The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California
How To Design And Install Plumbing
In most instances the risers of the low pressure system (from the city service) and the high pressure system (from the overhead tank) are cross-connected. They are equipped with an accessible valve installed at the top floor that is fed by the low pressure system. This valve usually is allowed to remain closed.
There are a number of advantages contained in the cross connection installation. High pressures on the lower floors are eliminated, and, should the pump unit fail, at least the lower floors of the building may be served by city pressure. Failure in city pressure would be overcome by using the pump unit as an auxiliary unit to provide water for the fixtures in the low pressure zone.
RURAL AIR POWER SYSTEMS
A supply of water may be furnished farm buildings by means of air power. The elevation of water by this method is somewhat obsolete, however. This is largely due to the perfection of electric pumping equipment.
The air system still has a place in rural sanitation. There are advantages to be gained by its use. Water may be taken from sources supplying both pure and impure water with the same pump unit without possibility of rendering the pure water unsafe. This type of system is economical in cases where water is taken from different sources. It is also considered sanitary due to the fact that it is a closed system.
The power unit consists of an iron tank of adequate size, an air compressor, an electric motor or gas engine, and a well cylinder or pump. Fig. 218 illustrates the method of connecting the equipment and the delivery piping.
The air compressor and tank are connected with a 3/4-inch pipe. The pipe line is equipped with a check and a control valve, A, and enters the tank at a side tapping.
The compressor is mounted on a substantial and well-insulated base. Insulation of the base is necessary to eliminate noise caused by vibration. It is driven by electricity or gasoline.
The cylinder, B, located in the source of supply, and the tank are connected by a pipe usually 1/2- or 3/4-inch in diameter. This line is equipped with two pressure gauges, one on each side of a pressure reducing valve, C.
Control of the compressor is governed automatically by the variating pressure in the tank, D.
Operating Principle of the Air Power System. The iron tank is filled with compressed air.
The compressor can be governed to build up any pressure range in the tank that may be desired. This pressure depends entirely on the height to which the water must be elevated.
