Hydraulic accumulators are actively used in the organization of water supply to private houses, in which water is pumped from wells or wells. On the market, this device is represented by a huge variety from a large number of manufacturers. One of the most popular brands is Reflex accumulators from a German manufacturer.
Design features and principle of operation
Reflex hydroaccumulators are water tanks made of carbon steel and lined with enamel on the inside to protect against moisture. A pear-shaped membrane made of butyl rubber is inserted inside, which is recommended for use in various types of tanks intended for storing drinking water.
The membrane divides the tank into two parts:
- water is pumped inside the pear, which does not come into contact with the walls of the tank;
- nitrogen is pumped into the space between the membrane and the accumulator body at the factory under a certain pressure.
Gas transfers its pressure to water, which, when the pump is turned off and consumers are open, creates pressure inside the plumbing system of a private house. Also, the accumulator provides:
- protection against possible water hammer, which often occurs in the water supply system;
- creation of the required water supply in case of pump failure or power outage.
Gas pressure makes it possible to regulate the time of switching on and off the pumping unit. To do this, you need to increase or decrease it. This can be done through a nipple that is located on the opposite side of the inlet.
The lineup
- Reflex DE 50 with a volume of 50 liters, such devices are ideal for buildings in which 3-4 people live;
- Reflex DE 80, which can supply water to a two-story house;
- Reflex DE 100 - the optimal model for a fairly large house;
- Reflex DE 200 is installed in private houses where water is used intensively, there is a large number of consumers (mixers, taps, plumbing fixtures).
According to their technical characteristics, all models differ from each other only in the volume of the tank. In all other respects - the raw materials, shape, structural elements - are similar. Therefore, the main selection criterion is volume. It affects the price of accumulators for Reflex water supply systems. The larger the device, the more expensive it is.
There are two types of the described devices in the model line. Some under the brand name "DE" own a membrane that can be replaced with a new one if it fails. Others under the brand name "DC" in their design have a membrane that cannot be replaced.
Benefits of Reflex Accumulators
The reason for the popularity of German models is their high performance and advantages over other brands:
- a fairly wide model line in which you can easily choose the required option;
- high quality of the materials used, especially for such characteristics as the elasticity of the rubber membrane;
- simple process of replacing the membrane, the highest maintainability of the device;
- high protective properties of the tank and membrane against the negative effects of water, bacteria;
- effective and reliable design of connecting elements, which allows you to quickly and efficiently connect the accumulator to the water supply network;
- long service life;
- affordable price, which makes these products affordable.
The priority is the reliability of the design, as well as a wide variety of the model range. The latter factor gives an advantage in the correct selection of a hydraulic accumulator, taking into account the characteristics and parameters of the water supply system.
Features of installation, operation and maintenance
To connect to the water pipe, two flexible water hoses are required. One (suction) is connected to the pump directly or through a piece of pipe or connected to the injection section of the water main. The other end of this hose is connected to the flange of the rubber membrane through the inlet pipe, which is an integral part of the hydroaccumulator design.
The second flexible hose is connected through a threaded squeegee to the section of the water supply system, through which water is supplied to consumers.
The place of installation of the accumulator is not limited by anything. The main thing is the free space where it could fit, and the length of the flexible inserts, sufficient for connection.
Maintenance of the accumulator is as follows:
- Once a month, make sure that the setting for turning the pump on and off is not lost;
- Once every 6 months, check the pressure inside the tank with a car pressure gauge, this is done through the nipple;
- if the pressure is lower than the passport one, it is necessary to pump air through the nipple with a car pump, followed by a check with a pressure gauge;
- constantly check if the joints of the joints are leaking, the quality condition of the accumulator itself: rust, dents, etc.
Damage to the rubber membrane may be the cause of incorrect operation. You can check this by pressing the nipple with a match. If water flows out, then the membrane is torn. We'll have to replace the pear with a new one. For this, six flange bolts are unscrewed, the latter, together with the membrane, is removed. A new rubber bulb is inserted inside the tank, which is supported by a flange.
Reflex hydroaccumulators can only be operated at positive temperatures. Therefore, they are installed in heated rooms. If the country house is not operated in winter, the water from the water supply system and the accumulator must be drained.
Reflex accumulators cost
The price of a hydroaccumulator from Germany directly depends on the volume of the device. There are also specific parameters that affect the cost of the unit. For example, execution in the category of fastening. Hinged accumulators are cheaper than those with support legs.
The cost of some mounted models in rubles:
- Reflex DE 8 - 1500;
- Reflex DE 25 - 2300;
- Reflex DE 33 - 3300.
Prices for vertical appliances with legs (racks) in the structure:
- Reflex DE 60 - 5300;
- Reflex DE 80 - 6300;
- Reflex DE 100 - 7800;
- Reflex DE 200 - 13700;
- Reflex DE 500 - 24,000;
- Reflex DE 1500 - 100,000.
Models of hydroaccumulators brand "DC" are more expensive than "DE". For example, Reflex DC 500 costs 29,000 rubles. The reason is a membrane made of a durable material with a thicker wall. Hence the longer service life.
