Adjusting the water pressure regulator is one of the most important steps in equipping a complex hydraulic structure responsible for the water supply to residential premises. One of the common 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 configuration allow you to avoid unpleasant incidents.
Destination
Water pressure regulators, the adjustment of which is carried out during installation, are used to perform several tasks. The main purpose is to prevent overpressure in excess of the established norm. Household plumbing is mainly designed for an indicator of no more than three atmospheres. The increased parameter provokes overloading of water supply systems, reducing the working life of connected nodes of household appliances, reducing the reliability of gaskets and connectors.
In addition, the regulators level out hydraulic shocks that occur due to breakdowns of pumping devices or disruption of the operation of valves. Such differences can lead to serious accidents, including gusts of pipelines and the failure of boiler units. Sometimes a water hammer can even lead to a water heater explosion. Proper adjustment of the water pressure regulator makes it possible to significantly reduce resource consumption. For example, a decrease in pressure from 6 to 3 atmospheres allows you to save up to 25 percent, forming a smaller volume stream at the outlet.
Features
The use of these devices helps to reduce noise during the operation of cranes and mixers. The annoying "grunt" of the reinforcement depends on the presence of increased pressure, which, after opening the valve, acquires a boundary indicator. The controller allows you to stabilize the parameter and reduce it to the optimum value.
If a rupture occurs in the pipeline, the device reduces the water supply, which reduces the loss of fluid in the accident site. The gearboxes are mainly mounted in private houses, 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 installation method of the device. The first group provides stabilization of the flow before the fixture, and the second variation is behind the installation point.
Regardless of the principle of operation, the design of any pressure reducer includes the following elements:
- piston type valve core;
- membrane spring;
- cast iron, steel or brass body.
Some modifications are also equipped with a pressure gauge, filter element, ball valves and atmospheric valve. By capacity, the devices are divided into household, 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 pressure of the liquid, the device is equipped with a working valve, which serves to loosen or compress the spring.
Among the disadvantages of piston gears, sensitivity to water blockages is noted, the main reason for the failure of the device is the contamination of the piston. To prevent the occurrence of this problem allows the installation of an additional filter. Another disadvantage is the large number of movable 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 domestic use, this is quite a worthy indicator. A membrane with a spring acts as a core. It is protected from clogging by a self-contained sealed chamber. The recoil from the working spring is transmitted to a small valve, which is responsible for the size of the output channel. The cost of the limiters of this type is quite high, installation is usually carried out by specialists, due to some design features.
Flow reducers in their design do not have moving parts. This feature has a positive effect on the reliability and working life of the devices under consideration. The pressure drop is due to the thoughtful interaction of narrow passages and channels. The fluid, bypassing numerous turns, is dispersed into separate flows, which are connected into a single sleeve with a reduced speed. In everyday life, flow modifications are most often operated in irrigation systems. The disadvantages are 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 low pressure, the membrane weakens. With an increase in the fluid supply force in the pipe, the compression increases.
Under the spring action, the contacts on the automatic relay open or close, activating or deactivating the circulation pump of the forced water supply unit. By design, the reducers under consideration are similar to diaphragm counterparts, differing only in the presence of a pair of adjustment screws to control the working pressure limits.
Electronic gearboxes
Adjustment of the relay of the water pressure regulator is carried out using a special mechanism that serves to monitor the pressure force of the liquid through a motion 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 the body part, sensors, circuit board, switching sleeve (responsible for turning on the supply), as well as threaded pipes.
An informative monitor is provided in the gearbox system for fixing the parameters of the fluid flow. Mechanical analogues are not always able to effectively protect the object from dry running, and therefore you have to constantly monitor the presence of water. Electronic modifications can automatically control the liquid level, function almost silently, 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 gearbox must be installed at the inlet, between the meter and the shut-off valve. Such a design guarantees reliable protection of all hydraulic communications, including filtration and metering devices.
