In households that use their own water intake - from a deep or dug well - stable pressure in the water supply system does not come out of nowhere. A home water supply system requires a device that will maintain constant operating parameters, minimize the number of engine cycles and stabilize the water pressure at each draw-off point. This is ensured by the hydrophore: a complete set responsible for water intake, storing it under pressure and automatic pump control. In this guide, the Dambat team - a Polish manufacturer of IBO and water pumps IPRO – explains what it consists of, what are the differences between diaphragm systems and traditional ones, and what is the difference between a complete set and a single pump with an inverter or a classic surface pump.
What is a hydrophore and what is it used for?
In technical terms, a hydrophore is a closed pressure tank cooperating with a pump, whose task is to maintain stable pressure in the water supply system. The heart of the system is the hydrophore pump, and the key buffering element is the hydrophore pressure tank filled partly with water and partly with compressed air. It is the pressure difference between air and water that makes this solution deliver water to the draw-off points even when the pump is temporarily not working.
In practice, a well-selected set performs three tasks. Firstly, it accumulates a supply of water under pressure, so that opening one tap does not force the pump to start immediately. Secondly, it limits the number of engine starts, which directly affects the pump's service life. Thirdly, it allows you to stabilize the water pressure between the switch-on and switch-off values - usually in the range of 1.5-3.5 bar - which eliminates jumps, fluctuations and noise in the lines. The use of hydrophores makes sense wherever we care about the smooth operation of the installation and the comfort of using water.
How does hydrophore work? Step-by-step principle of operation
The principle behind this hydropneumatic system is relatively simple. Inside the tank there is a flexible EPDM membrane separating water from the compressed air cushion. When the pump sucks water from the intake, it forces it into the membrane - the water displaces the air, which is compressed and raises the pressure inside the tank. After reaching the set value (so-called switch-off pressure), the pressure switch cuts off Power supply and turns off the pump. The pump works in this way, sucking in water until it reaches the maximum water pressure in the tank, and then it stops automatically.
When the user opens the tap, the water absorbs energy from the compressed air - the membrane presses on the liquid and pushes it into the installation. As the volume of water in the tank decreases, the pressure also decreases. After reaching the minimum value, the automation turns on the engine again and the entire cycle is repeated. This is how a hydrophore set works in a typical home configuration. A garden hydrophore supplying irrigation works in the same way - only the operating parameters of the pump and the capacity of the vessel adjusted to the demand change. In practice, this is also how a garden water pump installed on an orchard farm works, and a garden water pump working with a rainwater tank works in the same way. The better a garden hydrophore works, the more accurately we select the capacity for actual consumption.
From the installer's point of view, it is crucial to measure the water pressure on the manometer and correctly set the pressure switch. The pressure difference between the on and off pressure determines how much water the hydraulic set will release between one pump cycle and the next. A smaller difference means more frequent activations, a larger difference means fewer cycles, but a larger hydrophore pressure tank is needed. In installations where this system operates every day, well-selected performance of the hydrophore pump and appropriate pumping parameters translate directly into comfort of use and low operating costs. The real efficiency of the hydrophore pump also depends on the losses in the fittings, and the maximum efficiency of the pump is only visible when the pipe diameters are correctly selected. For this reason, the maximum operating efficiency of the pump should not be treated as a catalog value - in field conditions, the real efficiency of the pump may be several percent lower. The maximum value of water pressure inside the tank also depends on the pressure switch settings and the properties of the membrane.
Construction of a hydrophore – elements of a hydrophore installation
Although in catalogs we often see a ready-made hydrophore set as one device, in reality it is a system of several components. The basic elements of a hydrophore installation are:
- Hydrophore pump – sucks or pumps water from the intake or from the network. Depending on the source, we use a surface pump, a self-priming pump or a submersible pump. The self-priming pump copes with slight air in the suction pipe, thanks to which the pump draws water even after a break in operation. The pump takes water from the intake and sends it to the tank.
- Diaphragm hydrophore tank – buffers water under pressure and limits the number of pump operation cycles. The diaphragm hydrophore tank is now standard in modern sets. In larger installations, the installer selects a diaphragm hydrophore tank with a capacity of 100–500 l, while in smaller facilities a 24–80 l diaphragm hydrophore tank is sufficient.
- Pressure switch (pressure switch) – measures pressure and turns the pump on or off at the set values.
- Pressure gauge – allows you to measure the water pressure in the system and control the operation of the pump. Stable water pressure measurement is the basis of diagnostics.
- Check valve – mounted on the suction pipe, prevents the water column from flowing back into the well and preventing the pump from priming.
