The use of pumping equipment in domestic or garden water supply is a common practice. With the help of a small unit, you can organize a convenient irrigation system, cover small household needs in water, etc.
However, for a full-fledged maintenance of households with the supply of a liquid resource for 5-6 consuming nodes, a conventional pump may not be enough. Indeed, in addition to high power with maintaining optimal pressure, an appropriate unit control system will also be required. How to be? It is for such tasks that manufacturers offer household pumping stations that allow organizing automated water supply with constant pressure.
Design of the pumping station
Water pumping stations are distinguished by a complex device, which is formed by several functional components. Among them, the following can be noted:
- Directly a pump that provides the process of pumping fluid from the sampling site.
- A tank designed for temporary storage of water. It is also called a hydraulic accumulator.
- A control relay that allows householdpumping station to control the pressure.
- Manometer, reflecting pressure readings.
- Automatic protection and control systems.
- Electrical wiring with plugs, plugs, connectors and grounding terminals.
Manufacturers produce stations both assembled and in separate parts. That is, the user can select each component specifically for their needs in a particular function. As experts and experienced summer residents note, the assembly of a household pumping station in a prefabricated form is still more reliable and efficient in operation. After all, every detail is selected by engineers within the framework of established technological calculations. Obviously, it will not be so easy for an ordinary user to perform a professional calculation, for example, matching the parameters of the same accumulator to the pump power.
As for the external structure, it is the body. Among the fundamental differences between the station and conventional pumps, the use of metal as the basis of the entire structure stands out. Only low-power pumps allow the use of plastics. But in the case of stations, this solution is ruled out. Most often, the design is based on cast iron alloys and stainless steel. And only individual components can be made of high-strength plastic.
The principle of operation of the unit
Sufficient performance is maintained by the electric motor of the station, for the power supply of which electrical fittings are provided. On the other sideplumbing communications are organized with the introduction of pipes into the water intake area. As a rule, domestic stations pump the resource from wells or wells located on the homeownership site.
After starting the engine, the pump starts the process of sucking water into the accumulator. A pear-shaped elastic membrane is located in the temporary liquid storage tank, as it is filled, air is compressed in the hydraulic accumulator cavity. When a certain filling level is reached, the unit will automatically switch off.
Further, the consumer will receive water from the tank, as a result of which the membrane will again take its original shape - this will give a signal to repeat the water intake. Depending on the volume of the tank and the power qualities, household water pumping stations can carry out from 1 to 20 operating cycles in 1 hour. Importantly, all resource submission sessions occur offline without the participation of the owner. Based on pressure indicators, automation manages the cycles of the station, providing water needs as needed and turning off equipment when there is no need for water supply.
Characteristics of pumping stations
Without looking up from the description of the function of the accumulator, we can first of all point to its volume, which averages 15-25 liters, if we talk specifically about household models. This value is important as a kind of buffer that empties and fills as water is consumed and pumped. It is very important that in the process of water consumption the pump has time to fill the tank, otherwise the equipment will start working in the “dry” mode.move”, and this is not safe for vehicles.
The next significant characteristic is the suction depth, which determines the level of the intake point with which the unit can, in principle, work. For example, household pumping stations for summer cottages operating with a vertical lift allow water intake at a depth of 7-9 m. But it should be borne in mind that the nominal lift height may decrease as the pump is removed horizontally. Consider an example. If the suction depth is 8 m, and the station is 10 m away from the well itself, then the suction height will be reduced by about 1 m.
The rate of operation of the equipment determines the performance of the engine. The filling rate of the accumulator and the distance of water delivery from the place of intake to the point of consumption depend on the same characteristic. The power potential of household water pumping stations at 500 W, for example, provides a performance of 50 l / min, and 1100 W - about 70 l / min. In this case, it is worth considering all the nuances. In turn, a capacity of 50 l / min allows you to deliver water to the place of consumption, which is 20-22 m away from the well or well. Accordingly, the distance increases as the indicator grows. Although other operating factors also influence this value: from the depth of the sampling point to the ambient temperature and the connection to the place of water consumption.
Types of domestic pumping stations
As already mentioned, equipment can be assembled or assembled from separate functional parts as desiredbuyer. The second option can be beneficial in that it opens up ample opportunities for interfacing diverse pumps with automation and a hydraulic tank. In particular, this configuration makes it possible to use in the design not only standard surface units for suction and pumping, but also to assemble submersible pumping stations for water supply.
Types of household models of this type differ in performance, but they all allow the possibility of lowering into a well or well. That is, if the classic unit is located on the surface, and only its communications are lowered into the water, then the submersible equipment is located directly at the water intake point.
Also, stations for home use can have an ejector in their design. It is obtained by the so-called jet units, which are distinguished by their ability to suck up water at great depths. For example, 5-6 m can be called the average height of the fence, with which ordinary household water supply pumping stations operate. Types of jet models with ejectors, in turn, raise the water by 8-9 m. At the same time, an increase in operating parameters also causes disadvantages of a different kind. The presence of an ejector makes the pump noisier, increases the risk of air pockets and makes repairs more difficult.
Installation of a household pumping station
For permanent operation, it is desirable to place the equipment in a special room: a technical utility room or a utility block. The installation site must be insulated and protected fromprecipitation.
As another placement method, installation in the ground can be recommended. A recess is created in the form of a pit, repeating the shape of the station. The top part is closed by a folding metal or wooden cover. Regardless of the method of placement, it is desirable to initially provide the suction hose with a check valve that will prevent water from draining into the intake site. Next, the household pumping station must be connected to the pumping line. The suction hose is fixed to the equipment with a threaded nipple so that the line is laid with a rise towards the station. Do not install the water supply above the pump as this configuration will make it difficult for air bubbles to escape naturally.
