Brisan HANDBOOK

Water supply
in domestic dwellings
Introduction

Welcome to your personal guide to Water supply

pumps for private houses
APPLICATIONS
The guide contains the following elements:
PUMP SELECTION

APPLICATIONS
Water supply pumps and pump systems for domestic dwellings....................................................3
Water supply from well (>8m) Without control unit .........................................................................4
Water supply from well (>8m) With control unit ................................................................................5
Water supply from well (<8m) ........................................................................................................................6
Boost from mains ................................................................................................................................................7
Boost from break tank .......................................................................................................................................8
Rainwater supply .................................................................................................................................................9
Boost to / from roof tank................................................................................................................................10

THEORY
Cable length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . ..12
Wells with sandy water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...13
Pressure settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Water hammer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Pump selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...18
Piping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...19
Additional piping theory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...22
Pressure tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...23
Matching consumption and pump capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..24

TROUBLE SHOOTING
Submersible pumps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . .26
Above ground suction lift pumps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . .27
Above ground booster pumps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . .27
Lowering a submersible pump into a well . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . .28
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . .29

2
 Applications

Water supply pumps and pump systems

for domestic dwellings

2
5

4
1
3

1 Water Supply from well >8m.

2 Boost from break tank

3 Drainage/wastewater pumping

4 Water Supply from well <8m.

5 Rainwater

3
 Applications

Water supply from well (>8m)

Without control unit

Water supply systems from wells can use:

A submersible pump
A pressure switch
A pressure tank

The cut-off pressure can be set via the pressure switch

and must be adjusted according to the pre-pressure in the
vessel.

The pump cuts in and out according to the pressure set-

tings on the pressure switch. According to the size of the
tank, the pressure will fluctuate over time between the
cut-in and the cut-out pressure.
The pump starts when the pressure in the tank is be-
low the cut-in pressure, building up tank pressure.
The pump stops once the cut-out pressure has been
reached.

Installation note:
The pre-charge pressure of the tank must always be
adjusted to 0.9 times the cut-in pressure. The tank acts
as a storage unit, limiting the start frequency.

Brisan recommends the following pumps

for such applications:

Brisan submersible pumps

4
 Applications
Water supply from well (>8m)
With control unit

A constant water-pressure system from a well needs the

following:

A submersible pump
A control unit
A pressure tank
A pressure sensor

Brisan recommends the Brisan Water pack system.

It consists of:
Submersible pump
Control unit

This all-in-one package offers constant water supply

varying demands.

Installation note:
The pre-charge pressure
of the tank must always
be adjusted to 0.7 times
the pressure setting.

Over
8m

A Brisan Water pack is the perfect unit for this application

5
 Applications

Water supply from well (<8m)

Brisan water supply systems for shallow wells normally

involve:

a Brisan booster pump

a pressure switch
a pressure tank

Adjusting pressure
The system stays within the limit values stated on the
pressure switch. The pressure will vary over time depend-
ing on the size of the tank, but will remain within the start
and stop settings.

The discharge pressure can be set by means of the pres-

sure switch. The pre-charge pressure in the tank must be
adjusted according to the cut-in pressure. In systems like
this, the pre-charge pressure must be 0.9 times the cut-in
pressure.

MAX.
8m

A Brisan Booster pump features a maximum lifting height of 8m.

6
 Applications

Boost from mains

Water supply systems for pressure boosting from mains
involve:

a pump
a control device
- presscontrol or
- presure tank and pressure switch
or a complete domestic booster set.

The pump is normally supplied with a positive inlet pressure

in this application. In systems with a Presscontrol the start
pressure can be choosen to 1,5 bar or 2,2 bar where as the
stop pressure is equal to the max pressure of the pump. In
systems with a pressure switch both the start and the stop
pressure can be set at the pressure switch.

Brisan recommends:
BrisanVertical Multistage
or Brisan booster pump
7
 Applications

Boost from break tank

Water supply systems for pressure boosting from break
tanks involve:

a pump
a control device
- presscontrol or
- presure tank and pressure switch
or a complete domestic booster set.

The pump is normally supplied with a small positive inlet

pressure in this application. In systems with a Presscontrol
the start pressure can be choosen to 1,5 bar or 2,2 bar where
as the stop pressure is equal to the max pressure of the
pump. In systems with a pressure switch both the start and
the stop pressure can be set at the pressure switch.

Brisan recommends:
BrisanVertical Multistage
or Brisan booster set
8
 Applications

Rainwater supply

Collecting rainwater can be a cost-effective and in some

places necessary source of domestic water supply.

The collected rain can be used for:

Washing machines
Toilet discharge
Watering gardens

Brisan recommends the following solution:

A rainwater collection system, consisting of
An integrated mains water tank
A three-way valve
A Brisan Booster set
A control panel

9
 Applications

Boost to/from roof tank

Water supply systems for pressure boosting to/from roof
tanks involve:

a pump
a control device
- presscontrol or
- presure tank and pressure switch
or a complete domestic booster set.

