What is a Break Tank and Booster Set?

A break tank and booster set is an integrated water pressure management system designed to provide consistent and adequate water pressure throughout a building, especially when the main supply is insufficient. It works by storing water from the mains in a break tank and then using powerful pumps within the booster set to increase and maintain the desired pressure for distribution.

Understanding the Break Tank

A break tank is a water storage tank that plays a crucial role in maintaining the quality and integrity of the main water supply. Its primary function is to create an air gap between the incoming mains water and the building's internal water system.

• Key Purpose:

  • Prevents Backflow Contamination: The air gap ensures that water from the break tank cannot flow back into the public main supply, preventing potential contamination, especially in cases of pressure drops within the main. This is a critical regulatory requirement in many regions.
  • Acts as a Buffer: It provides a buffer volume of water for the booster pumps, ensuring they always have water to draw from, even if the incoming mains flow is intermittent or lower than the building's demand.
  • Complies with Water Regulations: Using a break tank is often a mandatory requirement when connecting a pump to the mains water supply to comply with local water bylaws (e.g., Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 in the UK).

• Features: Break tanks are typically made from durable materials like polyethylene or GRP and come in various sizes to match the building's water demand. They feature a float valve to control the incoming water level and an overflow pipe.

Understanding the Booster Set

A booster set is an assembly of components specifically engineered to increase and stabilize water pressure within a building's distribution system. It is designed to address situations where the existing incoming mains or a feed tank cannot provide sufficient water pressure to meet the building's needs.

• Core Components of a Booster Set:

  • Pumps: One or more pumps are the heart of the system, responsible for increasing the water pressure. Multiple pumps (duty/standby, or duty/assist) are often used for redundancy and to handle varying demand.
  • Pump Controller(s): These electronic devices manage the operation of the pumps, turning them on and off as needed to maintain a constant pressure, optimize energy consumption, and provide fault detection.
  • Break Tank: As discussed, it supplies water to the pumps while preventing backflow.
  • Manifolds: These are pipe headers that connect the pumps to the suction (inlet) and discharge (outlet) sides, ensuring even flow distribution.
  • Valves: Various valves (e.g., isolation valves, non-return valves) are included for maintenance, system control, and preventing reverse flow.
  • Pressure Vessels (Accumulators): Often included to absorb pressure fluctuations, reduce pump cycling, and provide a small reserve of pressurized water.
  • Pressure Sensors: Monitor the system pressure and signal the controllers to adjust pump operation.

• Function: When the pressure within the building drops below a set point, the pump controller activates one or more pumps. These pumps draw water from the break tank and push it into the building's pipework at an elevated, consistent pressure.

How They Work Together: The Integrated System

The break tank and booster set operate as a cohesive unit to deliver reliable pressurized water.

1. Water Inflow: Mains water flows into the break tank, with its level regulated by a float valve, ensuring the critical air gap is maintained.
2. Demand Detection: As water is used within the building (e.g., opening a tap, flushing a toilet), the pressure in the internal pipework begins to drop.
3. Pump Activation: Pressure sensors detect this drop and signal the pump controller. The controller then activates the booster pump(s).
4. Pressure Boost: The pump(s) draw water from the break tank and deliver it to the building's distribution system at the required higher pressure.
5. Pressure Maintenance: The controller continuously monitors the pressure, adjusting pump speed or cycling pumps on/off to maintain a stable pressure regardless of demand.
6. Protection: The break tank ensures that the main water supply is protected from contamination, while the booster set provides the necessary pressure for all building services.

Applications and Benefits

Break tank and booster sets are essential in a wide array of settings where consistent water pressure is critical.

• Common Applications:

  • Multi-story Buildings: Apartments, hotels, and offices often require booster sets to ensure adequate pressure on higher floors.
  • Commercial Properties: Shopping centers, hospitals, and schools benefit from reliable pressure for various services.
  • Industrial Facilities: Manufacturing plants and processing facilities often need specific pressures for their operations.
  • Large Residential Homes: Especially those in areas with poor mains pressure or with numerous bathrooms and water-intensive appliances.
  • Sports Facilities: Gyms and leisure centers for showers and amenities.

• Key Benefits:

  • Consistent Water Pressure: Eliminates fluctuations and ensures strong water flow throughout the building.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Meets water authority requirements for backflow prevention.
  • Reliability: Provides a dependable water supply, often with redundant pumps for continuous operation.
  • Energy Efficiency: Modern booster sets with variable speed drives (VSD) can adjust pump output to match demand, saving energy.
  • Extended Appliance Lifespan: Stable pressure can reduce strain on water-using appliances.

Understanding this integrated system is crucial for ensuring efficient and hygienic water distribution in any building where standard mains pressure is insufficient.