The discharge and suction lines are mounted with minimal risk of mechanical impact of communications on the equipment. The discharge circuit is connected to the pump with an internal thread or with a complete coupling. But it is important to consider that if the discharge hose has a smaller diameter compared to the pump nozzle, then the water flow rate will decrease.
Next, you can proceed to the installation of electrical wiring. The main rule in this part of the work is the maximum support for safety through the integration of protective systems, grounding and grounding devices. The direct connection of the household pumping station to the network is carried out through the RCD. It would also not be superfluous to add engine overload control systems and protective mechanisms to the infrastructure that protect the unit when operating in the “dry run” mode.
Equipment setupto workflow
After completing the installation operations, the equipment is configured to work in specific conditions. But before that, the body of the unit should be filled with water using the channel of the filler screw. At this point, it is also recommended to fill the suction line with liquid. Now we can move on to the question of how to adjust a domestic pumping station? First of all, all valves are opened, including nozzles, valves, spray units, etc. This is required to release air from the circuits of the water supply system. Then you can connect the power wire.
Use the switch to start the engine in suction mode and leave it in this state for 5 minutes. It may take more time, but the main thing is that the pump reaches its maximum suction lift during this interval.
If there are pressure regulators, they should be adjusted for optimal performance of the equipment. There are cases when a household water supply pumping station operates with reduced productivity, but with an optimal load on the power filling. This balance must be struck in favor of maintaining the reliability of the electric motor.
Automation with programmable modes of operation of the unit is also configured. How to do it? This setting can be done either through a complete relay or using separate control panels that can also control the operation of other equipment.
Maintenance of pumping stations
Usually pumpingstations do not need to regularly update consumables. A preventive inspection usually aims to identify problems, depressurization and physical damage to communications. Unless cartridges in additional filtration systems may require regular replacement. The main maintenance activities relate to cleaning equipment.
If there are signs of blockage, disconnect the suction hose and connect a discharge circuit to the supply line. Next, the water supply opens, which will clean the communication infrastructure of the pump. For greater effect, turn on the device with sharp breaks every 2 seconds.
Special attention is paid to the pressure tank, which includes a water jacket and an air compartment. The user is required to ensure that the pressure in this container does not exceed the standard value: an average of 1.5 bar.
Problems with power cables are also common in the operation of domestic pumping stations. Spare parts in the form of electrical devices and wiring should be selected strictly according to the nominal characteristics of the equipment and preferably from the assortment of the equipment manufacturer. The internal filling of water supply stations usually does not have elements that are serviced at home.
Equipment malfunctions and repairs
One of the most common problems with this technique is the lack of response from the engine when turned on. The reason for this may be a power failure, lack of power or a locked rotor. Also malfunctionshousehold pumping station associated with electric motors are eliminated by comprehensive cleaning of the disassembled structure.
If the power unit is running, but pumping is not carried out, then there may be leaks in the suction line, the absence of a valve in the aquatic environment, or a blockage of the filter. In such situations, it is helpful to review the placement configuration and the overall condition of the communication lines, check the water filling of the pump chamber, perform cleaning and make sure that the equipment is working with a fence height that corresponds to its potential.
It happens that pumping stations, even with the correct calculation of the lifting height, do not develop their basic level of productivity. Such malfunctions occur in cases of clogged filters, a rapid drop in the water column, or in the presence of foreign objects in the chamber of a domestic pumping station.
Repair may involve the replacement of a worn part, which could also result in a foreign object blocking the water line. It often helps to place the suction hose at a deeper level. If there are problems with the thermostat, as a result of which the equipment began to work incorrectly, then the quality of the power supply to the device is first checked, then the device is tested and, if necessary, calibrated.
Producers and prices
The market for engineering equipment is also saturated with stations for organizing water supply. The highest segment is represented by productsGrundfos, Elitek, Metabo, Karcher, etc. Such companies offer models provided with modern automation, reliable and durable housings, efficient engines and ergonomic controls. But such stations are not cheap, even despite belonging to the household class. In particular, we can talk about an average price of 10-15 thousand rubles. And this only applies to equipment without optional add-ons and, as a rule, with limited equipment.
The middle and budget classes are represented by Patriot, Shturm, Aiken and a whole line of domestic manufacturers, including Zubr, Dzhileks and Vikhr. This segment offers a domestic water supply pumping station for an undemanding average user who plans to serve 2-3 consumption points. Such equipment does not differ in high power and manufacturability, but on the other hand, it suits many for the price: for 5-7 thousand, it is quite possible to find a high-quality unit of this type from a Russian manufacturer.
Conclusion
The very concept and technical and operational characteristics of pumping stations do not allow us to consider them strictly as household equipment. Even low performance models outperform conventional pumps by an order of magnitude in terms of water pumping capabilities. That is, stations can be considered at least semi-professional equipment designed for water supply.
Accordingly, the question may arise as to how much for an ordinary summer residentOr will the owner of a country house be justified in buying just such equipment, and not an ordinary household pump? Pumping stations will undoubtedly cope with the tasks, but this will require the organization of a complex communication network, as well as additional costs.
Is it possible to achieve a full water supply by traditional means, using, for example, a borehole or standard submersible pump? Theoretically, this is possible, but only with the use of high-power models. You will also have to put up with minimal capabilities in terms of managing and monitoring the system. After all, the same automation not only makes the process of regulating water supply more convenient, but also insures equipment with an engineering network from electrical overloads and sudden pressure drops.
