A hydraulic accumulator is part of an autonomous water supply system. It is installed to maintain a given pressure, compensate for water shocks, and prevent wear of the pump motor. The device has a simple design, so maintenance and repair of the accumulator in the water supply system can be performed independently.
Features of service accumulator
Automation of the water supply system extends the life of the pumps, allows you to maintain a constant pressure in the pipeline. The role of the drive is assigned to the accumulator. Inside the sealed steel tank is air and a rubber membrane into which water is pumped. The fluid pressure in the system controls the relay installed at the tank inlet. For the correct operation of the network, it is necessary to ensure stable air pressure in the tank. The rarefaction of the medium leads to an imbalance in water supply.
Equipment requires maintenance. The operating instructions for the device indicate the frequency of checking the operating pressure. It is 1 time in 3-6 months. Extraordinary maintenance is required when increasing the number of starts and stops of the pump. To check, you will need an electronic or automobile pressure gauge. Work is carried out after draining the water from the tank.
In the upper part of the housing there is a protective cover, under which there is a nipple. A pressure gauge is connected to the spool, showing the air pressure. The optimal parameter is indicated in the product passport. Also take into account the lower threshold for switching on the pump. The pressure in the air chamber should be less than 10%. If the measured pressure is lower than recommended, it must be pumped up with a compressor.
Equipment maintenance includes:
- Once every 6 months, the tank body is inspected. The presence of dents, corrosion of metal, sagging is established. If any of the listed damage is detected, the cause of the problem must be determined.
- Every month, a check is made of the parameters for switching the pump on and off. The lost settings are regulated by the pressure switch springs.
- Once every six months, the integrity of the rubber membrane is established. An indicator of the problem is the flow of water from the nipple of the air chamber.
Laying the accumulator for prolonged storage inoperative occurs after a complete drain of the liquid. The tank is left in a dry room.
Main malfunctions in the device
Stable operation of the hydraulic accumulator units ensures comfortable use of plumbing fixtures. A sign of problems in the operation of the equipment is the uneven pressure of the tap water. The liquid flows jerkily, vibration of pipes is felt. A malfunction indicator is the frequent actuation of the pressure switch. The main types of breakdowns during the operation of a hydraulic tank:
- water leakage at the attachment point of the flange or nipple;
- drop in air pressure in the tank;
- water pressure does not increase during pump operation;
- frequent repetition of the on / off mode of the pump.
Experts advise doing complete prophylaxis with disassembling the accumulator after three years of operation. The procedure is necessary for the planned replacement of worn parts. It will prevent breakdown and emergency that occurs unexpectedly.
How to find and fix a breakdown
To find the fault yourself, you need to know the hydraulic accumulator device.Parts of its construction:
- metal case;
- rubber membrane;
- flange with a conclusion for water supply;
- nipple for pumping air;
- installation platform.
A simple device provides long-term equipment operation and rare breakdowns. Their main reason is incorrect settings of the operating mode. Troubleshooting is carried out according to characteristic features. Having discovered the cause of the breakdown, they fix it on their own or invite a specialist.
Frequent activation of the pump causes several factors:
- Low air pressure in the tank. It is eliminated by pumping the compressor through a nipple.
- Loss of tightness. Holes appear in the metal case due to rust or mechanical damage. The container is covered with liquid soapy water to find a leak. Tightness restore specialists.
- A small threshold difference is set on the pressure control relay. The problem is corrected by adjusting the small spring of the device.
- Rupture of the membrane. The rubber bulb inside the tank may burst due to excessive stretching, friction against the walls of the tank, due to natural wear. Damage is corrected by replacing or repairing the membrane. The vulcanization of a rubber product restores its integrity. When replacing, you should choose an original part of the same volume.
Low water pressure:
- Insufficient pump power. Check the calculations for the correspondence of the volume of the accumulator and the characteristics of the unit.
- Bypass check valve. Replace the part by first shutting off the water.
Constant drop in water pressure:
- Air rarefaction - it should be pumped up with a compressor or pump up to 1.5-2 atmospheres.
- Broken nipple. A device through which air is pumped may break. The tightness of the tank is lost. You can do the replacement of the nipple in the accumulator yourself or take the device to a service center. The part is fixed with a nut, it is carefully twisted, then removed. When installing a new nipple, a rubber gasket and sealant are used.
Fluid leakage on the body:
- Flange leaks fluid. If the part is new, just tighten the screws with a wrench. An old rusted flange needs to be replaced. Parts are sold in a specialized store. They come in metal or plastic inserts.
- Leaking nipple. The cause of the problem is rupture of the membrane. To replace, remove the flange, then remove the rubber container. It is recommended to wash the tank from the inside. A new membrane is installed after complete drying. It is secured by a flange.
Before starting any repair work, the pumping station is disconnected from the power supply. All water is drained from the tank by opening the nearest tap. To replace parts, the accumulator is removed from the water supply system. In the process of disassembling, you should prepare for cleaning a significant amount of water remaining inside the membrane.
Self-repair of breakdowns or call a specialist
Repairing the storage tank for people who are constantly dealing with tools and equipment seems to be a simple matter. To remove the nipple and install a new part with complete tightness, skill and knowledge are required. Unscrew the screws of the old flange and replace the membrane is easier, but without a suitable key, this will not work. The hole in the housing can only be eliminated by welding; a specialist will be required to work. It is enough for consumers to carry out regular maintenance of the hydraulic tank, and entrust the representatives of the service center with complex repairs.
In case of significant damage and deterioration of accumulator units, it is recommended to purchase new equipment.