- Five-way connector – integrates the pump, tank, pressure switch, pressure gauge and discharge outlet into one installation point.
- Filter anti-sand – protects the pump and fittings against bringing in mineral particles from the water intake. Well-selected filter anti-sand extends the life of the pump even several times.
- Ball valve and By-Pass valve – the ball valve isolates the system from the rest of the installation, and the By-Pass valve allows you to bypass the set during service or in an emergency mode.
In extensive facilities, a pressure reducer is also added to the hydrophore system to protect the lines against excessive pressure from the network side, and another shut-off ball valve Connection water, and in situations of frequent surges - the second stage of mechanical filtration. The consistency of these components determines how long the entire system will operate without failure and how even the pressure in the water supply system will be. All these elements of the hydrophore system must be selected in proportion to each other. Well-described elements of the hydrophore installation can be found in the catalog card of each of our sets.
Types of hydrophores: diaphragm, traditional and with two tanks
Nowadays, the most popular design is the diaphragm water pump, in which water is separated from the air by an EPDM rubber membrane. The water pump with a membrane is compact, quiet and does not require ongoing maintenance of the airbag because the air does not come into direct contact with the water. The capacity of a hydrophore tank with a diaphragm is most often in the range of 24–500 liters, which covers the vast majority of domestic and agricultural applications. The capacity of the hydrophore tank should always be related to the average consumption in the facility, and not to the maximum instantaneous value. Check Dambat expansion tanks, including vertical and horizontal versions with thicker sheet metal and interchangeable ones EPDM diaphragms. The standard IBO expansion tank has controlled airbag inflation parameters, and the horizontal expansion tank saves space in low rooms. The classic water pump with a membrane also works great in the home version, where the set operates quietly and without maintenance for many years.
The second group is the traditional water pump, also known as a water pump with a galvanized tank. There is no membrane inside - the air comes into direct contact with the water. The hydrophore with a galvanized tank is characterized by a solid construction and resistance to corrosion, but requires periodic refilling of the air cushion because oxygen dissolves in the water and the air cushion gradually "disappears". Thus, the maximum water pressure in the system drops faster than in the variant with a membrane. Traditional hydrophore works great in industrial installations and pumping stations, where greater capacity and ease of use are important. A traditional hydrophore is also chosen where a large hydrophore tank with a capacity of 300–1000 liters is needed. However, in smaller facilities, a classic hydrophore with a membrane is more practical. Importantly, a hydrophore with a galvanized tank has an advantage where difficult operating conditions and a large number of cycles are expected - galvanized steel tolerates mechanical and chemical loads well.
The third variant is a hydrophore with two tanks. In this configuration, a single pump operates in parallel with two expansion tanks, which gives a larger usable capacity without the need to invest in one large tank. We use a hydrophore with two tanks where the momentary demand is high - e.g. on farms, livestock farms or service facilities. A hydrophore with two tanks also extends the life of the pump, because it is switched on less often, and the water pump operates in longer, more stable cycles. This solution is often chosen by installers who manage larger hydrophore systems and need a safe supply of pressurized water. Classic hydrophore systems with one pump and one tank still remain the home standard, but in commercial facilities such hydrophore systems are increasingly expanded to two or three tanks.
Hydrophore and a pump with an inverter and a surface pump - what is the difference?
A hydrophore set is not the same as a single pump with a frequency converter. In a classic hydrophore system, the pump operates in ON/OFF mode - it turns on and off based on the pressure switch, and the volume of the expansion tank buffers the breaks between cycles. This is a proven, inexpensive and reliable solution, although it does not always ensure perfectly equal pumping parameters at each consumption point - the value oscillates between the switch-on and switch-off pressure. A constant water pressure of ±0.1 bar is achieved only in a system with an inverter.
A pump with an inverter (frequency converter) works differently - instead of turning the engine on and off, it smoothly regulates its rotational speed depending on the current demand. Thanks to this, it achieves virtually equal pressure in the installation, reduces energy consumption and extends the life of the pump. Dambat's offer includes dedicated ones inverters for water pumps and inverter accessories, including five-way outputs making it easier to connect the system in one node.
