Hydrophore systems are designed to supply water to residential and commercial buildings, allotment gardens, farms, etc. from their own water intake, from shallow aquifers from cased or drilled wells with a filter in a jacketed pipe.
Do not connect hydrophore systems to the water supply system!
For systems based on self-priming pumps type SM, SKA, SKB, the distance from the axis of the pump shaft to the surface of the water surface measured vertically must not exceed 7m, as the permissible manometric suction height of the pump is 7.5m.
Do not connect hydrophore systems to the water supply system!
For systems based on self-priming pumps type SM, SKA, SKB, the distance from the axis of the pump shaft to the surface of the water surface measured vertically must not exceed 7m, as the permissible manometric suction height of the pump is 7.5m.
It is recommended that the diameter of the hole in the pipe supplying water from the well to the pump be one order larger than the diameter of the hole in the pump suction flange. The number of elbows and the length of the suction pipe was kept to a minimum, which will result in low hydraulic losses on the inlet.
The table below shows the amount of losses Δhs for a 10m section of the pipeline, depending on the diameter adopted for the maximum capacity of the pump SKB.4.02.
The table below shows the amount of losses Δhs for a 10m section of the pipeline, depending on the diameter adopted for the maximum capacity of the pump SKB.4.02.
| pipe's Φ [mm] |
Δhs losses [m] |
pipe's Φ [mm] |
Δhs losses [m] |
| Φ32 (11/4”) | 1,0 | Φ40 (11/2”) | 0,3 |
Flow losses due to fittings (check valve, gate valve, suction basket, elbow, tee) for each component separately are half of the value given in the table.
For wells with significant sand, which can cause faster wear of the pump, we recommend using an additional anti-sand filter before the pump on the water supply pipe. The filter should be characterized by the smallest possible flow pressure loss to ensure proper operation of the pump and the entire hydrophore system under individually defined conditions.
Elements of the hydrophore system
- pumping unit - self-priming pump with motor type SM, SKA, SKB
- hydrophore tank with rubber bag
- pressure connector LCA
- ball valve
- safety valve - if required
- non-return valve
- fittings (e.g. elbows, bicones, couplings, tees, etc.)
- check valve with suction basket
For wells with significant sand, which can cause faster wear of the pump, we recommend using an additional anti-sand filter before the pump on the water supply pipe. The filter should be characterized by the smallest possible flow pressure loss to ensure proper operation of the pump and the entire hydrophore system under individually defined conditions.
System installation
The components of the hydrophore system should be prepared and assembled according to the individual operating instructions. Pipes (pipes) should be cleaned and checked for tightness. Laying of pipes should be started from the pump avoiding unnecessary changes in flow directions. Especially carefully lay the suction line by the shortest route.Before connecting the piping to the pump, prime the pump with water!
The pumping unit should be installed as close to the well as possible. The hydrophore tank and pump with motor should be installed in an enclosed room with a positive temperature not exceeding 20oC.
Install the suction basket check valve at least 0.5m below the dynamic level of the water table (this is the level at which the water table is located during pumping) and 0.5m above the bottom of the well to prevent the pump from sucking up sand. Drilled wells should be filtered.
The operating noise of the various components of the hydrofoil system can be reduced by incorporating a section of rubber hose into the system, placing the pump unit on flexible pads, and insulating the pipe line at the point of passage through the building wall with sound-absorbing material. We also suggest raising the pumping unit slightly above the floor, for reducing the likelihood of damage to the motor in the event of flooding of the room where the pumping system is located (unless there is a drain sump).
The entire installation of the hydrofoil system before commissioning must be checked for leaks, for example, with a soap solution laid as a foam on the outside at the connection points.
Initial startup of the hydrophore system
- Before the first start of the pump (1) pour water through the suction port before connecting the hydraulic system.
- Check the gas pressure in the tank (2) in the case of ZBOS tanks, as standard, in the upper part there is a pressure gauge from which we read the pressure. In the upper part of the tank there is also a valve with which we can adjust the gas pressure in the tank. The gas pressure in the tank must correspond to the switching value of the LCA.2 connector, which by default is 0.2MPa minus 0.01 to 0.02MPa. At the factory, the tank is filled with air, the excess pressure should be vented, the shortage should be replenished with air according to the procedure in the manual of hydrophore tanks.
- Turn on the power supply. From now on, its automatic operation will be controlled by the pressure switch LCA.2.
- Adjust the pressure switch. At the factory, the pressure switch LCA.2 is set to an attachment range of 0.2 MPa off 0.35 MPa. For other factory settings, refer to the pressure switch manual. To change the settings, connect the switch to the system and remove its cover. The first action during adjustment is to set the cut-off pressure with the adjustment nut Pw. By turning the nut to the right, we increase the switch-off pressure, while by turning it to the left - we lower it. The next step is to set the switch-on pressure with the screw Pz. Before starting this step, it is absolutely necessary to loosen the lock nut. By screwing in the screw Pz as far as it will go (turning to the right), the maximum switch-on pressure is obtained. By unscrewing the Pz-screw (turning to the left), a lower switching pressure is obtained. After the adjustment is completed, it is mandatory to tighten the lock nut and install the switch cover.
Here it is necessary to pay attention that the power of the installed motor at the pump is not exceeded. Changing the parameters of the pump, an increase in the head will increase the power demand on the motor shaft.
Changing the switch setting also changes the amount of domestic water delivered in one pump cycle. This includes filling and drawing water from the tank once.
LCA pressure switch
Operation
The pump unit must not be started without water (dry). The water in the hydrophore system must not be allowed to freeze, risking damage to the pump, tank, and system. If the temperature drops to 0°C and if the hydrophore system is to be out of service for a long time, drain the system, tank, and pump completely of water. When operating the hydrophore system, check the gas (air) pressure in the tank from time to time and refill it if necessary.
Before each start-up after a prolonged shutdown (more than 14 days), after disconnecting the power supply, remove the motor fan cover and spin the fan, rotate the pump rotating system. This will protect the motor from possible damage (winding burnout).
Transportation and storage
Individual components of the pumping system should be transported to the site of installation in the same packaging in which they were delivered by the manufacturer. If the protective coating of the tank is breached, the exposed area should be cleaned and protected from corrosion. The pumping unit and the tank should be stored in accordance with the instructions for use of the equipment.
Types of disturbances, causes and ways to remove them
| Types of interference | Possible cause | Method of removal |
| Engine won't start | -lack of voltage -pump impeller blocked -capacitor capacity too small (230V) |
- check the voltage -Remove the engine fan cover and spin the fan -replace the capacitor |
| The pump is not pumping water | - pump without water -The lower valve is not in the water -air in the suction line -manometric suction height too high -clogged check valve basket -worn pump components and impellers |
fill the pump with water -immerse the bottom valve in water -check the tightness of the suction line -check suction height, lower the pump -clean the garbage can -pump repair |
| Pump switches on at very low water intake | -gas pressure in the tank too low | -raise the pressure through the valve or according to the instructions of the tank |
| Pump capacity too low | -Suction height too high (cavitation) -check valve basket clogged |
-check the suction height -clean the basket |
| A thermal switch shuts down the pump | -shutdown pressure too high -motor overloaded by pump seizure -Too much friction due to foreign bodies |
-set LCA.2 according to the setting table in the technical data -Disassemble the pump and clean it -use another basket to prevent suction of foreign bodies, remove foreign body |
Overview drawing of the pumping system
