One for the plumbers

[Overandunder]

I'm in the process of renewing the fw supply on my 2006 9m Jeanneau. The system includes a small pressure accumulator - which I found to be leaking. I've sourced a replacement and fitted it.

My question might sound daft regarding the pipework - but does it matter which way round the accumulator is mounted ? There is a 'T' fitting I've moved across from the old unit to feed this. As installed the inlet / outlet pipes were supplied from the panelling underneath, with the T fitting facing downwards. This meant there were 2 lazy pipe loops over the top of the unit to prevent kinks.

With apologies for a lack of pictures - but could the accumulator be mounted the other way up ? Fitting it this way would eliminate the loops (and 2 potential air traps ?) plus save some pipe run. There would still be easy access to the top up valve. Any reason this is a bad idea?

 

[AMOREST]

It can go any way up. There is a bladder inside - most likely.

 

[thinwater]

If you mount it T-down, there is a fitting on the top where you can add compressed air. As long as the air is constrained, it still work, even with the diaphragm compromised.

If you mount if Tee up (a) you will not be able to reach the fitting and (b) as soon as the bladder gets a pin hole it will fail, since all the air will come out (the tee is on top).

Tee down is better. That's why it was done that way. Google it and you will find they are nearly always mounted Tee down if it is possible.

(See the compressed air fitting? At least in the US, it is the same fitting you use for a bicycle, so it is easy to top off when it looses capacity and to adjust to balance local water pressure.)

 

[CrikeyChris]

I think that would be ok.
I looked up the instructions for several Jabsco accumulator tanks and they all say - 'May be mounted in any attitude '.

 

[Overandunder]

Thanks for the replies. @thinwater as per my post there is plenty of space to get to the Schrader top up valve whichever direction the unit is facing. The old one leaked between the internal diaphragm and the steel mounting plate. No reason I can see as to what would cause that. I was going to shop around for a new diaphragm - but couldn't seem to find a supplier. I then found that the entire unit brand new was available for £20 anyway - which in yachty terms is more than a bargain...!

 

[thinwater]

Thanks for the replies. @thinwater as per my post there is plenty of space to get to the Schrader top up valve whichever direction the unit is facing. The old one leaked between the internal diaphragm and the steel mounting plate. No reason I can see as to what would cause that. I was going to shop around for a new diaphragm - but couldn't seem to find a supplier. I then found that the entire unit brand new was available for £20 anyway - which in yachty terms is more than a bargain...!

But pumping air in the valve will not do any good if it is Tee up, if the diaphragm has a pin hole. Just sayin.

Tee down is standard for a reason. Not my opinion. Google it. There are reasons they mounted it Tee down. Some vendors allow Tee up, probably making more sales in the process. It will work fine, for a while.

 

[Overandunder]

But pumping air in the valve will not do any good if it is Tee up, if the diaphragm has a pin hole. Just sayin.

Tee down is standard for a reason. Not my opinion. Google it. There are reasons they mounted it Tee down. Some vendors allow Tee up, probably making more sales in the process. It will work fine, for a while.

Ok, I guess thats the answer then- its not the end of the world. I have come across a few things where the install quality really wouldn't give Halberg Rassy any sleepless nights , so was hoping this was another aspect where an improvement could me made. Thanks again.

 

[vyv_cox]

Some accumulators have neither diaphragm nor Schrader valve. I owned a motorhome with a marine-type freshwater system. The accumulator was a cheap plastic thing, mounted with T down. It worked perfectly well, although possibly heeling on a yacht might be its downfall.

 

[Overandunder]

 

[Overandunder]

This is the article in question. Reading further it should technically be described as having a bladder rather than a diaphragm (we live and learn don't we).

The photo makes it look huge - but its only 2 litres, not much bigger than a milk carton.