Adjustment of the water pressure regulator is one of the most important stages in the equipment of a complex hydraulic structure responsible for the water supply of residential premises. One of the frequent causes of accidents, along with improper installation of plumbing and shut-off elements, is precisely the pressure drop in the pipeline. The device in question and its correct setting allow you to avoid unpleasant incidents.
Purpose
Water pressure regulators, which are adjusted during installation, are used to perform several tasks. The main purpose is to prevent an increase in pressure in excess of the established norm. Household plumbing is mainly designed for an indicator of no more than three atmospheres. An increased parameter provokes overloading of water supply systems, a decrease in the working life of connected household appliance nodes, and a decrease in the reliability of gaskets and connectors.
In addition, regulators level outhydraulic shocks that occur due to breakdowns of pumping devices or disruption of valve operation. Such fluctuations can lead to serious accidents, including ruptures in pipelines and failure of boiler units. Sometimes water hammer can even lead to an explosion of the water heater. Proper adjustment of the water pressure regulator makes it possible to significantly reduce resource consumption. For example, reducing the pressure from 6 to 3 atmospheres saves up to 25 percent, forming a smaller jet at the outlet.
Features
The use of the devices in question helps to reduce noise during the operation of taps and mixers. The annoying "grunt" of the fittings depends on the presence of increased pressure, which, after opening the tap, acquires a boundary value. The controller allows you to stabilize the parameter and reduce it to the optimal value.
When a rupture occurs in the pipeline, the device reduces the water supply, which reduces fluid loss at the accident site. Reducers are mainly mounted in private homes, where they are aggregated with a hydraulic accumulator and a circulation pump.
The adjustment of the water pressure regulator in the water supply system depends on the method of installation of the device. The first group provides for flow stabilization before the fixture, and the second variation - behind the installation point.
Regardless of the principle of operation, the design of any pressure reducer includes the following elements:
- piston-type valve core;
- membranespring;
- cast iron, steel or brass body.
Some modifications are also equipped with a pressure gauge, filter element, ball fittings and atmospheric valve. By capacity, the devices are divided into domestic, commercial and industrial versions (0.5-3/3, 1-15.0/more than 15 cubic meters, respectively).
Piston variations
Adjustment of water pressure regulators of this configuration is carried out using a compact piston with a spring, by increasing or decreasing the passage compartment. Such devices are also called mechanical, they have the simplest design among analogues. To adjust the outgoing fluid pressure, the device is equipped with a working valve that serves to loosen or preload the spring.
Among the shortcomings of piston gearboxes, sensitivity to water blockages is noted, the main reason for the failure of the device is piston contamination. To prevent the occurrence of this problem allows the installation of an additional filter. Another disadvantage is a large number of moving mechanical elements, which reduces the level of reliability of the unit. The range of adjustable values is 1-5 atmospheres.
Membrane and flow modifications
Membrane devices are reliable and unpretentious in operation. Adjustment of the water pressure regulator in the water supply system is carried out in the range from 0.5 to 3 cubic meters per hour. For householduse is quite a worthy indicator. The core is a membrane with a spring. It is protected from clogging by an autonomous sealed chamber. The return from the working spring is transferred to a small valve, which is responsible for the size of the outlet channel. The cost of limiters of this type is quite high, installation is usually carried out by specialists, due to some design features.
Flow gearboxes have no moving parts in their design. This feature has a positive effect on the reliability and working life of the considered devices. The pressure reduction is due to the well-thought-out interaction of narrow passages and channels. The liquid, bypassing numerous turns, is dispersed into separate flows, which are combined into a single sleeve at a reduced speed. In everyday life, flow modifications are most often used in irrigation systems. The disadvantages include the need to install an additional relay at the output.
Automatic versions
The principle of operation and adjustment of the automatic water pressure regulator includes changing the compression force using special nuts. The assembly itself is a small device made of a membrane element and two springs. If the water supply is carried out with low pressure, the membrane weakens. As the fluid supply force increases in the pipe, the compression increases.
Under spring action, the contacts on the automatic relay close or open, activating or turning off the forced circulation pump.water supply unit. By design, the considered gearboxes are similar to membrane counterparts, differ only in the presence of a pair of adjustment screws to control the operating pressure limits.
Electronic gearboxes
Adjustment of the water pressure regulator switch is carried out using a special mechanism that serves to monitor the force of the liquid pressure through the movement indicator. Based on the processed information, a decision is made to activate the pumping station. Electronic models will not turn on the pump if there is no water in the pipeline. The design includes a body part, sensors, a board, a switching sleeve (responsible for turning on the feed), as well as threaded pipes.
In the reducer system, an informative monitor is provided to fix the parameters of the liquid flow. Mechanical analogues are not always able to effectively protect the object from dry running, and therefore it is necessary to constantly monitor the presence of water. Electronic modifications can automatically control the liquid level, operate almost silently, and protect all serviced elements from water hammer.
