The principle of operation of the pumping station: we study ordinary things in an unusual way
In this article you will learn what a pumping station is, what the design of a pumping station is, the principle of operation of a pumping station, the advantages of a pumping station, recommendations for installation, operation and the top 3 best pumping stations for a private home.
The content of the article
Pumping station - what is it, its design
Pumping station is a system/set of devices for pumping water and increasing pressure in autonomous water supply systems.
A standard pumping station consists of 5 elements connected to each other:
- Electric pump
- Motor
- Hydraulic accumulator
- Pressure switch
- Pressure gauge
How does a pumping station work? General concept
The task of the pumping station is to pump water into an autonomous water supply system and increase the pressure in the pipeline. In private homes and summer cottages there is often not enough pressure in the pipeline. It seems that there is a pump, it is working at full capacity, pumping water, but there is little pressure. In such situations, a pumping station is used. Its operating principle is as follows:
An electric pump pumps water from the water supply. The liquid fills the entire water supply system - water supply pipes to each consumer, tap. Water also fills a third of the accumulator.Two thirds of its internal volume is occupied by air, which is separated from the water by a flexible membrane. Air was pumped into it at the factory, its pressure is indicated on the packaging - most often it is one and a half atmospheres. The pump pumps water into the system until the pressure switch closes. The relay closes only at the moment when the pressure in the pipeline reaches 1.5 atmospheres. To measure the pressure in the water supply system, a pressure gauge is installed at the pumping station. It turns out that the air presses on all the water in the pipeline through the membrane, increasing the pressure in the system to 1.5 atmospheres. When water begins to be used, air pushes the water out of the system at a specified pressure. After this, the pump pumps the system with water again.
Advantages of a pumping station. Recommendations for installation and operation of the pumping station
The main advantage of a pumping station is that it does its job - pumps water and increases the pressure in the pipeline. Additional advantages of the pumping station are simple installation (connect four pipes) and durability (the average service life of factory devices is 8 years).
Pumping stations can operate with clean water at temperatures above 5 degrees Celsius. Otherwise, the pump may become clogged, it will be more difficult for it to pump cold water, and equipment wear will accelerate. The water supply pipe to the pump must be installed at an acute angle (at least 1 degree). Due to the power of the motor, the suction pipeline must be fixed to the wall/ground to a depth of 50 centimeters. The device makes a lot of noise during operation, so it is recommended to install the pumping station on the ground floor, in the basement or separately from the main house. Choose the volume of the accumulator depending on the number of people living in the house:
- A device with a volume of up to 40 liters is enough for two people.
- Three – 40-100
- Four – 100 or more
For summer cottages where water is rarely used, you can install a device with a volume of 15 liters.
Top 3 best pumping stations for a private home
QUATTRO ELEMENTI Automatico 800 Ci Deep 645-280
A model of an Italian brand, which is assembled in China. Engine power 800 watts, pumps up to 41 liters per minute. The volume of the hydraulic accumulator is 20 liters. Pumps water from a depth of up to 30 meters. The water supply pressure is adjustable (from 1.5 to 3 atmospheres). Light weight – 20 kilograms. High-quality and reliable assembly materials. Enough for normal operation with six water intake points.
Marina-Speroni APM 100/25
Due to the cast iron body, this model can be used even at sub-zero temperatures; cast iron also dampens motor vibrations well. The pump pumps water from a depth of up to 25 meters. The pressure is adjustable - 1.6/3.2 atmospheres. Service life 10 years. Manufacturer's warranty for 3 years. Weighs 27 kilograms. The motor consumes 1100 watts of power. In addition to the fact that the pump pumps water from a depth of 25 meters, it can also raise it to a height of up to 32 meters.
Grundfos MQ 3-35
The device is not equipped with a hydraulic accumulator, but the station can also maintain a constant pressure, regardless of fluid flow. The pump pumps water from a depth of up to 8 meters and can lift it to a height of up to 33 meters. The body is made of stainless steel and coated with powder to prevent corrosion. Suitable for installation in basement/high humidity areas. Can handle dirty/rusty water. The pressure is adjustable. There is an automatic dry start protection system. Protected from overheating. Electronic control. 850 watt motor. Pumps 3.9 cubic meters of water per hour.