Booster pump set /Pressurisation unit fault?

[phetphet]

Any engineers on here that can help me with this?

 

We, a small apartment block of eight units, have a booster pump set c/w pressurisation unit (like a large bladder inside a steel pressure vessel) that as I understand it helps keep the water pressure constant and prevents the pump from constantly cutting cutting in and out under normal water consumption.

 

When I shower however, or open taps, the water runs, but with intermittent surges of pressure.  Would this be a sign that the bladder might be leaking inside the pressure vessel?  Also the safety valve on my water heater tank keeps operating. Which seems to be an over pressure problem.

Any help on what might be causing this will be much appreciated.

Finding someone to investigate, that knows what they are doing is proving difficult. The last guy that came couldn't even read the water meter correctly.

TIA

[wayned]

What is the make/model number of the pump that you have?

 

Does the pump pump water from a storage tank or directly from the mains?

 

The problem that you are having could be just a waterlogged pump.  It's fairly easy to fix by turning off the input supply to the pump and the output  and fully draining the pump and starting all over again.  Please answer the questions and ,if possible, post a picture of your setup.

[Crossy]

I think wayned is on the right track.

 

Is this a new effect or has it "always been like that".

 

What rate do the "pulses" come at?

 

If you open another outlet do the stop / slow down / get faster?

 

[VocalNeal]

Brand is somewhat immaterial is it A ?

 

Or B

 

 

If A what wayned said above. Shut the water off and remove the black plastic plug shown and drain the water out.

[phetphet]

The pumps suck water from a large storage tank.

I cannot see a label on it, but I presume it is a Grundfoss system as the pumps are Grundfoss.

It all came pre built on a it's base as a package. About two years old.

 

The pulses are about 10 seconds apart. It is a recent occurrence.

 

Another thing that I have noticed is that the water flow from the taps has vastly increased. It used to be a moderate flow, but now is full bore, and pulsing.

 Some photos below. I will try and get some better ones of the pump.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited December 5, 2017 by phetphet
added information.

[wayned]

The large red tank is the accumulator tank and if it does have a bladder it could be ruptured.  I have absolutely no experience with these large "industrial" supply pumps.  I would contact the dealer that sold it to you or, better yet, Grundfos direct. Their customer support email in Thailand is [email protected].

[wayned]

Website in Thai: http://th.grundfos.com/

 

Grundfos (Thailand) Limited 92 Chalermprakiat Rama 9 Rd.
Pravet, Bangkok 10250
Phone: (+66) 2 725 8999
Fax: (+66) 2 725 8998
Sales Department: [email protected]
Service and Spare Parts: [email protected]

[maxpower]

Almost identical to our building supplies which are mostly serviced by management Co but we often need to give them a kick or tweak. I think Grundfoss supply pump parts only.

 

The excessive pressure will most likely be a faulty or wrongly adjusted pressure switch. Our control systems can run duty cycle or paired and have overrun and safety timers which can also cause problems.

 

I strongly suggest you find a decent engineer for this setup because you must consider the following  :-

 

The pressure vessel bladder condition.
The pressure vessel is charged to suit your startup pressure.
The cut off and differential pressure settings (very important).
Condition of the pump discharge non return valves.
Timers and safety switches are set correctly.

[phetphet]

1 hour ago, maxpower said:

Almost identical to our building supplies which are mostly serviced by management Co but we often need to give them a kick or tweak. I think Grundfoss supply pump parts only.

 

The excessive pressure will most likely be a faulty or wrongly adjusted pressure switch. Our control systems can run duty cycle or paired and have overrun and safety timers which can also cause problems.

 

I strongly suggest you find a decent engineer for this setup because you must consider the following  :-

 

The pressure vessel bladder condition.
The pressure vessel is charged to suit your startup pressure.
The cut off and differential pressure settings (very important).
Condition of the pump discharge non return valves.
Timers and safety switches are set correctly.

Finding a decent engineer is the problem. The last guy that came could not even read our water meter, (which is in cubic metres) correctly.

I will contact Grundfos and see if they know someone in our area.

[maxpower]

52 minutes ago, phetphet said:

Finding a decent engineer is the problem. The last guy that came could not even read our water meter, (which is in cubic metres) correctly.

I will contact Grundfos and see if they know someone in our area.

One of our tech guys tells me these pumping stations are used all over Thailand in hotels resorts and rooms for rent so there will be someone with experience close to your location. Perhaps ask at a pump store or locations that might be using similar setup.

[Crossy]

It's worth looking inside the controller unit (the bit with the lights on), there could be a designer / manufacturer contact.

[phetphet]

Maxpower... I might ask management at a local hotel if they have an engineer on their staff, or who they use for their plant.

 

Crossy...Good idea. I will have a look.

Edited December 5, 2017 by phetphet