Installation and adjustment of the water pressure regulator in the water supply system in the apartment
According to the standards for the arrangement of water and sewer units, the reducer must be installed at the inlet, between the meter and the shut-off valve. This design guarantees reliable protection of all hydraulic communications, including filtration and metering devices.
Mostlythe liquid pressure control switch in the apartments is focused on safety net, being responsible for reducing the pressure in the pipe. The maximum acceptable installation point is on the riser, behind the meter and filter element. First, the obligatory installation of plugs on the side outlets is performed. Subsequently, these pipes will serve to mount pressure gauges. Experts recommend placing the pipeline horizontally. This scheme provides for the presence of shut-off valves (before and behind the gearbox). The relay itself in the apartments is installed in a vertical position, without tilt.
The nuances of installing an apartment relay
Installation and adjustment of the water pressure regulator in the apartment are similar in principle to a similar procedure with metering devices or a coarse filter. For a manometer, the seat is on top, the direction of fluid movement is indicated by a marker in the form of an arrow. During installation, shut off the water supply; for polypropylene elements, special adapters are required.
Also in the design, elements of shut-off valves at the inlet, equipped with a strainer, will become useful. It is mandatory to install a ball valve on the node. All joints are carefully sealed with FUM tape or tow. The connections are tightened with a gas wrench using brass nuts. They have an average strength, so do not over-tighten when tightening.
Installation of the system in a private house
Adjusting the water pressure regulator in the pumping station of a private house bearsthe same functional load as in the apartment. The difference is that the design includes a pump focused on maintaining the required pressure. The gearbox with pumping equipment is mounted in such a way that the pressure gauge is directed upwards with its front part. The optimal installation point is the connection of the main or deep pipe to the home system (after the water meter).
It is imperative to install a coarse filter in the circuit at the inlet to the house pipe. On both sides it is additionally equipped with a shut-off valve. The strength of the fluid flow is stabilized using a straight line (the length of the segment is five working diameters). For the correct connection, it is better to involve an experienced specialist.
Settings
Do-it-yourself adjustment of the water pressure regulator in the apartment is regulated by operating standards, the recommended parameter is 2-3.5 kg / sq. see This mode is achieved only by the adjustment method, since the action of various modifications of gearboxes is different.
First, after a few seconds, there is an increase in pressure to a value below the average. The optimal inlet characteristic is 1.5 kg/sq. see At the output, the parameter should not differ by more than the specified value. Otherwise, the liquid will flow much more slowly through the pipes.
The given norms should be taken into account when adjusting Itap water pressure regulators and other manufacturers. If the device does not function correctly, the corresponding readings will appear on the paired pressure gauges. The second way is to conduct a control fencefluid in front of the gearbox. Correctly setting up the system can only be done if the design is in good order and filled with liquid that comes with sufficient force. Under such conditions, the required value is output by turning the correcting screws. It is strongly not recommended to carry out these works without measuring devices, as this may cause a failure of the standard factory parameters.
Adjustment of Honeywell D-04FM and RD-15 water pressure regulators
Configuration and installation of modifications from these manufacturers is performed similarly to the above methods. Honeywell versions are considered reliable and of high quality, they are made in Germany, their price is also high (from 1.5 thousand rubles apiece).
The following are the characteristics of the D-04FM modification:
- setting range - 1, 5-6, 0 bar;
- static pressure parameter – 16 PN;
- maximum operating temperature - 70g;
- performance indicator - 2.9 cu. m;
- diameter connection - ¾ inch.
The RD-15 membrane reducer is unpretentious in maintenance and is reliable. One compartment is sealed completely, which excludes the ingress of liquid into it. The price depends on the version (300-500 rubles).
Parameters:
- conditional pass in diameter - 15 mm;
- design pressure – 1.0 MPa;
- regulated zone - 40%;
- capacity - 1.6 m3/h;
- device weight - 350 g.
About other manufacturers
Pressure regulator adjustmentV altec water is no more difficult than other analogues. These gearboxes are produced in Italy, their cost starts from 800 rubles. They are made from durable alloys. Popular for installation in apartment buildings and private homes.
Another popular water pressure switch brand is Far. The manufacturer offers a wide range of gearboxes designed for installation in pipelines with hot water. Most modifications are characterized by the following indicators:
- temperature regime - 0-40 g;
- inlet pressure to the maximum - 16 bar;
- controllable range - from 1 to 6 bar;
- temperature limit - 75 g;
- price - from 2.5 thousand rubles.
Recommendations for use
During the use of fluid pressure regulators in water supply systems, it is necessary to pay attention to pressure drops. If the controller does not respond to pressure adjustments, this indicates a diaphragm failure. Leaking drops at the junctions of the system elements indicate poor sealing of the joints. If any malfunction occurs, the device should be dismantled and disassembled. First you need to secure the structure by shutting off the water supply at the main inlet. Parts for repair and replacement can be easily found in specialized outlets.
