How to install a membrane tank for water supply? Expansion tank for a water supply system: principle of operation and functions performed, calculation features Expansion tank for cold water.

Membrane expansion tanks have found application in heating, water supply, air conditioning, refrigeration systems to compensate for changes in the volume of the coolant resulting from its heating or cooling, as well as to prevent the destruction of the system from hydraulic shock. Frequent jumps hydraulic pressure, gradually leading to system failure, necessitate the purchase of a membrane expansion tank.

Diaphragm type expansion tank

Terem offers a wide range of the lineup expansion tanks of membrane type for heating and water supply (hydraulic accumulators) manufactured by UNIGB, CIMM, Reflex.

The line of vertical membrane tanks Reflex (Germany) is represented by floor and wall models volume from 2 to 1000 liters, with two types of membranes - replaceable and non-replaceable. Expansion membrane tanks Reflex are designed for closed heating systems, refrigeration systems and systems with a solar collector. Reflex tanks are different solid construction and do not need additional energy during operation. They have a high-quality finish and are available in red and red depending on the model. blue flowers. Products of the Italian brand CIMM are also represented by models with floor and wall installation options from 6 to 1000 liters.

Membrane expansion tanks and accumulators Varem Russian production available in volumes from 5 to 2000 liters. Varem membrane tanks can be used both in everyday life and in the industrial area.

Wall-mounted versions with the possibility of horizontal and vertical installation allow you to buy a membrane water tank even for very limited spaces. Small models expansion tanks of membrane type allow you to save usable area. For a membrane tank, the price and other characteristics of the models are presented in the product description.

Buy an expansion tank in "Terem"

The Teremonline online store of engineering equipment offers to purchase membrane-type expansion tanks for various purposes in floor and wall options execution. Expansion tanks and hydraulic accumulators CIMM, Reflex, Varem are designed primarily for domestic use. Models are presented by a wide choice of standard sizes. For a membrane expansion tank, the price in the Teremonline online store is from 748 rubles.

The water supply system, as well as heating is very important, especially in the cold season. An expansion tank for cold water is an important element of it. From him technical condition and characteristics directly depend on the reliability and service life. The material will discuss how to implement optimal choice unit and instructions for its installation will be offered.

Types of expansion tanks for water

The water expansion tank is one of the main components of the water supply system. Traditionally, there are two main types of expansion tanks for water: open and closed (membrane) type. Let's consider them in more detail.

Expansion tank open type . It is represented by a container connected in a special way to the water supply system. Water tanks of this type are usually placed at the top of the building (most often in the attic), since they are bulky, without aesthetic appearance and not sealed. To minimize heat loss through the walls of an open water tank, they are often thermally insulated.

Diaphragm water expansion tank

Diaphragm water expansion tank. The most commonly used option in residential areas. Represented by a sealed container in the form of a capsule made of metal. Its inner cavity is divided into two parts by a heat-resistant rubber membrane. As a result, two cavities are formed: liquid and air. In the air compartment there is a valve designed to release excess air with a significant increase in pressure.

The main functions of the water tank of the closed type

The main function of the water expansion tank is to maintain a stable and optimal pressure for the water supply system. Most often, it is the membrane structure that is used for these purposes, so we will talk about the main functions that the membrane tank performs:

maintains a constant pressure in the system, even if the pump is not running;
prevents the occurrence of water hammer caused by a sudden voltage drop or the presence of air in the pipes;
maintaining a certain volume of water under pressure, which ensures its supply to any point of water intake. So, a tank with a volume of about 30 liters can provide one point with water for several minutes.
protection pumping equipment from rapid wear.

When choosing an expansion tank Special attention two characteristics should be paid attention to: the volume of the tank and the membrane, namely its quality and performance. But more on that later.

In turn, how to understand what volume of the expansion tank will be most suitable? And here it is already necessary to proceed from the following points:

The maximum possible number of start-up cycles carried out by pumping equipment.

Advice. When choosing a tank of a certain volume, remember: the smaller it is, the more often the pump will turn on. Accordingly, the likelihood that it will fail much earlier than the due date increases.

