An autonomous water supply system does not surprise anyone today. Such designs are practical and very convenient, but their operation very often requires devices that people who operate centralized water supply simply do not know about.
Need to use
For example, an autonomous water supply system will be able to work smoothly for a long time only if it includes an expansion tank. On the market of modern goods you can find many different models of such devices. In order to choose the best option, you need to navigate the types of equipment and imagine the principle of its operation.
Equipment Arrangement
A storage tank for water supply is designed to maintain a certain pressure in the water supply system. Most often, a closed membrane tank is used for this. It is performed in the formcontainer with a rubber membrane inside. It divides the described device into two compartments: one of them is air, the other is water. After starting the system, the electric pump fills the water chamber with water. The volume of the air compartment is reduced. The smaller the volume of air in the tank, the higher the pressure will be. As soon as it exceeds a certain mark, the pump will automatically turn off. It will be activated only after the pressure drops below the minimum mark, while water begins to flow from the water compartment. The cycle of switching on and off will be repeated automatically. The user can check the pressure in the system on the pressure gauge, which is installed on the equipment. You can adjust the device yourself by choosing the most suitable operating pressure range.
Expansion tank functions
A storage tank for water supply is designed to perform several functions at once, namely: to maintain pressure when the pump is turned off; protect the system from water hammer, which can be triggered by air entering the pipeline or power surges in the network. Among other things, this element of the water supply system is able to store a certain amount of water in stock. This component is also necessary to protect the pump from premature wear. The use of a tank allows, with low water consumption, not to use the pump, but to satisfy the need for liquid due to the volume that is stored in stock.
Tank selection
If you decide to install a storage tank for water supply, it will be important to initially figure out which type of membrane equipment is right for you. You can choose a device that has a replaceable membrane. As a distinctive feature here is the possibility of replacing the membrane. It can be removed through a special flange, which is held on by bolts. It is necessary to take into account one more point: if we are talking about a device of impressive volume, then to stabilize the membrane, it is additionally fixed with the back to the nipple. Another distinctive feature of this device is that the water filling the tank will remain inside the membrane without contact with the inner surface of the product. This protects metal surfaces from corrosive processes, and water from pollution, extending the life of the equipment. If you select a storage tank for water supply, then you can purchase a model with a replaceable membrane in both vertical and horizontal versions.
When to choose a fixed diaphragm tank for installation
In these devices, the inside of the container is divided into two compartments by a membrane. It cannot be replaced, and therefore, in the event of failure, it will be necessary to change the equipment completely. One compartment contains air and the other contains water, which comes into contact with the inner surface of the metal appliance, which can causefast corrosion. In order to prevent the destruction of the metal and contamination of the liquid, the inner surface is covered with a special paint. But such protection is not always durable. You can choose such devices in vertical or horizontal design.
Features of the right choice
If you decide to install a storage tank for water supply, you should pay attention to its main characteristics. It is on their basis that equipment should be purchased. When choosing the volume, it is important to consider how many people will use the water supply system. It is also important to calculate the number of water intake points: this should include faucets and showers, as well as household appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines. Please note that there is a possibility of water consumption by several consumers at once. In the store, you should also pay attention to the maximum number of stop and start cycles per hour for pumping equipment.
Preparation before installation
When choosing a storage tank for water supply, you must purchase one with a volume of 20 to 24 liters. This is true in the case when the number of consumers is not more than 3 people, and the pumping equipment has a capacity of 2 cubic meters per hour. It is necessary to prefer a tank volume of 50 liters if the number of consumers increases to 8 people, and the pump capacity is 3.5 cubic meters per hour. Maximumthe volume, which is equal to 100 liters, is suitable for the number of consumers more than 10 people and the pump capacity within 5 cubic meters per hour. Before choosing a specific tank model before starting installation, you need to consider that a smaller tank volume will contribute to more frequent shutdowns of the pump. Among other things, a smaller volume will indicate a greater likelihood of pressure surges in the water supply system. Due to the fact that the equipment acts as a reservoir for storing water, it is possible to adjust the volume of the expansion tank even before the purchase of the equipment. The design of the device allows the installation of an additional tank. This can be done already during the operation of the main equipment, without carrying out time-consuming dismantling. After the installation of a new device is completed, the volume of the tank will be determined by adding the volumes of the tanks installed in the system.
Pro tip
If you decide to produce a water supply device with a storage tank, it is important to consider that you should not chase low cost by choosing a tank from a little-known manufacturer. The pursuit of cheapness can lead to more substantial costs. Most often, cheap materials are used to manufacture cost-attractive models, and, as practice shows, they are not of high quality in all cases. In particular, it is important to pay attention to the quality of the rubber that forms the basis of the membrane. The life of the tank will depend on this, as well as the safety of the water.
Buying a storage tank for hotsupply, you must check the price of the consumable element, which is true for models with a replaceable membrane. Most often, in the pursuit of profit, unscrupulous manufacturers overestimate the cost of a replacement membrane. At the same time, experts advise choosing a model from another supplier company. Large firms are responsible for product quality, as they value reputation.
Mounting Features
A water supply system with a storage tank involves installing a tank in a room where the temperature does not drop below 0 degrees. It is necessary to provide all-round access to the air valve, this will allow you to adjust the pressure in the air chamber. During installation, there must be no obstruction when accessing the shut-off valves, nameplate or drain cock. In no case should the membrane tank be subjected to static load, it must be protected from pressure from pipes or other units. The installation of a pressure reducer, which should be located after the water meter, will ensure a certain pressure in the expansion tank. When the safety valve is actuated, the pressure level must not exceed the maximum allowable value. The installation of an expansion membrane tank assumes the moment that the safety valve is installed in front of the flow fitting, it must be located in the direction of the flow. Considering the expansion tank installation scheme, it must be taken into account that the installation must be carried out from the side of the cold water supply to the heating device. Specialists exclude the possibility of installation at the outlet.
How to avoid errors during the connection process
If you have a storage tank for water supply (200 liters or less - not so important), then, of course, it is quite possible to install it yourself. However, you need to prepare an exceptionally high-quality tool with regard to gas and adjustable wrenches. These components will be key figures in the installation work. In addition to them, you may need a key for mounting metal-plastic pipes, as well as a stepped key designed for detachable connections. Do not use materials that are not used for such work as a sealant. For example, some inexperienced home craftsmen use cheap sealant for plastic windows, but it is designed for a different temperature. Initially, such joints can have a very attractive appearance, however, when the system is started up, the sealant will not withstand exposure to high temperatures. In any case, after this, you will have to deal with the elimination of the leak that has arisen. If you will equip the water supply of a private house, the storage tank must be installed in such a way that the approach to it is not difficult. Do not choose the amount of storage capacity by eye. Installation must be carried out in accordance with the rules and regulations for safe operation.
What else is important to consider when installing yourself
If you yourself will install a storage tank for water supply to the cottage, then it is imperative to provide for the possibility of dismantling the connecting pipeline, whichmay be needed to repair or replace equipment. The diameter of the connected water supply elements should not be less than the diameter of the branch pipe. Be sure to ground the device, only in this way you can eliminate electrical corrosion. If the water supply of the house with a storage tank is being equipped, then the installation of the device should be carried out on the suction side of the pumping equipment. On this segment, which is located between the pump and the connection point, it is necessary to exclude all elements that can introduce hydraulic resistance into the system. Make-up line must be connected to the system circulation circuit.
Conclusion
The storage tank for hot water supply is an integral element of an autonomous system. It is able to maintain the desired pressure, preventing premature wear of pumping equipment. Among other things, it can be used to save some water.