Finally, the surface pump itself is only one piece of the set. Without a pressure tank and ON/OFF automation, such a pump only works when it is manually turned on. Therefore, a hydrophore set may include a surface pump, but often also includes a submersible pump or a self-priming pump - it all depends on the source and the pumped medium. A self-priming pump is suitable for shallow intakes (dug well, rainwater tank), while a submersible pump is necessary for deep well intakes when the suction depth exceeds the capabilities of a surface pump (usually 7-8 m). The submersible pump operates below the water table and is selected according to the diameter of the well and the required flow. Submersible pump IBO ITALY with DRY RUN PRO technology additionally protects the engine against dry running. Therefore, hydrophore water pumps are selected not for the tank itself, but for the intake conditions and parameters of the existing water supply system. In conditions of poor water quality, hydrophore water pumps should be equipped with additional filtration, and where the supply pressure varies, hydrophore water pumps should be protected with a pressure reducer. In such a system, the pressure tank of the hydrophore serves as a buffer between the source and the home network. A classic 100-200 l buffer vessel is sufficient for a typical farm.
How to connect a hydrophore? Installation and commissioning step by step
Correct installation of the water pump begins with the installation site - the room must have a positive temperature above +5°C, efficient ventilation and a secured drain. Before starting the installation, it is worth planning the route of the cables, the location of the fittings and the type of electrical power supply. The type of power supply, 230 V or 400 V, affects the selection of the pump and protection, so it is worth determining the type of power supply at the design stage. How to properly connect the hydrophore has a direct impact on the comfort of operation in the long run. As an installer, you should always plan how to connect the hydrophore before drilling a well or preparing an intake. Moreover, the way you decide to connect the hydrophore will also affect the capacity of the hydrophore tank required in a given facility.
A typical procedure in which an installer wants to install a hydrophore and prepare it for operation is as follows:
- Installation of a suction pipe with a non-return valve and a filter basket at the end (in the case of intake from a dug well or rainwater tank). It is important that the suction nozzle is at least 30 cm below the water level.
- Place the pump and the expansion tank on a stable base, maintaining minimum distances from the walls.
- Connecting the five-way connector, pressure switch and pressure gauge - this is where you decide how clean the readings will be and how quickly the automation will cut off Power supply pumps.
- Making a water connection to the water supply system and connecting a ball valve behind the set.
- Replenishing the air cushion in the tank to a value 0.2 bar lower than the activation pressure - this is the classic rule when starting the hydrophore.
- Filling the pump body with water (for surface pumps), checking for tightness and first start-up of the hydrophore under supervision.
It is always worth completing the launch of the hydrophore with calibration of the automation. We check whether the pump sucks water without cavitation, whether the pressure gauge readings are stable, whether the system maintains the appropriate water pressure at the extreme draw-off points and whether the automation properly turns off the pump when the intake is closed. We end each hydrophore activation by recording the threshold values in the facility card. If necessary, we additionally install a pressure reducer to protect the installation against too high pressure from the network side. A well-prepared water supply system with a correctly configured hydrophore will operate without failure for many years. Full installation instructions for hydrophore sets are available in our department Dambat pressure booster sets, where you can compare complete layouts.
The use of hydrophores – where does it work best?
The use of hydrophores goes far beyond single-family houses. This solution works wherever stable pressure and automatic pump management are necessary - on farms, gardens, service facilities, fire protection installations and in smaller production plants. In each of these cases, the installation of a hydrophore system serves the same purpose: maintaining stable pressure and relieving the pump motor. Professional installation of a hydrophore system also includes the selection of filtration, electrical protection and fittings. From the designer's point of view, the installation of the hydrophore system should be included in the diagram of the entire water supply system.
The classic application is a house with its own well. Here, the pump draws water from the intake, the tank buffers the intake, and the pressure switch controlling the pump operation turns the pump off when the set pressure is reached. A hydrophore irrigation set is popular on farms - a system consisting of a more powerful pump, a larger tank and an anti-sand filter that ensures stable parameters on sprinklers and drippers. The irrigation booster system should be sized to meet peak demand with plenty to spare; otherwise, the water pump runs virtually continuously, shortening its service life. Another variant is a hydrophore set for irrigating greenhouses and crops under cover - stable filtration is key here, thanks to which the water pump operates without sudden changes. Each such water supply system should be designed taking into account the peak consumption and appropriate filter selection.
The hydraulic set is also used to increase the pressure in a typical water supply system supplied from the municipal network - wherever the pressure from the connection is too low. Then the system creates greater pressure in the internal part of the installation, without interfering with the external network. Higher pressure also helps to power the upper floors of the building. In households using a rainwater tank, this set allows you to use rainwater for flushing toilets and watering the garden - in this system we often use a self-priming pump and additional mechanical filtration. Each case of a hydrophore should be considered individually: a different type of water pump will be selected for a deep well and another for a rainwater tank. Remember that the water level in the well may change seasonally, so it is worth choosing the type of water pump with reserve. How well the installed hydrophore works depends 80% on whether the type of pump matches the actual intake and the prevailing water level.
