After equipping the well with water, it must be protected from external influences. Precipitation, groundwater and garbage will spoil the quality of the source, speed up the cleaning time. The installation of the head is the best option for sealing the casing. A plastic or metal structure isolates the well and serves as a mounting point for the pump. The model is selected according to the diameter of the casing.
Definition and purpose of the well head
An autonomous source of water supply needs to be equipped. The borehole head (OS) is a round design worn on the casing. The part is made of durable materials resistant to climatic and mechanical stress. The head has several functions:
- isolates the mine from ingress of meltwater and precipitation;
- prevents the entry of debris;
- design is used to suspend the pump;
- the cover reduces the risk of equipment theft;
- protects the source from freezing in winter.
The tip is a unit of two flanges connected by screws. Between them is a rubber ring, which is a sealant. The upper part is equipped with a carabiner for hanging the submersible pump. The lid has a hole for the power cable. A fitting for connecting the pipeline is located in the middle of the upper flange.
After mounting the head to the well, installation of the pump is simplified. No production of a frame for its fasteners is required.
Types and device
The factory heads of various manufacturers have a similar design. They are distinguished by material. Products are of three types:
- Cast iron is the most durable and durable option. The robust design allows you to suspend equipment weighing up to 500 kg. The product consists of a cover, a clamping flange, a sealing ring and fasteners.
- Steel - in terms of reliability and withstand load, the nodes are not inferior to cast-iron models. An important factor is the anti-corrosion coating. Its life depends on its quality. Products are of high cost.
- Plastic - designs are designed to hold aggregates weighing up to 200 kg. This option is recommended for mines with a depth of about 50 m. Products are resistant to corrosion, but cheap models can not withstand winter cold. When tightening the fixing screws, be careful that the material does not crack under pressure.
Some design features received covers for wells having an adapter. They are made of cast iron. In the upper part there is no hole for the water pipe. Universal cover suitable for casing of several diameters (125,127,133 mm). It has openings for an electric cable and safety cable.
Design features:
- Cover - the upper part of the assembly, on which the hole for the pressure pipe is located, cable entry, eye bolts for lifting pumping equipment. On the inside there is an eyebolt for the cable. Mounting bolts are inserted around the perimeter.
- Flange - a detail of a round shape with a cut out center. It is put on a casing. Fastens with a cover.
- Sealant - the element is made of rubber. Its function is to ensure the tightness of the structure.
There are simplified versions of leaking heads. Craftsmen make protective nodes independently. For this, steel or aluminum is used. Flanges of the required diameter are cut out of metal. They make holes for fasteners, electric wire, pipe.
Varieties of tips:
- Inner - lower flange and O-ring are placed inside the casing mouth. The design rests on the shelf of the upper flange. On the cover there is an input for the power cable and an adapter for the pressure line.
- External - the flange is put on the external surface of the pipe after the pump is lowered. From above the rubber ring falls. The upper part is fastened with installation bolts.
Installation of downhole heads facilitates pump maintenance. It can be easily lifted along with the cover by securing the winch cable to the eyebolts.
Criterias of choice
When choosing a device in specialized stores, you must focus on the diameter of the casing. Pressure line parameters are also important. Pipe sizes are indicated in the product labeling. Key designations:
- OS - borehole head made of metal;
- P - case material plastic;
- A - anti-vandal design;
- the first digit is the diameter of the casing string;
- the figure after the inclined is the diameter of the pressure hose or pipe.
Some models are universal. Permissible casing dimensions are indicated by a dash. The fit of the structure is regulated by a rubber ring.
Before buying a headband, the weight of the pump and accessories should be estimated. The safety cable, cable, hoses and the unit itself for deep wells have significant weight. In this situation, the use of plastic models is not allowed. Specialists recommend that you select the same material for the head as that of the casing.
Mounting Features
The installation of an industrial head can be done by yourself. It does not require the acquisition of special tools and skills. The work is divided into several stages.
Preparatory stage
- An even cut of the casing is performed. It is cleaned from burrs, polished. This will give maximum tightness. Rust is removed from the metal, it is covered with a primer and anti-corrosion paint.
- The pump is preparing to be lowered into the well. The required length of the safety cable is measured. The recommended product material is stainless steel or nylon. A power cable is connected to the cable with plastic clamps. The end of the wire is led out into the opening of the lid. The cable entry is equipped with a spring guide or collet clamp to adjust the sliding speed. During installation, it is loosened.
Mounting the head
- The bottom flange is put on the casing. On top of it is a rubber seal. If the ring does not move well, the area is coated with grease.
- The safety cable is attached to a special pump eye, the other end to the lid carabiner. Depending on the weight of the unit, several people lower it or use a winch. Diving occurs slowly, without jerking and swinging.
- The upper part of the head is put on a pressure pipe or hose, and the fastening is tightened.
- The rubber ring and bottom flange move toward the top. The bolts are aligned with the holes and tightened with nuts. So that the construction of the village is even, the fastening takes place according to a certain pattern. The bolts tighten gradually, opposite each other. Fastening takes place until it is fully fixed.
- The final procedure is the reliable fixing of the electric wire. Insert nut tighten to the end.
When tightening the bolts, forces should be calculated, otherwise the rubber ring will burst. The integrity of the structure will be impaired.
In winter, metal models can freeze, so the design requires insulation. Around it is installed insulating box. A good option is a caisson device. This is a small chamber below ground level where the pumping equipment is located. Its walls are insulated with foam.
Manufacturers and cost
The price of the device depends on the size, material and manufacturer. Popular downhole component manufacturers:
- Dzhileks - a Russian manufacturer of pumping equipment offers models with the marking OS, OSB, OSPB (plastic with the base part as an integrated terminal box). The models are easy to install and operate, suitable for use in cottages and in private cottages. The price of products is 2000-4000 rubles.
- Aquarius - products are designed for a diameter of casing pipes 90-168 mm They are suitable for various materials - NPVH, PND, steel. Plastic design involves the installation of a pump with a weight of up to 200 kg. Models are recommended for shallow penetrations. Their plus is the affordable cost of about 1500-3000 rubles.
- Merrill - the heads of the American company are available in two versions of the body material - plastic and cast iron. During installation, the installation of a ventilation supply valve is required, otherwise the device is ready for use. Valve sold separately. Manufacturer's warranty for 10 years. The cost is from 2400 to 4200 rubles.
Using heads is the most affordable option for protecting an autonomous source. Installation does not require welding. For fastening it is enough to tighten fixing bolts.
