Demonstration of the operation of a hydrofor system with IBO and IPRO pumps
A hydrofor system is the heart of a home's water supply system. Its task is to ensure stable pressure and, consequently, comfortable use of the system – from watering the garden and filling the bathtub to supplying the dishwasher or flushing the toilet. The efficiency of such a system depends not only on the pump itself, but also on a properly selected and adjusted pressure tank with a diaphragm.
Based on tests and a demonstration carried out using a hydrofor system, we can clearly see the difference between its three operating modes:
- Tank without air – no compressibility, the pump operates in surges.
- Tank with a properly adjusted diaphragm – stable operation, longer intervals between activations.
- Overinflated tank – the system is practically useless.
Tank without air – the worst-case scenario for the pump
In the first stage of the test, the air was almost completely released from the tank. This means that the interior operated as a direct water buffer, without the ability to compensate for pressure.
Effects visible immediately:
- the pump starts very frequently – almost continuously,
- the water system experiences jolts and vibrations,
- hydraulic and mechanical loads increase,
- prolonged operation in this condition may lead to damage to the pump and the system.
The lack of an air cushion means that every withdrawal of water – even a small one – immediately forces the pump to operate. This shortens its service life and increases the risk of failure of the entire system.
Properly adjusted diaphragm – optimal system operation
Next, the tank was filled with air to the recommended operating pressure (approx. 1.7 bar in this example). In this variant, the diaphragm operates as intended – it compresses and expands mechanically, compensating for changes in the volume of water.
Effects after adjustment:
- water flows even when the pump is temporarily switched off,
- the intervals between pump starts and stops become longer,
- the system operates evenly, without pressure surges,
- the load on the pump and the entire system is reduced,
- the service life of the components and user comfort increase.
This is the correct, proper operating model for a hydrofor system. In the case of larger tanks, the effects are even better, and the intervals between activations are noticeably longer.
Excessively high air pressure – the opposite of the intended effect
In the final test, the tank was filled with air to approx. 4 bar. In this setup, the diaphragm is practically inactive, the water has nowhere to expand, and the pump cannot effectively fill the system.
Result:
- the tank begins to function almost exclusively as an air tank,
- the system does not provide a stable water flow,
- the pump operates ineffectively – in practice, the water system “does not work”.
Comparison of hydrofor tank operating modes
| Tank condition | Effect on the system | Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| No air | Very frequent switching, jolts, pressure fluctuations | Faster pump wear, risk of damage to the installation |
| Correct pressure; the diaphragm is operating | Stable operation, less frequent switching, even flow | The longest pump and system service life, greater user comfort |
| Excessively high air pressure | Difficulty maintaining flow, problems with filling the system | The system is practically unusable; the parameters must be adjusted |
Why choose IBO and IPRO pumps from Dambat?
Choosing the right pump is one thing, but it is the correct pressure setting in the diaphragm tank that determines the efficiency of the entire system. The IBO and IPRO pumps offered by Dambat are designed to operate in demanding conditions and work perfectly with diaphragm tanks.
- high resistance to changing operating conditions,
- energy-efficient, modern motors,
- optimized hydraulics, adapted for operation with a pressure tank,
- durability confirmed through many years of operation,
- trouble-free operation with diaphragm tanks in domestic and industrial installations.
A properly selected Dambat pressure booster set, based on IBO or IPRO pumps and a correctly adjusted diaphragm tank, guarantees stable pressure, user comfort, and a long service life for the entire water installation.