Cost of installing a hydrophore and maintaining the system
The cost of installing a hydrophore depends on several factors: the type of water pump, tank capacity, number of fittings and whether we are working on a new or existing water intake. The simplest sets with a surface pump and a 24-50 l tank cost several hundred zlotys, while a complete installation of a hydrophore system with a submersible pump, a large tank and control electronics costs thousands of zlotys. The cost of installing a hydrophore calculated in this way includes not only the equipment, but also assembly materials (pipes, valves, screw connections) and labor. In the long run, the cost of installing a hydrophore translates into reliable operation of the system and low operating costs - so it is not worth saving on components.
Simple, regular activities help maintain your kit. Every few months, we verify the air cushion pressure in the tank, check the tightness of the connections and clean the filter anti-sand. In the case of a hydrophore with a galvanized tank, the air cushion must be periodically refilled because the air slowly dissolves in the water. These activities directly affect the life of the pump and how long the installed hydrophore will maintain its original operating parameters. Each well-planned hydrophore installation should have a service inspection once a year - then it is also assessed whether the efficiency of the hydrophore pump has not decreased in relation to the starting values and whether the system still provides adequate water pressure at the extreme draw-off points. A well-designed hydrophore system also significantly facilitates the service technician's work in the event of a failure.
Why is it worth choosing Dambat water pump with IBO and brands IPRO?
As Dambat - a Polish manufacturer of water pumps operating continuously since 1999 - we design pressure sets and accessories with installers and demanding users in mind. Our offer includes circulation pumps, circulation pumps, Submersible pumps, submersible pumps and surface pumps of the IBO brands and IPRO, as well as full equipment: controllers, valves, filters, inverters and pressure gauges. The company's philosophy and full offer are described in the article In what areas does the Dambat company operate?, and the differences between individual pumps are explained in the guide What are the differences between submersible, circulation, circulation and other pumps?. We also provide a dedicated one for installers authorized service and spare partsthanks to which hydrophore water pumps operate predictably for years.
FAQ – frequently asked questions about hydrophore
What exactly is a hydrophore and how does it work in a nutshell?
A hydrophore is a closed pressure tank working with a water pump. The pump pumps water into the tank, compressing the air cushion separated by a membrane. When the maximum pressure is reached, the automation cuts off Power supply pumps. When we turn on the tap, the pressure of compressed air pushes water into the installation - the pump does not have to work every time the valve is opened.
Diaphragm or traditional water pump – what to choose for a single-family house?
For single-family houses, we much more often recommend a diaphragm hydrophore. The diaphragm hydrophore is quieter, compact and does not require refilling the air bag. The traditional variant with a galvanized tank makes sense where we need a large buffer capacity and are ready to operate an air cushion.
What capacity of the vessel should I choose?
The capacity is selected based on the average consumption and the required number of pump cycles per hour. A 24-50 l vessel is enough for an apartment or a small house, 80-150 l is standard for a single-family house with a garden, and 200-500 l is used on farms and service facilities. Greater capacity means longer cycles and less stress on the pump motor.
Does a water pump with two tanks make sense at home?
In a typical single-family house, one well-selected tank is enough. We use the two-vessel configuration where a buffer with a larger capacity is needed, but there is no space for a single large tank - e.g. in agricultural or service facilities. It also allows you to distribute the pressure between two vessels, which is convenient for installation.
What is the difference between a hydrophore and a pump with a frequency converter?
The classic set operates in ON/OFF mode and uses the volume of the vessel to buffer the cutting, while the pump with an inverter smoothly regulates the engine speed, providing virtually constant water pressure. The inverter may be more expensive to purchase, but it reduces energy consumption and operates extremely quietly. In smaller installations, a classic pressure booster set is usually sufficient.
Is the set suitable for garden irrigation?
Yes. A hydrophore set for irrigation is a classic application: it ensures stable pressure on sprinklers and limits the number of pump starts. It is important to choose a larger tank than in the case of the home installation itself and install a filter anti-sand protecting the pump against mineral particles.
How often does the installed hydrophore require service?
If the components are properly selected, an inspection once a year is sufficient. We check the air cushion pressure in the expansion tank, the tightness of connections, the condition of the anti-sand filter and the calibration of the automation. A full list of spare parts and service can be found on our website service department.
What to do if the system turns on too often?
The most common cause is a drop in air pressure in the expansion tank or improper calibration of the pressure switch. First, we check the airbag pressure (it should be approx. 0.2 bar lower than the pump activation pressure), then we verify the tightness of the installation and the pressure switch settings. If the problem persists, consider a larger tank capacity or an inverter system.
