So that the pumping equipment does not fail prematurely, it is necessary to install at least a minimum set of automation. It includes a dry run sensor, which will turn off the device when the liquid level in the well decreases; a sensor that regulates the supply of electricity and turns off the device during phase imbalance; as well as pressure switches. With each new model, the pumps are becoming more complex, so you have to install more intelligent automation.
Purpose of automation for pumps of water supply systems
The simplest set for water supply includes a pump, a storage tank and several valves. All automation can be divided into three groups:
- for systems with a hydraulic accumulator;
- for operation without a membrane tank, when the pump is turned on when the tap is opened;
- universal appliances.
The pumps are not designed to operate outside of the fluid, and in the summer time the water often goes down or when the soil moves completely disappears from the well. You may not notice this, but 2 to 3 minutes of dry running equipment is enough to break down completely. Against such cases, various sensors have been developed that turn off the devices and do not turn on until the problem is resolved. Sometimes it’s enough just to lower the suction hose or immersion block below the water mirror and the equipment starts up. In other cases, you will need to dig a well in another place.
If the pump runs for some time without water, two sensors can immediately react - from dry running and from overheating. Submersible equipment is cooled only by constantly being in a cold liquid. If it is not, it is better to turn off the pump.
Operating principle
There are the simplest automatic functions that control the home pump, and very complex units designed for several similar devices, for example, a submersible pump control station. If a powerful device serves several water points at once, simple automation will not be enough, since a distribution function between all consumers is still required.
Depending on the complexity of the equipment, consumers can choose one of three options for automatic functions:
- 1st generation automation - the minimum set of sensors that protect the pump from damage. It includes protection that works when there is no fluid in the well, a storage tank as part of the system, a pressure switch that is configured to turn on and off when two thresholds are reached - working and minimum.
- Automation 2 generations. In this case, the sensors are connected to the electronic control unit. They are installed along the entire highway, with their help you can monitor the state of the entire system. It includes, in addition to the standard set, a sensor that determines the breakdown of the water main. Such systems are more expensive, but can do without a membrane tank.
- Automation 3 generations is a complex system, which requires a specialist to connect and configure. It includes a complete set of protective functions. Here, the presence of a hydraulic accumulator is not so important. The new system is able to regulate the power of the engine - with conventional automation, the engine works at full speed as standard and consumes a lot of electricity. With a small flow rate, this is not necessary, therefore, the control unit monitors the rate at which water is consumed, and accordingly adjusts the operation of the engine. This helps prevent premature wear and also reduces electricity costs.
For different types of pumping equipment, their own automation is selected, since its types may not be suitable for a submersible or surface water intake device.
Criterias of choice
Automation for a submersible pump with a hydraulic accumulator and a pressure switch must match the capabilities of the equipment. For example, a set of sensors of the 3rd generation frequency control the process. If the pump does not support such a function, it makes no sense to overpay for an expensive system - it will not work. Suitable 1 or 2 variety, depending on the budget.
Automation kits are bought mainly with self-assembly of the system, because it is cheaper, or the complete set of the pumping station does not suit the consumer. For example - a person has a deep well in the area - 30 meters, almost an artesian one. Buying a station with an ejector is not profitable, because it is noisy (the equipment is in the house) and is very expensive. The optimal solution is to purchase a high-quality submersible pump, a storage tank of sufficient volume, the connection of all nodes into one system and the installation of automatic protection sensors.
If the highway is laid underground below the freezing level, in addition it is long, it is advisable to place sensors along the entire length that monitor the condition of the pipes. If a section breaks, there will be no need to unearth everything - it is enough to determine exactly where the accident occurred and replace a part of the pipeline.
When choosing automation, what pipes are laid on the site matters. If you do not use a hydraulic accumulator, the sensors will respond to pressure in the line. It must withstand the pressure of water. If the material is not designed for such loads, it is better to install a membrane reservoir to reduce pressure in the line.
Installation and connection diagrams
Automation of the first generation is easy to install. All that is required is to attach a pressure switch, and the float is installed at the assembly stage of the submersible pump. Before installation, the relays are configured and mounted on a membrane tank. The setting is to twist or unscrew the large and small springs. The first is responsible for the working pressure, the second for the difference between the upper and lower levels.
Procedure:
- The whole system is assembled and the tank is mounted.
- Relay is connected.
- The appliance is plugged in.
- The upper spring is tightened, then the lower one.
- A work check is underway.
If you list all the parts in order, starting from the suction pipe, the whole circuit will look like this:
- non-return valve against drainage of water at the inlet to the suction hose;
- suction pipe;
- pump;
- plug for connecting the device to the network;
- pressure switch;
- accumulator;
- protective relay from idling;
- check valve;
- pressure pipe;
- hydrant.
Electronic systems are much more difficult to install and configure, so it’s better to invite a specialist from a service center to install them.
Advantages and disadvantages of using automation for water pumps
Automatic control units are designed to protect and improve the quality of pumping equipment. They have their own strengths and weaknesses. The benefits include:
- a variety of protective devices from which you can choose the best option for any type of equipment - surface or submersible;
- the set of functions has already been assembled by the manufacturer and after installation it is ready to work, you do not need to configure the system, because all nodes are arranged for compatibility and can work synchronously - there is no need to select the components yourself;
- automation balances the operation of the entire system, and not just its individual parts;
- It is easier for consumers who do not understand electronic circuits and devices to buy a complex unit and install it according to the specified scheme.
Disadvantages are also available:
- ready-made complex automation units are more expensive than it would have cost if the nodes were assembled independently;
- in ready-made kits, not all individual parts are always harmoniously selected, but knowledge in the field of engineering is necessary for an independent search for components and their settings;
- it is difficult to choose automatic complexes for vibration pumps - this is due to the input pressure indicator, which is not designed for automation.
In order to achieve coordinated operation of the pumping equipment, it is recommended to buy an automatic protection kit with the pump. So it will be easier for the manager to select the components so that they correspond to the class of the unit, its type and capabilities.
The prices for automation for water pumps without a hydraulic accumulator are higher, since finer settings are assumed. During the operation of such systems, energy and pump resources are saved. Investments in the automatic unit quickly pay off due to utility bills.
