Comet Pressure Equalizer?

[nigelmercier]

I've got a "Comet" Pressure Equalizer in my water system, with a Shurflo pump. Two questions:

[1] If I run the system with the PE initially empty, the pump keeps running. If I fill it up with water first, the pump keeps cutting out when showering. Which is the correct starting point?

[2] Should the Pressure Equalizer be mounted higher than the pump, so as to keep it primed? Is the fact that it is about half-way up the cause of my problems?

 

[nigelmercier]

Note, I believe the Pressure Equalizer is also known as an Accumulator Tank.

 

[Playtime]

When the pump is on and has stopped running (i.e. the system is pressurized) the accumulator should be about half to two thirds full of water (assuming it fills from the bottom and doesn't have a diaphragm).

The pump 'cycling' when you are showering probably means that the pump is capable of delivering more water than the shower can deliver. The pressure builds as the accumulator fills so the pump switches off briefly until the pressure has dropped a bit. You get the same effect if you turn a tap on half way.

 

[nigelmercier]

[ QUOTE ]
When the pump is on and has stopped running (i.e. the system is pressurized) the accumulator should be about half to two thirds full of water (assuming it fills from the bottom and doesn't have a diaphragm).


[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks for the reply. With reference to my questions:

[1] So the correct starting point for the Accumulator is empty?

[2] Should the Pressure Equalizer be mounted higher than the pump?

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

No, the correct starting point for the accumulator is charged... ie 2/3rds full as above.... this allows water to be dispensed without running the pump for a short period.... and avoids 'pulsing'

The pressure equaliser and pump heights shouldn't make any difference within reason..... if you locate the accumulator much higher than the pump, then you are making the pump work harder than you need to, but only an extreme would be a problem.... the pump should be 'one-way', so a lower pump than accumulator also isn't a problem at that end...