Water pump systems often experience problems such as the pump running constantly or cycling on and off. These problems are usually caused by several factors such as an inappropriate pressure tank size, an improperly set pressure switch, or even damage to the pressure tank itself.
A pump that cycles on and off repeatedly can significantly reduce pump life and increase energy consumption. Therefore, it is important to ensure that your water pump system is equipped with an appropriate pressure tank that is in good condition.
There are several types of pressure tanks available in the market, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here is an explanation of the three main types of pressure tanks:
Description: This is the oldest and simplest type of pressure tank. It consists of one compartment filled with water and air.
Pros: Durable and not easily damaged.
Disadvantages: Drawdown is relatively small, requires regular maintenance to prevent water logging, and is prone to corrosion especially in humid environments.
Description: Consists of a compartment with a rubber balloon (bladder) inside that separates water and air.
Pros: High efficiency, water does not come into contact with metal thereby reducing the risk of corrosion, and easier to maintain because the bladder can be replaced if damaged.
Cons: Higher cost compared to regular steel tanks.
Description: Uses a fixed diaphragm that separates water and air. Cannot be opened for repair.
Pros: High quality and usually requires no maintenance.
Cons: If the diaphragm is damaged, the tank must be completely replaced.
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Pressure tanks or pressure tanks work with the basic principle of compressing air to maintain water pressure in the system. Here is a more detailed explanation of how a pressure tank works:
When the water pump system is turned on, water will be pumped into the pressure tank. At first, the tank is empty and the pressure inside the tank is also low. As water begins to fill the tank, the air in the tank begins to compress at the top.
As more water enters the tank, the air at the top of the tank continues to compress until it reaches the maximum pressure set by the pressure switch. At this point, the water pump will automatically shut off because the pressure in the tank has reached the specified limit.
When water is used, for example for bathing or washing, water will come out of the pressure tank. The compressed air pressure at the top of the tank will push the water out through the distribution pipes to the household or industrial system. As the amount of water in the tank decreases, the air pressure in the tank also begins to decrease.
When the pressure in the tank drops to the minimum pressure set by the pressure switch, the water pump will restart automatically to refill the tank with water. This cycle will continue to repeat, keeping the water pressure in the system stable.
Drawdown is the volume of usable water between the pump turning off and the pump turning back on. Greater drawdown means the system does not need to turn on and off as often, which can extend pump life and save energy. The right pressure tank size can be determined by calculating the water demand for one minute.
Pressure switches play an important role in regulating the on and off cycle of the pump. It measures the pressure in the tank and sends a signal to the pump to turn on or off based on the pre-set pressure limit. Proper pressure switch settings are essential to ensure optimal performance of the pressure tank and pump.
Drawdown is the volume of water that a pressure tank can provide between the pump turning off and the pump turning back on. A larger drawdown means the pump does not need to turn on and off as often, which can extend the life of the pump and save energy.
The right size of pressure tank can be determined by calculating the water demand for one minute. For example, if a shower requires 20 liters of water per minute, then the pressure tank should have a minimum drawdown of 20 liters.
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Here is a commonly used drawdown table to help in choosing the right pressure tank size:
|
Tank Size (Liters) |
Drawdown (Liters) @20-40 PSI (1.4-2.8 bar) |
Drawdown (Liters) @30-50 PSI (2.1-3.4 bar) |
Drawdown (Liters) @40-60 PSI (2.8-4.1) |
|
80 |
40.0 |
30.59 |
25.37 |
|
132 |
66.0 |
50.47 |
41.86 |
Suppose we have a pressure tank with a capacity of 80 liters. Here are the steps to calculate drawdown at a pressure of 30/50 PSI (2,1/3,4 Bar):
The cut-in pressure (pump starts filling) is 30 PSI (2.1 Bar).
The cut-off pressure (pump stops filling) is 50 PSI (3.4 Bar).
For Pressure Tanks with a size of 80 liters, we can use the general drawdown table or the appropriate formula to calculate the volume of water that can be used between cut-in and cut-off pressures.
|
Tank Size (Liters) |
Drawdown (Liters) @30-50 PSI (2.1-3.4 Bar) |
|
80 |
30.59 |
In this example, the drawdown for an 80 liter pressure tank at 30/50 PSI is approximately 30.59 liters. This means that between the cut-in and cut-off pressure, there are 30.59 liters of water available for use before the pump has to restart to refill the tank.
By understanding how pressure tanks work and drawdown calculations, users can ensure that their water pump system is functioning efficiently and reliably, avoiding problems such as constant pump noise or pump failure. In addition, choosing a pressure tank size that matches the water demand will help optimize system performance and extend the life of the device.
In Indonesia, bladder type pressure tanks are very popular due to their high efficiency and ease of maintenance. However, nowadays, the stainless steel type is more widely used due to its lower price. Unfortunately, stainless steel tanks are prone to corrosion, which can reduce their lifespan.
We offer various types of Wellmate pressure tanks from Pentair, which are known for their quality and durability. Wellmate products offer several advantages:
Corrosion Resistant Construction: Ideal for corrosive environments such as coastal areas.
Replaceable Air Cell: Makes maintenance in the field easy.
Greater Drawdown: Offers higher efficiency compared to steel tanks of the same size.
Authorized Warranty: Provides peace of mind for users.
Ease of Installation: Lighter and easier to install compared to steel tanks.
We also provide spare parts such as bladder/rubber for replacement and we are an Authorized Agent in Indonesia, so you can entrust your pressure tank needs to us.
Read also: How to Determine the Size of a Pressure Tank for Household Water Treatment
Pump Beeps Continuously: A pump that keeps beeping usually indicates that the pressure tank is experiencing problems or is not functioning optimally.
Pump Short Print: This is an indication that the pump system is not working efficiently, perhaps because the pressure tank does not have sufficient drawdown.
Pentair is a leading company in the industry, known for its innovation and superior product quality. By purchasing a Wellmate pressure tank made by Pentair, customers are assured of a product that is durable, high performance, and backed by an official warranty.
Replacing with Wellmate Pressure Tank can significantly improve system performance. In addition, we as an authorized agent in Indonesia, also provide spare parts such as bladder/rubber for replacement, ensuring that every purchase gets adequate after-sales service.
By understanding the types of pressure tanks and their advantages, you can make a wiser decision for your water pump system. The choice of Wellmate products from Pentair is the right investment for the performance and longevity of your water pump system. Feel free to contact us for further consultation and information about our products.
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