One of the most important issues that concern owners of suburban real estate is the organization of uninterrupted water supply. The solution to the problem of water intake can be the use of a pumping station. The German company Alco for many years produces easy-to-use devices that work reliably and for a long time.
The device and principle of operation of Alco stations
Unlike conventional pumps, Alco stations consist of a hydraulic accumulator and an electric pump. Perform several tasks simultaneously, controlling the flow of water supplied and simplifying the control process:
- Engine safety is ensured by a dry-running sensor. If there is no water, it turns off the pump.
- The hydraulic accumulator extends the life of the system by preventing water hammer.
- The water supply from the source is provided by the pump. Before turning on, the centrifugal pump pumps liquid into a special compartment.
- The pressure switch is responsible for starting and stopping the pump. When reduced to extremely low values, switching on occurs. After the water reaches the upper level, the pump turns off.
At Alco pumping stations, the water treatment function is performed using filters that trap sediment at the system exit. With regular use, they should change every 4 months.
The general principle of operation is the ratio of the pressure inside the station and the water level in the hydraulic tank. When the faucet is open, the pressure becomes lower, causing the arrival of water. When the minimum values are reached, the contacts are closed and the pump is turned on. When the valve closes, water begins to flow into the hydraulic tank and when the pressure rises to the highest level, the pump turns off after the contacts open.
Lineup and Specifications
For houses and plots of various sizes, different pumping systems are required. Alco stations are divided by type of capacity:
- Low power. Able to distill up to 3100 liters of water per hour, lift from a nine-meter depth and serve up to a distance of 30 meters. They have an 800 W engine and are equipped with a 20 liter tank.
- Medium power. Pump out up to an hour of 4000 liters. The feed distance is increased - up to 50 m. The engine provides 1000 watts. Tank volume and depth are not changed.
- Powerful. Productivity increased to 6000 liters. per hour using a 1400 W motor to a feed point of 60 m. The tank capacity and the distance to the intake level are unchanged.
HW series is designed for watering and providing water for summer houses and houses with small areas. The pump station for the Alco dacha is equipped with a protective mechanism against operation without water. If the pump does not supply enough, the automatics trips. It is used in ready-made water supply systems to control the pressure level.
The HWF range is available for use in large mansions or farms. Stations are multifunctional complexes, characterized by high power and performance. Equipped with a filter to prevent foreign substances from entering the water. The backpressure valve provides protection of the highway against leaks.
Criterias of choice
To select a pumping station, you need to plan the number of points and the number of participants in water use. When using water with a family of three to four, a supply of 50 liters is enough. per minute. If the number of participants increases to five or six, the volume of water consumed can increase to one hundred liters. If there is a personal plot that needs watering, you need to choose a model with greater productivity.
The maximum lifting height is 9 meters. When placing the water mirror deeper, it is worth making a choice in favor of other models.
Features of operation and maintenance
The operation of Alco pumping systems can only be carried out on flat, dry surfaces that are well protected from atmospheric precipitation and mechanical damage. It is advisable to equip a special outbuilding with utilities.
To ensure stable operation of the system, the battery must be equipped with an uninterrupted supply of electricity. The water temperature at which the operation of the station is possible is from 0 to 35 degrees, voltage is 230 V. It is forbidden to pull the power cable and suspend the system.
Advantages and disadvantages
At Alco's pumping stations, consumers value a combination of technical characteristics that ensure reliable operation and ease of use. Among them:
- low noise level;
- the ability to filter;
- Ease of Management;
- high level of performance;
- small sizes.
The disadvantages include rare flaws identified during the operation of individual models: leaks and deformation of individual elements. In some stations of the budget segment, the housing made of plastic causes dissatisfaction.
Careful use and compliance with operating rules will ensure high-quality work without repair for many years.