The pump is supplied with a small positive inlet pressure

in this application. In systems with a Presscontrol the start
pressure can be choosen to 1,5 bar or 2,2 bar where as the
stop pressure is equal to the max pressure of the pump. In
systems with a pressure switch both the start and the stop
pressure can be set at the pressure switch.

10
Theory
 Theory

Cable length
The following maximum cable lengths are recommended
(metres):

Cable dimensions at 1 x 230 V

Dimensions [mm]
1.5 2.5 4 6 10
kW
Max. cable length in metres
from motor starter to pump
0.37 111 185 295 440 723
0.55 80 133 211 315 518
0.75 58 96 153 229 377
1.1 48 79 127 190 316
1.5 34 57 92 137 228
2.2 43 68 102 169

Cable dimensions at 3 x 400 V

Dimensions [mm]
1.5 2.5 4 6 10
kW
Max. cable length in metres
from motor starter to pump
0.37 192 318 506 752
0.55 122 203 322 479 783
0.75 104 173 275 409 672
1.1 70 117 186 277 455
1.5 55 91 145 215 354
2.2 38 64 101 151 249

12
 Theory

Wells with sandy water

Well water may contain very small particles, smaller than
silt. These particles will be retained by the filter system
and removed during backwash. Sandy water occurs in
wells which have not been thoroughly purged or which
have a poor screen, if any.

Should a well suddenly start to yield sandy water, break-

age or corrosion of the well screen, lining, or bolt joints
may have occurred. Settlement in the formation around
the screen may also be at fault.

The following maximum sand limits in well water are rec-

ommended.

Maximum mg sand/l
Applications
1 5 10 15
Food and bewerage, industry
Private houses
Sprinkler irrigation
Flood irrigation

If the concentration of sand in the water exceeds 15 mg/l,

large quantities of material are being removed from the
well. This may cause the aquifer and the strata above the
well to collapse and thus shorten the life of the well.

Sand concentration greater than 50mg/l will cause signifi-

cantly increased wear to the pump.

13
 Theory

Pressure settings
There are three ways to work with pressure control:

1. Pressure switch with booster kit

2. Presscontrol
3. Constant water pressure system

Pressure switch with booster kit

The pump cuts in and out according to the pressure set-
tings on the pressure switch.
The pump starts when the pressure in the tank is be-
low the cut-in pressure, building up tank pressure.
The pump stops once the cut-out pressure has been
reached.

If there water consumption is continuous, water will be

drawn from the tank, with the pump starting when the
cut-in pressure is reached.

Installation note:
If the pressure switch settings need to be changed, you
must also change the following settings:
Cut-out pressure
Differential v

The cut-in pressure is determined by the cut-out pressure

minus the differential pressure p.

Time

Variations in water pressure when the pump starts and stops

(during consumption).
14
 Theory

Presscontrol
During water consumption, the presscontrol will auto-
matically start the pump when the pre-set cut-in pressure
is reached. The pump will stop when:
The water consumption stops, and the pressure is 0.5
bar greater than the cut-in pressure.
As seen on the curve, the outlet pressure will remain
constant when the flow is constant. If the flow is low-
ered, the outlet pressure will rise.

Time
Water pressure drops as consumption increases

15
 Theory

Computerized control system for surface and submersible pumps

Designed to allow the automatic operation of the pump

and prevent it from dry-running.
- Suitable for pumps with power up to 1500 W, flow rate up to
120 l/1', operating pressure more than 1,8 bar and maximum
pressure range between 3,5 bar and 8 bar.
- Manual and automatic reset.
- Built-in non return valve
- Easy to install as it is supplied with power cable with
plug and cable with socket for the connection to the pump

Brisan recommends the Hydrotronics electronic control

16
 Theory

Water hammer
Water hammer is the result of a sudden change in liquid ve-
locity. It usually occurs when system flow is quickly started,
stopped or is forced to make a rapid change in direction.
The pressure spike (acoustic wave) created can be high as
five times as system pressure.

When the pump stops, atmospheric pressure will cause

water flow in the riser main to stop immediately. In the
horizontal discharge pipe, however, friction loss in the pipe
causes flow to stop gradually. This creates a vacuum in the
riser main, where the water column separates and vapour is
formed. This vacuum then draws water back into the well,
producing water hammer.

Failure to properly address water hammer can cause:

Ruptured piping
Leaking connections
Pipe vibration and noise
Damaged valves
Ruptured tanks and water heaters

Installation note:
Fit a diaphragm tank where riser main and horizontal
discharge pipe meet. Water from this diaphragm tank
will be discharged when the pump is switched off, pre-
venting the vacuum from being formed.

17
 Theory

Pump selection
Pump selection is based on the water demand and the
required head.

Water demand
The water demand depends on the number of consumers
connected to the system.

Head
Use this formula to determine required head

H[m] = ptap x 10.2 + Hgeo + Hf

ptap = Required pressure at the draw-off point (e.g. tap).

Hgeo = Difference of height between lower water level
in well and draw-off point.
Hf = Loss of head in piping and tubing (see separate
table under Piping chapter).

