SIZING HYDROPNEUMATIC TANK

Eight steps to size hydropneumatic tank

1. Determine the flow rate requirement which is
normally the design flow rate of the pump system.
2. Determine the cut out pressure of the pump and
the cut in pressure. Normally the differential
between cut out pressure and cut in is about
10psig.
3. Determine the off time of the pump once it cuts
out says 15mins to 30mins.
4. Determine the type of use of the pump system.
5. Determine the acceptance volume for 30mins stop
time using table below.
6. Adjust the acceptance volume to the actual
required pump stop time if it differs from 30mins.
7. Tank size required is acceptance volume
(adjusted to pump stop time) divide by
draw down coefficient.
Determine the draw down coefficient from
table below.
8. Next select tank size from ASME table
below.
SETTING OF HYDROPNEUMATIC TANK AND WORKING OF TANK
1. The air charge pressure in the tank is typically set 2 PSI below
the pressure switch pump cut-in pressure or 10% to 20%
below the system pressure for surge applications.
2. Upon operation of the system, water is pumped into the
flexible bladder in the tank. As the bladder fills with water the
air cushion is compressed, causing a rise in the pressure in the
system. The pressure continues to rise until it reaches the
desired maximum system pressure (pump cut-out setting),
causing the pump to shut off.
3. Water remains in the system piping and the tank until
required. As water is drawn down from the system, the air
pressure in the tank decreases. When the system pressure
reaches the minimum pressure setting (pump cut-in setting),
the pump will turn on and start the cycle again.
SIZING OF HYDROPNEUMATIC TANK FOR
WATER CONTRACTION AND EXPANSION
SIZING OF HYDROPNEUMATIC TANK FOR
WATER CONTRACTION AND EXPANSION
• Obtain specific gravity of water at
maximum temperature.
• Obtain specific gravity of water at
minimum temperature.
• Obtain the volume of water in the pipe.
• Obtain the change in volume of water in
the pipe = volume of water in pipe multiply
by differential in specific gravity of water