Mostly the fluid pressure control relay in apartments is oriented towards safety net, responsible for reducing the pressure in the pipe. The maximum acceptable installation point is on the riser, behind the meter and filter element. First, compulsory installation of the plugs on the side bends is performed. Subsequently, these nozzles will serve to mount the pressure gauges. Experts recommend placing the pipeline horizontally. Such a scheme provides for the presence of shut-off valves (in front of and behind the gearbox). The relay itself in apartments is installed in an upright position, without tilt.
The nuances of installing an apartment relay
Installation and adjustment of the water pressure regulator in an apartment are similar in principle to the same procedure with metering devices or a coarse filter. For the manometer, the seat is on top, the direction of fluid movement is indicated by a marker in the form of an arrow. During installation, the water supply should be shut off; for polypropylene elements, the use of special adapters is required.
Also in the design, elements of shut-off valves at the inlet equipped with a mesh filter will become out of place. It is imperative to install a ball valve on the assembly. 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 when tightening, do not be too zealous.
Installation of the system in a private house
Adjusting the water pressure regulator in the pumping station of a private house carries the same functional load as in an 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 the front part. The optimal installation point is the connection of a main or deep pipe with a home system (after a water meter).
It is absolutely necessary to install a coarse filter at the entrance to the house pipe in the circuit. On both sides it is additionally equipped with a shut-off valve. The strength of the fluid flow is stabilized using a straight line (length of the segment is five working diameters). For the correct connection, it is better to attract an experienced specialist.
Customization
The adjustment of the water pressure regulator in the apartment with your own hands is regulated by operating standards, the recommended parameter is 2-3.5 kg / sq. see. Such a mode is achieved only by the correction method, since the effect of various modifications of the gearboxes is different.
First, after a few seconds, an increase in pressure manifests itself to a value below the average. The optimal input characteristic is 1.5 kg / sq. see. At the output, the parameter should not differ by more than the specified value. Otherwise, the fluid will flow through the pipes much more slowly.
The above standards 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 pair gauges. The second method is to carry out a control fluid intake in front of the gearbox. Correctly adjusting the system is possible only if the design is in good condition and is filled with fluid that flows with sufficient force. Under such conditions, the required value is derived by rotating the adjustment screws. It is categorically not recommended to carry out these works without measuring devices, as this can cause a malfunction of the factory settings.
Adjustment of regulators of pressure of water Honeywell D-04FM and RD-15
Customization and installation of modifications from these manufacturers is performed similarly to the above methods. Versions of Honeywell are considered reliable and high-quality, are made in Germany, their price is also high (from 1.5 thousand rubles apiece).
The following are the characteristics of the modification D-04FM:
- setting range - 1.5-6.0 bar;
- static pressure parameter - 16 PN;
- extreme working temperature - 70 g;
- performance indicator - 2.9 cubic meters. m;
- inch diameter connection.
The RD-15 diaphragm gearbox is unpretentious in maintenance and is reliable. One compartment is completely sealed, which prevents liquid from entering it. The price depends on the version (300-500 rubles).
Parameters:
- nominal diameter 15 mm;
- design pressure - 1.0 MPa;
- adjustable area - 40%;
- throughput capacity - 1.6 m3 / h;
- device weight - 350 g.
About other manufacturers
Adjusting the Valtec water pressure regulator is no more complicated than other analogues. These gearboxes are produced in Italy, their cost starts from 800 rubles. They are made from durable alloys. They are popular for installation in multi-apartment and private houses.
Another popular brand that produces water pressure monitoring relays is the Far brand. The manufacturer offers a wide range of gearboxes oriented for installation in pipelines with hot water. For most modifications, the following indicators are characteristic:
- temperature mode - 0-40 g;
- maximum inlet pressure - 16 bar;
- controlled range - from 1 to 6 bar;
- extreme temperature - 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 differences. If the controller does not respond to pressure adjustment, this indicates a malfunction of the membrane. Leaky droplets at the junctions of the system elements indicate poor sealing of the joints. If any malfunction occurs, the device must be dismantled and disassembled. First you need to secure the structure by shutting off the water supply at the main entrance. Parts for repair and replacement can be found without problems in specialized outlets.