Whirlwind pumps are known to most summer residents in Russia. The range of devices is designed for different depths of liquid lifting. The technical characteristics of the surface pump Vortex of various modifications indicate that the units are capable of pumping from 45 to 70 liters per minute. Based on the name of the pump, it is clear that the unit is installed on the surface of the earth at a short distance from the source of water.
Advantages and disadvantages
The positive aspects of the pump are:
- Simple design that does not require any special difficulties in installation and maintenance.
- Excellent pressure. With the same power as that of a centrifugal pump, the vortex surface pump pumps 5-7 times more water.
- Possibility of efficient lifting of liquid from wells of small section.
- Water supply from a depth of 7 to 9 meters.
- Maintaining pressure even when there is air in the cooking chamber. The same cannot be said about centrifugal units.
- Relative noiselessness. If the pump is installed in a caisson and on an anti-vibration lining, it will not be heard at all in the area.
- The ability to use the equipment as an auxiliary to increase the pressure in the pumping station system.
- Powerful, reliable, productive models are inexpensive. The pump belongs to the budget category.
The disadvantages of equipment include:
- The sensitivity of the unit to water quality. Vortex pumps work only with clean media.
- Relatively low efficiency (within 45%).
- Rapid wear of vortex blades in case of sand grains entering the chamber.
The working blades of the pump have a minimum clearance between their ribs and the walls of the working chamber. Therefore, the slightest inclusions of impurities in the water create difficulties in the rotation of the wheel. Grains of sand impede the development of good speed and disable the blades. It is advisable to use the pump only for clean water. Additionally, you can install a coarse filter. As experienced gardeners assure, it will not be superfluous.
Popular models
- Whirlwind PN-370. The body is made of durable cast iron, which prevents any mechanical damage. The unit has a built-in ejector with Venturi tubes. The permissible lifting height of the liquid is 30 meters with a suction depth of 9 m. The model pumps 45 liters of water per minute. The Vortex pump PN-370 is equipped with special protection against overheating and can work with media, the temperature of which does not exceed +35 degrees.
- Whirlwind PN-900. The power of the electric motor is 900 W. For a summer cottage, the best option. The pump pumps 60 liters per minute, while the maximum intake depth for this model is not indicated by the manufacturer. The equipment can be used on average at a depth of 10-15 m (more is unacceptable for a surface pump). The unit is equipped with a handle for easy carrying. In operation, the equipment has shown itself to be low noise with a low vibration level. Part of the body is made of durable polymer.
- Vortex PN-1100N. The unit body is made of stainless steel. The permissible suction depth is 9 meters with a permissible head of 50 m. The engine power is 1100 W. The pump casing is equipped with a carrying handle and a comfortable, stable frame. The pump delivers 70 liters of fluid per minute.
The steel body is more durable. Cast iron rusts over time.
Rules for installing a surface pump
In order for the pump to work properly, it is important to connect it correctly.Experts recommend acting in this way:
- Prepare a special solid platform for installing the pump. If the unit will be used in winter, the equipment must be placed in an insulated caisson, otherwise the water supply system will freeze. It is advisable to additionally put a rubberized mat under the pump. It will reduce vibration and noise.
- An incoming line is arranged from the source to the pump. To do this, measure a piece of pipe with a length from the point of water intake to the entrance to the unit. With the help of a clutch and FUM tape connect it to the pump. It is also advisable to insulate the highway for the winter.
- The check valve is mounted at the end of the pipe that will be submerged in water. It is important to take care of a coarse filter, especially if the pump will work with river water or with liquid from a well to sand.
- The entire system is filled with water. It is important that all the elements of the station are filled, including the hydraulic tank, if used.
- Connect the equipment to the network. When you turn on the tap for the first time in the house, you need to adjust the working pressure. Optimum performance is 2.6-3.0 atm. As soon as this pressure is obtained, the pump will shut off by itself. Check the pressure in the system by using a pressure gauge. As soon as the equipment turns off, you need to fix the readings and adjust them to the recommended ones.
- The entire system is checked for leaks. If there are any, the master made mistakes when connecting the line or the pump has a factory defect.
Vortex surface pumps require good grounding.
Reviews of the Whirlwind units
According to reviews of the Vortex surface pumps, they serve for a long time. At the same time, there are no problems with operation / installation for private craftsmen and gardeners.
Ivan, 43 years old: I bought myself a surface pump Whirlwind PN-370 in the summer. I was tempted by good reviews and an affordable price. Something about 3,000 rubles. I was pleased with the brass impeller and the dimensions of the unit. There were no problems with the installation, adjustment. It pumps water from a depth to a water level of 4 m. A well with clean water. I threw a 30 m long hose through the garden. The output pressure is good. Only the painting of the case is not very good. The top layer peeled off in places. I will probably paint it over the winter. In general, a good unit for the money. I completely fill the garden and vegetable garden of 3 acres in an hour.
Dima, 32 years old: I bought a pump Whirlwind PN-370 for irrigation. The instructions indicate that it pumps up to 46 liters per minute. Checked specifically. Everything seems to match. Pumping water is not loud. Neighbors 20 meters from my garden do not bother. The installation went fine. It just gets very hot at work. I'm thinking about how to cool it down. Or, maybe, what kind of fuse-protection to put.
Kirill, 45 years old: To supply water from a well, in which the mirror is at the level of 4.5 meters, and for a family of two, it is quite enough. My old people live in a small house. The age to draw water in buckets is not the same. He built a pumping station for them using the Vortex PN-900 pump. Outwardly, the unit looks impressive. At the first start, it showed itself well. It has been working for 5 months now. In principle, we are not complaining. You can hardly hear it in the caisson. The plastic is still intact from all sides, even despite the slight vibration of the pump at the time of operation. He insulated the caisson for the winter. So I think everything will be all right. For that kind of money, a very good unit. Of course, for more powerful targets, it is unlikely to work. As well okay.