Water intake points, namely their number. And in this case, not only all sinks and a bathtub / shower cabin are meant, but also all household priors powered by the mains ( Dishwasher, washing machine, etc.).
The number of people living in the apartment / house.
Possibility of taking water from several points at the same time.

The volume of the tank depends on the number of residents in the house

A few words about the membrane. After you are convinced that it is made of sufficiently durable and high-quality material, pay attention to the following indicators:

the service life specified by the manufacturer;
compliance with sanitary standards;
operating temperature range;
lack of diffusion.

If you have never really encountered equipment like an expansion tank, then when choosing a unit, be guided by a few numbers.

First indicator. A family of one to three people and a pump with a capacity of not more than 2 tons of water per hour - the best option there will be a tank with a volume of 20-25 liters.
Second indicator. A family of 3 to 8 people and a pump capacity of no more than 3.5 tons of water per hour - 25 liters is no longer enough here, the tank volume should be at least twice as large.
Third indicator. Very high water consumption - a volume of about 100 liters would be appropriate.

Consider also the fact that a small tank provokes frequent pressure surges in the system.

Often the design of the expansion tank provides for the installation of an additional water tank, and without any complications. In the future, the volume of the unit is the volume of all containers in the system.

Self installation

Before moving on to the issue of installation, let's clarify one point: the type of tank. They are horizontal and vertical. And this is important to consider when installing the structure. Otherwise, any membrane tank is mounted according to a similar principle.

Water tank installation

If you want to do it yourself, then you should have at least a little experience with water pipes. In general, the installation process is quite simple, the main thing is to follow a few rules:

The tank must be installed taking into account the need for access to it for preventive / repair measures.
The tank must be connected to the pipeline using special quick-release connectors, so that in a certain situation it is possible to disconnect the unit from the network.
The diameter of the pipeline must be no smaller than the cross section of the inlet pipe.
The body of the expansion tank must be grounded to avoid the process of electrocorrosion.
There must be no equipment between the tank and the pump that can increase the hydraulic resistance.

Our article is coming to an end. Its purpose was to provide basic information about expansion tanks, including selection criteria and rules for quality installation. If you are confident enough in your abilities - go for it, but if not, then we advise you to still entrust the installation work to a professional.

Expansion tank: video

Expansion tank for cold water: photo

A membrane tank is needed for protection engineering system from water hammer and full ensuring its high-quality work. After purchasing equipment, you need to carefully consider , how to install a membrane tank so that it works without failures. The hydraulic accumulator in the water supply performs several functions: it accumulates a supply of water, maintains in the system required pressure, serves as a reserve to reduce the frequency of switching on and off the pump.

Without installing a diaphragm tank, the life of the pump is significantly reduced. In a system provided with a hydraulic accumulator, water can be collected even when the electricity is turned off. During the first start of the pump, the water chamber of the tank is filled with water. The larger the volume of water in the tank, the smaller the air volume and the higher the pressure. Having reached the set pressure indicator, which is necessary to turn off the pump, it automatic shutdown. As soon as the pressure in the system drops to acceptable level, the water supply will turn on immediately. A pressure gauge is installed on the accumulator to check the pressure. It is also necessary to set the required range of operation of the equipment.

Before you start connecting the accumulator to the water supply system, you should:

Carefully study the instructions supplied with the equipment.
Carry out technical pressure calculations and compare with those indicated in the regulatory manual for operation.
For a quality installation, you need a key for detachable connections and pipes made of plastic, the right size wrench.
Special brackets will be needed to mount large volume equipment.

Measurements and calculations of the operated equipment should be carried out by a highly qualified specialist. The quality of the water supply system depends on the accuracy of the calculations and measurements performed.

Many years of experience in using membrane tanks for water supply has shown that horizontal models are the best option. If you have connected submersible pump, purchase and install vertical hydraulic accumulators.

The tank must be installed in an accessible Maintenance place.
During installation, it is necessary to provide for the possibility of dismantling the pipes of the system, if necessary.
The diameters of the pipeline and the connecting pipe must match.
Be sure to install a pressure gauge to monitor system pressure.
It is also necessary to calculate and install shut-off valves.

