust the required range of equipment operation.
Technical recommendations
Before you start connecting the accumulator in the water supply system you should:
- Carefully study the instructions attached to the equipment.
- Carry out technical pressure calculations and compare with those specified in the regulatory guide for operation.
- To carry out a high-quality installation, you need a wrench for detachable joints and plastic pipes, a wrench of the required size.
- For mounting large equipment will need special brackets.
Measurements and calculations of the operated equipment should be carried out by a highly qualified specialist. From the accuracy of the calculations and measurements depends on the quality of the water supply system.
Years of experience in using membrane tanks for water supply have shown that horizontal models are the best option. If you have a submersible pump connected, purchase and install vertical accumulators.
Installation Recommendations
- The tank must be installed in an accessible place for maintenance.
- During installation, it is necessary to provide for the possibility of dismantling the system pipes in case of need
- The diameters of the pipeline and the connecting pipe must be the same.
- Be sure to install a pressure gauge to monitor the pressure in the system.
- It is also necessary to calculate and install shut-off valves.
Elements that influence the hydraulic resistance should not be connected between the pump and the hydraulic accumulator.
Install the membrane tank only at positive temperatures. For ease of pressure control, the air valve is installed in an accessible area. The same rule applies to the connection of the drain valve, the abutment and both types of fittings.
To avoid undesirable load on the unit, the pressure reducer should be installed after the measuring meter is connected. Mount the safety valve in front of the flow pipe.
Installed in the system two shut-off valves on both sides of the tank will help to avoid unforeseen situations. Install a drain valve in front of the accumulator.
Setting up the membrane tank
When the installation work is carried out according to the recommendations, it is necessary to adjust the operation of the mechanism:
- When pumping air, select the desired pressure indicated by a pressure gauge.
- Turn on the water pump.
- Balance the pressure and give the membrane a floating state.
- Setup is complete. Now the water supply system with the membrane tank installed is ready for operation.
If you purchased a tank with a removable membrane, after a while it can be replaced. To install a new membrane, first unscrew the bolts on the flange joint, and then remove the flange and the outdated membrane. Install a new one and re-tighten everything again.
Installation errors to avoid
- Do not use seals that are not intended for such work. They very often lead to water leakage.
- The location of the tank must be selected correctly.
- Mismatch of tank volume with water supply system.
- Incorrectly chosen tools.
- The membrane tank must not be opened or drilled using force.
If you have taken into account all our recommendations and installed the membrane tank in the water supply system of the house, uninterrupted water supply to the house is ensured for a long time.