One of the key operating parameters of water supply systems is pressure. It directly determines the ability of the circuit and power equipment to pump water in the given pressure and volume indicators. The simplest example is a pumping station that can automatically maintain optimal pressure. The function of a kind of regulator is performed by a hydraulic shock absorber, which is a buffer reservoir.
What is water hammer?
In the general sense, water hammer is any impact of the aquatic environment that leads to accidents in the service infrastructure. In plumbing systems, this phenomenon occurs most often, and there may be several reasons for it. For example, closing a valve or mixer tap can dramatically increase the pressure in the circuit, which will lead to a pipe rupture or breakdown of power pumping equipment - these will be the consequences of a water hammer. Less common are such accidents with a sharp decrease in pressure. This happens if, for example, the user of the water supply system completely, without holding the technological interval, turned off the pump or opened the tap. For both situations, water hammer protection is needed, which can also be expressed ininstallation of the frequency converter, and in the application of the pressure compensator in question.
Compensator device and its task
Externally, the hydrological shock absorber is an expansion tank for water accumulation. Its intake is necessary to unload the circuit in which the pressure rises. The distribution of water occurs automatically and is regulated by a membrane. The tank itself can have different shapes, the choice is made based on operating conditions, installation options, etc. For example, it can be a balloon or flat tank, but in any case it will have a durable metal case. The internal structure of the tank can be represented as a sectional block, in different sectors of which there is air, sometimes a gaseous medium and water selected from the circuit. In order for the water hammer in the water supply system to be compensated under the conditions of the pressure level natural for a particular pipeline, a membrane works in the chamber. Its function is to regulate the volume of accumulated water in accordance with the optimal distribution of the load. In other words, if the pressure in the system is normal, then the tank will not fill; the fence is made only when overloads are fixed in the serviced circuit.
Varieties of compensators
Principal separation of compensators occurs according to the type of membrane. It can be diaphragm, balloon and ball. The main competition occurs between the first two types, since ball devicesconsidered obsolete and ineffective. The diaphragm membrane is rigidly fixed along the perimeter of the reservoir section and does not provide for removal. It divides the tank into a section with an aqueous medium and air, the formed layer acts as a sufficient pressure compensator. Typically, the upper walls of such structures are covered with enamel, and the surfaces in contact with water, with moisture-resistant epoxy paint. The balloon hydraulic shock absorber provides for the possibility of replacing the membrane. Also, its features include the exclusion of direct contact between the inner walls of the tank and water.
Installation of compensator
Installation is carried out at the end of the pipeline at the connection points with direct consumers. For example, tank communications can be introduced into plumbing fittings of taps, motorized valves, manifolds, etc. The connection is made using complete fittings. An automatic control system with measuring devices is usually attached to the supply lines. But even if, after installing the compensator, a water hammer in the water supply system is prevented, it is worth considering protection from other negative factors. It is important that the expansion tank does not create areas of stagnant water. This can lead to bacterial growth.
FAR compensator model
FAR offers an inexpensive but reliable version of the expansion tank modification FAR FA 2895 12. This water hammer compensator is designed to eliminate the risk of accidents on internal plumbing systems. I.esuitable for private use in houses and apartments. The range of controlled pressures for this unit is 10-50 bar, and the temperature maximum is up to 100 °C.
Structurally, the model is a traditional solution. The lower and upper parts of the body are made of brass alloy, and the disc is made of high-strength plastic. During operation, a steel spring regulates the volume of the air chamber, which absorbs excess pressure. The features of the water hammer absorber from FAR include compact dimensions. Modest dimensions make it possible to integrate the device in cramped conditions with the addition of mechanical protective devices. As for the price tag, it is only 1.5 thousand rubles.
V altec Car Model 19
This unit is designed to eliminate pressure surges when controlling shut-off valves in residential water supply conditions. The design can also be used as a full-fledged expansion tank, accepting excess water formed when the temperature rises. The body is made of stainless steel and the diaphragm is made of elastomer. When choosing this solution, it is important to take into account the limitations. The maximum hydraulic shock absorber of this modification is capable of receiving 0.162 hp. In terms of pressure levels, the frames are 10-20 bar. By default, the tank is set to work with a pressure of 3 bar, therefore, if the device is used in systems with other operating parameters, a reconfiguration will be required.
Reflex diaphragm expansion vessel
The manufacturer Reflex offers a wholea line of DE membrane tanks, models of which can be used for professional purposes. Already in the initial segment of the series, for example, you can find a compensator with a peak pressure of 10 bar, with a volume of 100 liters. The maximum temperature in this case can be 70 ° C. As you can see, the main advantage of this version is the ability to accept large volumes of coolant. The Reflex membrane expansion tank can be used both as part of water supply lines and as a hydraulic accumulator block specifically for insuring a pumping station. The design is based on carbon steel, so combined operation with industrial pumping units is also possible.
Conclusion
Until recently, the use of additional means of protecting water supply systems from water hammer was practiced mainly at large manufacturing enterprises operating at high loads in engineering networks. Today, with the active entry of powerful pumping equipment into the sphere of consumer services, the use of a water hammer compensator in the private sector is becoming more and more relevant. This kind of protection may be required not only in domestic piping systems. If at the dacha it is planned to organize a multi-level irrigation system or borehole water intake with delivery of 5-10 m in height, then in this case it will also be necessary to support the pumping equipment with an expansion tank or a special hydraulic accumulator. By the way, modern pumping stations are often supplied withprotective fittings and safety tanks.