Elements affecting the hydraulic resistance must not be connected between the pump and the accumulator.

Mount the membrane tank only at positive temperatures. For ease of pressure control, the air valve is installed in an accessible area. The same rule applies to connecting a drain tap, a shield and both types of fittings.

To avoid unnecessary stress on the unit, the pressure reducer should be mounted after connecting the measuring meter. Safety valve should be mounted in front of the flow pipe.

Two shut-off valves installed in the system on both sides of the tank will help to avoid unforeseen situations. Install a drain valve in front of the accumulator.

Setting the operation of the membrane tank

When installation work carried out according to the recommendations, it is necessary to adjust the operation of the mechanism:

When pumping air, select the desired pressure shown on the pressure gauge.
Turn on the water supply pump.
Equalize the pressure and float the membrane.
Setup completed. Now the water supply system with the installed membrane tank is ready for operation.

If you purchased a tank with a removable membrane, after a while it can be replaced. To install a new diaphragm, first unscrew the bolts on the flange connection, and then remove the flange and the obsolete diaphragm. Install a new one and tighten everything carefully again.

Mounting errors to avoid

Do not use seals that are not designed for such work. They very often lead to water leakage.
The location of the tank must be chosen correctly.
Inconsistency of the volume of the tank with the water supply system.
The wrong tools for the job.
The membrane tank must not be opened or drilled with force.

An expansion tank for water supply, the principle of operation and device, types and features are considered in detail. The criteria for choosing an expansion tank are presented, the disadvantages and the main purpose are considered.

Figure 1: Types of expansion tanks

Most important condition in the water supply system - this is the optimal support for water pressure. To ensure the correct pressure in the expansion tanks, compensators are used to even out the loads on pipes and equipment. Water is used not only for technical purposes, but also for food purposes, so the tank and the membrane with inside made from special material which does not change the taste and smell of water. This material must comply with sanitary and hygienic requirements and must have a quality certificate. An expansion tank for water supply systems compensates for water hammer, which greatly increases the service life of pumps and pipelines.

Expansion tank device

Inside the expansion tank there is a rubber membrane that divides the tank into two chambers: air is pumped into one chamber, and the other chamber remains empty. In an empty chamber after installation and start of heating, the flow of coolant will begin. In another chamber, where air is pumped, the required volume will be restored. When the liquid cools, it is forced back into the water supply system. Thus, a constant, necessary pressure is kept in the pipes, which is why the system always works stably, there are no overloads and pressure surges.

Figure 2: Expansion tank dimensions

The principle of operation and features of the expansion tank

The water from the well is under pressure, and at this time the membrane increases, the volume of air decreases, and some pressure is created. The pump turns off when the pressure reaches the required level. Water is consumed, the pressure drops accordingly, and the pump turns on to maintain pressure. The disadvantage of the expansion tank is an irrational method of temporary storage of water. The Dutch were the first to propose the use of expansion tanks with a membrane. Today, closed expansion tanks are very aesthetic and have a different design.

Figure 3: Expansion tank in action

The membrane expansion tank for water supply also has the disadvantage that the membrane cannot be replaced with such a design. If the heating system is working properly, then the liquid expands when the water starts, and otherwise the pressure fluctuations are smooth. The membrane of such a tank is made of high quality material and lasts a very long time.

Figure 4: Diaphragm expansion tank for water supply

With the help of a membrane expansion tank, hydrodynamic shock is compensated, which greatly reduces the frequency of pump operation. This design increases the service life and saves electricity. When the coolant is heated or cooled, the system remains intact. This compensates for the amount of change and it is for this purpose that a membrane expansion tank is installed. Even during a power outage, the reserve tanks have a fire extinguishing function. It is possible to use membrane tanks not only in domestic systems, but also in industrial ones, since the working pressure is calculated up to 16 bar. Hydraulic accumulators can be horizontal and vertical, open and closed. In addition, they differ in terms of water volume and operating pressure.

Volume of the tank

In order to find out the volume of the tank, you need to calculate the initial air pressure in the tank and the working pressure using the formulas, at maximum load. But it will be enough for the buyer to know that the volume of the tank is 1 to 10 of the volume of the coolant that is located in the system.

