Common Problems in Water Pump Systems and Solutions with Pressure Tanks

Water pump systems often experience problems such as persistent pump noise or frequent cycling on and off. These problems are usually caused by several factors such as an improperly sized pressure tank, an improperly set pressure switch, or even damage to the pressure tank itself.

Pumps that frequently shut down and restart repeatedly can significantly reduce pump life and increase energy consumption. Therefore, it is important to ensure that your water pump system is equipped with a suitable pressure tank that is in good condition.

Types of Pressure Tanks

There are several types of pressure tanks available in the market, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here is an explanation of the three main types of pressure tanks:

1. One Compartment Stainless Steel Pressure Tank

• Description: This is the oldest and simplest type of pressure tank. It consists of a single compartment filled with water and air.

• Advantages: Durable and not easily damaged.

• Disadvantages: Drawdown is relatively small, requires regular maintenance to prevent water logging, and is prone to corrosion especially in a humid environment.

2. Bladder Pressure Tank

• Description: Consists of a compartment with a rubber balloon (bladder) inside that separates water and air.

• Advantages: High efficiency, water does not come into contact with metal reducing the risk of corrosion, and easier to maintain as the bladder can be replaced if damaged.

• Disadvantages: Higher cost compared to regular steel tanks.

3. Diaphragm Pressure Tank

• Description: Uses a fixed diaphragm that separates water and air. Cannot be opened for repairs.

• Advantages: High quality and usually requires no maintenance.

• Disadvantages: If the diaphragm is damaged, the tank must be completely replaced.

How Pressure Tanks Work

Pressure tanks work on the basic principle of compressing air to maintain water pressure in the system. Here is a more detailed explanation of how pressure tanks work:

1. Filling Water into the Pressure Tank

When the water pump system is turned on, water is pumped into the pressure tank. At first, the tank is empty and the pressure inside the tank is also low. As the water begins to fill the tank, the air inside the tank begins to compress at the top.

2. Reaching Maximum Pressure

As more water enters the tank, the air at the top of the tank continues to compress until it reaches the maximum pressure set by the pressure switch. At this point, the water pump will automatically shut off because the pressure inside the tank has reached the specified limit.

3. Using Water from a Pressure Tank

When water is used, for example for bathing or washing, it comes out of the pressure tank. The compressed air pressure at the top of the tank will push the water out through the distribution pipes to the household or industrial system. As the amount of water in the tank decreases, the air pressure inside the tank also begins to decrease.

4. Restarting the Pump

When the pressure inside the tank drops to the minimum pressure set by the pressure switch, the water pump will restart automatically to refill the tank with water. This cycle will continue to repeat, keeping the water pressure in the system stable.

5. Drawdown

Drawdown is the volume of usable water between the pump turning off and the pump turning back on. Greater drawdown means the system does not need to turn on and off as often, which can extend pump life and save energy. The right size of pressure tank can be determined by calculating the water demand for one minute.

6. Role of Pressure Switch

Pressure switches play an important role in regulating the on and off cycle of the pump. It measures the pressure in the tank and sends a signal to the pump to turn on or off based on the pre-set pressure limit. Proper pressure switch settings are essential to ensure optimal performance of the pressure tank and pump.

Drawdown and How to Size a Pressure Tank

Drawdown is the volume of water that a pressure tank can provide between the pump turning off and the pump turning back on. Greater drawdown means the pump does not need to turn on and off as often, which can extend the life of the pump and save energy.

The right size of pressure tank can be determined by calculating the water demand for one minute. For example, if a shower requires 20 liters of water per minute, the pressure tank should have a minimum drawdown of 20 liters.

Drawdown Table

Here is a commonly used drawdown table to assist in selecting the right pressure tank size:

Drawdown table.

Example of Drawdown at Pressure 30/50 PSI (2.1/3.4 Bar)

Let's say we have a pressure tank with a capacity of 80 liters. Here are the steps to calculate the drawdown at a pressure of 30/50 PSI (2,1/3,4 Bar):

Cut-in pressure (pump starts filling) is 30 PSI (2.1 Bar).

• Cut-in pressure is 30 PSI (2.1/3.4 Bar).

• Cut-off pressure (pump stops filling) is 50 PSI (3.4 Bar).

For Pressure Tanks with a size of 80 liters, we can use a general drawdown table or a suitable formula to calculate the volume of usable water between the cut-in and cut-off pressures.

In this example, the drawdown for an 80 liter pressure tank at 30/50 PSI is about 30.59 liters. This means that between the cut-in and cut-off pressures, there are 30.59 liters of water available for use before the pump has to restart to refill the tank.

By understanding how pressure tanks and drawdown calculations work, users can ensure that their water pump system is functioning efficiently and reliably, avoiding problems such as constant pump noise or pump failure. Additionally, choosing a pressure tank size that matches the water demand will help optimize system performance and extend the life of the device.

Popularity of Pressure Tanks in Indonesia

In Indonesia, bladder type pressure tanks are very popular due to their high efficiency and ease of maintenance. However, nowadays, the stainless steel type is more widely used due to its lower price. Unfortunately, stainless steel tanks are susceptible to corrosion, which can reduce their lifespan.

Our Pressure Tank Products

We offer a wide range of Wellmate pressure tanks from Pentair, which are known for their quality and durability. Wellmate products offer several advantages:

• • Corrosion-Resistant Construction: Ideal for corrosive environments such as coastal areas.

  • Replaceable Air Cell: Easy maintenance in the field.

  • Greater Drawdown: Offers higher efficiency compared to a steel tank of the same size.

• • Authorized Warranty: Provides peace of mind to the user.

  • Ease of Installation: Lighter and easier to install compared to steel tanks.

Common Problems with Pressure Tanks

• Pump Beeps Continuously: A pump that continues to beep usually indicates that the pressure tank is experiencing problems or is not functioning optimally.

• Pump Screech: This is an indication that the pump system is not working efficiently, possibly because the pressure tank does not have sufficient drawdown.

Why Pentair?

Pentair is a leading company in the industry, known for innovation and superior product quality. By purchasing a Wellmate pressure tank made by Pentair, customers are assured of a product that is durable, high performance, and backed by an official warranty.

Replacing with Wellmate Pressure Tank can significantly improve system performance. In addition, we as an authorized agent in Indonesia, also provide spare parts such as bladder/rubber for replacement, ensuring that every purchase gets adequate after-sales service.

Conclusion

By understanding the types of pressure tanks and their advantages, you can make a wiser decision for your water pumping system. The choice of Wellmate products from Pentair is the right investment for the performance and longevity of your water pump system. Feel free to contact us for further consultation and information regarding our products.

Contact us via WhatsApp or Email for a free consultation and find the product that suits you.