One of the key operating parameters of water supply systems is pressure. It directly determines the capabilities of the circuit and power equipment to pump water in the specified pressure and volume indicators. A simple example is a pump station that can automatically maintain optimal pressure. The function of a kind of regulator is performed by the shock absorber, which is a buffer tank.
What is a water hammer?
In a general sense, any impact of the aquatic environment that leads to accidents in the service infrastructure is considered a water hammer. In water supply systems, this phenomenon occurs most often, and there may be several reasons for it. For example, closing the valve or tap of the mixer can dramatically increase the pressure in the circuit, which will lead to pipe rupture or breakdown of the power pumping equipment - these will be the consequences of water hammer. Such accidents are less common with a sharp decrease in pressure. This happens if, for example, the water supply user completely shuts off the pump or opens the tap without maintaining the technological interval. For both situations, protection against water hammer is needed, which can be expressed both in the installation of a frequency converter and in the use of the pressure compensator in question.
Compensator device and its task
Externally, the shock absorber is an expansion tank for the accumulation of water. Its intake is necessary for unloading the circuit in which the pressure rises. Water distribution occurs automatically and is regulated by a membrane. The tank itself can have different shapes, the choice is made on the basis of operating conditions, installation options, etc. For example, it can be a balloon or flat tank, but in any case it will have a strong metal body. The internal structure of the tank can be thought of as a sectional unit, in different sectors of which there is air, sometimes a gas medium and water selected from the circuit. In order for the water hammer in the water supply system to be compensated under conditions of a pressure level natural for a particular pipeline, a membrane works in the chamber. Its function is to regulate the volume of accumulated water in accordance with the optimal load distribution. In other words, if the pressure in the system is normal, then the tank will not be filled; sampling is performed only when overloads are fixed in the serviced circuit.
Varieties of compensators
The principal separation of the compensators takes place according to the type of membrane. It can be diaphragm, balloon and ball. The main competition occurs between the first two types, since ball devices are considered obsolete and ineffective. The diaphragm membrane is rigidly fixed around the perimeter of the tank section and does not provide for withdrawal. It divides the tank into a section with aqueous medium and air, the formed layer acts as a compensator for sufficient pressure. Typically, the upper walls of such structures are covered with enamel, and the surfaces in contact with water are moisture-resistant epoxy paint. Hydraulic shock absorber provides the ability to replace the membrane. Also, its features include the exclusion of direct contact between the inner walls of the tank and water.
Compensator Installation
Installation is carried out at the end of the pipeline in the nodes of connection with direct consumers. For example, tank communications can be introduced into the sanitary fittings of taps, motorized valves, manifolds, etc. Connection is made using the complete accessories. An automatic control system with measuring instruments is usually attached to the supply lines. But even if, after installing the compensator, water hammer in the water supply system is prevented, it is worth considering protection from other negative factors. It is important that the expansion tank does not create areas with stagnant water. This can lead to the growth of bacteria.
Compensator Model FAR
FAR offers an inexpensive but reliable version of the expansion tank modification FAR FA 2895 12. This shock absorber is designed to eliminate the risk of accidents on internal water supply systems. That is suitable for private use in homes and apartments. The range of controlled pressures for this unit is 10-50 bar, and the temperature maximum is up to 100 ° C.
Structurally, the model is a traditional solution. The lower and upper parts of the case are made of brass alloy, and the disk is made of high-strength plastic. During operation, a steel spring controls the volume of the air chamber, which absorbs excess pressure. Features of the FAR shock absorber include compact dimensions. The modest dimensions make it possible to integrate the device in tight conditions with the addition of mechanical protective devices. As for the price tag, it is only 1.5 thousand rubles.
Model Valtec Car 19
This unit is designed to eliminate pressure surges when controlling shutoff valves in residential water supply conditions. The design can also be used as a full-fledged expansion tank, accepting the excess water formed when the temperature rises. The case is made of stainless alloy, and the membrane is made on the basis of elastomer. When choosing this solution, it is important to consider the limitations. The maximum shock absorber of this modification is capable of taking 0.162 liters. In terms of pressure levels, the frames are 10-20 bar. By default, the tank is configured to work with a pressure of 3 bar, so if you use the device in systems with other operating parameters, a reconfiguration is required.
Membrane expansion tank Reflex
Reflex manufacturer offers a whole line of DE membrane tanks, the models of which can be used for professional purposes. Already in the initial segment of the series, for example, you can find a compensator with a peak pressure of 10 bar, with a capacity of 100 liters. The maximum temperature can be up to 70 ° C. As you can see, the main advantage of this version is the ability to accept large volumes of coolant. Reflex membrane expansion tank can be used both as part of water supply lines and as a storage unit specifically for pump station insurance. The structure is based on carbon steel, so combined work with industrial pumping units is also allowed.
Conclusion
Until recently, the use of additional means of protecting water supply systems against water shocks was practiced mainly at large industrial enterprises operating at high loads in utility networks. Today, with the active entry of powerful pumping equipment into the sphere of consumer services, the use of a shock absorber in the private sector is becoming increasingly important. This kind of protection may be required not only in home piping systems. If at the dacha it is planned to organize a multi-level irrigation system or borehole water intake with a delivery of 5-10 m in height, then in this case support of the pumping equipment will also be required with an expansion tank or a special accumulator. By the way, modern pumping stations are often already supplied with protective fittings and safety tanks in the basic kit.