Figure 5: Calculation of the volume of the expansion tank

Expansion tank for water supply, installation instructions are attached to each tank. There you need to look at the features of choosing an expansion tank, depending on the needs and characteristics of the heating system.

Expansion tanks of open type

They are installed at the highest points of the heating system: on the roofs of buildings or attics. The thermal expansion of the coolant does not allow water to boil, and if a leak occurs, the heating system is replenished with water. Today, open-type tanks are installed in few places, because they have some disadvantages:

too large structure;
installed on high point heating systems, and for this it is necessary to purchase additional pipe(there will be heat losses);
air enters the heating system through the tank, corrosion forms on the heating devices and on the heating systems of some parts;
cannot work stably under high pressure.

Figure 6: Diagram of the expansion tank

Frame;
Water level;
Cold water pipe;
Downpipe;
Safety valve;
Shut-off valve;
The highest point in the pipeline riser.

Expansion tanks of closed type are used:

in a heating system that works with autonomous sources warmth;
in a heating system connected to centralized networks compiled according to independent schemes;
in a system that is connected to a solar collector and pumps;
in a system connected to cold and hot water supply.

Expansion tank selection

It is necessary to choose an expansion tank taking into account all the features of the system. First you need to choose the required volume, choose the design, decide on the material of the membrane. It is also worth paying attention to the weight of the product, which is why the indicator can determine the quality of the reliability and durability of the expansion tank. It is better to purchase well-known brands, as they will be able to provide the heating system long operation and prevent damage to the system. The installation of an expansion tank for water supply and the price for it will please everyone who needs to install such a tank.

We offer to buy For drinking water supply systems with delivery, in the online store "Tavago".
The price for For drinking water supply systems is from 1115 rubles.
Read the manual and reviews about For drinking water systems.

Expansion tanks for water supply systems or hydraulic accumulators are used in supply systems drinking water. They solve the problem of storing a certain supply of water and maintaining the required pressure in the drinking pipeline. Pressure tanks are used as auxiliary equipment closed systems water supply. In open kennels, they are not needed, because they use tanks installed at the top of the system.
Hydraulic accumulator for water supply is a membrane pressure storage of water closed type. It is a steel welded tank with a volume of several liters to several hundred liters. Inside the tank is a membrane, which is usually made of synthetic rubber or elastic rubber. It has the shape of a hollow pear, which overpressure filled with water. The stretched membrane with a full supply of water follows the shape of the tank. It is very similar to an old soccer ball with a rubber chamber, only instead of air, the chamber (membrane) contains water. The space between the membrane and inner surface the tank is filled under some pressure with an inert gas, which excludes contact of water with the metal of the tank and provides pressure for the subsequent supply of water to the main.
The pump that supplies water to the mains does not work non-stop - it also needs a break. Therefore, when the consumer opens the tap to draw water, it will come under pressure from its temporary storage - a pressure membrane tank. This will happen until the pressure in the system drops below the nominal value. And only then does the pump turn on, the operation of which will provide the necessary pressure in the system.
Thus, expansion tanks for water supply, automatically performing a simple mechanical work for storage and subsequent supply to the consumer of water, save pumps from premature wear by reducing their start-up / shutdown periods. At the same time, the larger the capacity of the accumulator for the water supply system, the more water reserves will accumulate there and the less often there will be a need to turn on the pump. In addition, membrane tanks for water supply are able to provide the consumer with water during power outages - water from the accumulator under pressure will flow into the faucet even without the participation of the pump.
The cost of a hydraulic tank depends on the volume of water that it can accumulate, and on the manufacturer. It ranges from 1,000 rubles for small-capacity models to 50,000 rubles for ½ cubic meter tanks. Therefore, the degree of comfort when using drinking water supply will be related to the budget allocated for the purchase of a membrane tank for the water supply system.
The Tavago plumbing salon offers a large product group of membrane accumulators for drinking water supply from leading foreign (Reflex, GWC) and domestic (Dzhileks, Valtec) manufacturers.