Example domestic water supply:

Required flow: 2.4 m/h Hgeo = 30 m.
ptap = 3 bar. Hf = 7.7
The pipes is made of plastic, 25 mm, length 35 m.

Calculations:
Hf = (value from table x length of pipe)
0.22 x 35 m = 7.7
mH [m] = (ptap x 10.2) + Hgeo + Hf
= 3 x 10.2 + 30 + 7.7 = 68.3 m

Result: Q = 2.4 m/h, H = 68.3 m.

18
 Theory

Piping
In any water supply system, the sizing and choice of ma-
terials of the pipework has an impact on the choice of
pumps and on the cost.

When sizing a water supply system, four factors are of

particular importance:

1. Static (geodetic) head

2. Friction loss in pipes and fittings
3. Differential pressure of pressure switch
4. Required tap pressure

Static (geodetic) head

The static head, i.e. the distance from the ground water
level to the uppermost tap, is normally a factor on which
the installer has no influence.

Friction loss
The fiction loss depends entirely on the pipe size, type and
length. Excessive friction loss wastes energy. Pipe veloci-
ties of between 1 to 2 m/s are recommended.

When calculating friction loss always remember to allow

for deterioration. All water pipes will eventually become
coated with rust, lime deposits, etc.

Flow velocity in the piping must be kept low. If velocity ex-

ceeds 2 m/s, noise can occur due to turbulence in elbows
and valves or from water hammer.

19
 Theory

(Piping continued).

Differential pressure of pressure switch

Operational costs will increase if the differential pressure
of the pressure switch (difference between cutting-in and
cutting-out settings) is too high.

Installation note:
The cut-in pressure should be equal to the minimum
acceptable pressure of the system.
Under normal circumstances, the cut-out pressure
should be set to 1-2 bar above the cut-in pressure, de-
pending on the pump.

Required tap pressure

Required tap pressure depends on the choice of outlets.

The minimum input pressure for the outlet should not be

more than 1 bar. Actual input pressure may however ex-
ceed 1 bar when in use.

20
 Quantity of water Nominal pipe diameter in inches Nominal pipe diameter in mm
and internal diameter in mm and internal diameter in mm

Litres/ Litres/ Ordinary water pipes PELM

M/h 12 34 1 114 112 25 32 40 50
min. sec.
15.75 21.25 27.00 35.75 41.25 20.4 26.2 32.6 40.8
0.855 0.470 0.292 0.49 0.30 0.19 0.12
0.6 10 0.16 9.910 2.407 0.784 1.8 0.66 0.27 00.85 (Piping continued).
1.282 0.705 0.438 0.249 0.76 0.46 0.3 0.19
0.9 15 0.25 20.11 4.862 1.570 0.416 4.0 1.14 0.6 0.18
1.710 0.940 0.584 0.331 0.249 1.0 0.61 0.39 0.25
1.2 20 0.33 33.53 8.035 2.588 0.677 0.346 6.4 2.2 0.9 0.28
2.138 1.174 0.730 0.415 0.312 1.3 0.78 0.5 0.32
1.5 25 0.42 49.93 11.91 3.834 1.004 0.510 10.0 3.5 1.4 0.43
2.565 1.409 0.876 0.498 0.374 1.53 0.93 0.6 0.38
1.8 30 0.50 69.34 16.50 5.277 1.379 0.700 13.0 4.6 1.9 0.57
2.993 1.644 1.022 0.581 0.436 1.77 1.08 0.69 0.44
2.1 35 0.58 91.54 21.75 6.949 1.811 0.914 16.0 6.0 2.0 0.70
1.879 1.168 0.664 0.499 2.05 1.24 0.80 0.51
2.4 40 0.67 27.66 8.820 2.290 1.160 22.0 7.5 3.3 0.93
2.349 1.460 0.830 0.623 2.54 1.54 0.99 0.63
3.0 50 0.83 41.40 13.14 3.403 1.719 37.0 11.0 4.8 1.40

Upper figures indicate velocity of water in m/sec.

2.819 1.751 0.996 0.748 3.06 1.85 1.2 0.76
3.6 60 1.00 57.74 18.28 4.718 2.375 43.0 15.0 6.5 1.90
3.288 2.043 1.162 0.873 3.43 2.08 1.34 0.86
4.2 70 1.12 76.49 24.18 6.231 3.132 50.0 18.0 0.8 2.50
2.335 1.328 0.997 2.47 1.59 1.02
4.8 80 1.33 30.87 7.940 3.988 25.0 10.5 3.00
2.627 1.494 1.122 2.78 1.8 1.15
5.4 90 1.50 38.30 9.828 4.927 30.0 12.0 3.50
2.919 1.660 1.247 3.1 2.0 1.28
6.0 100 1.67 46.49 11.90 5.972 39.0 16.0 4.6

To find the head loss in foot valves multiply the loss in T-pieces by two.
3.649 2.075 1.558 3.86 2.49 1.59
7.5 125 2.08 70.41 17.93 8.967 50.0 24.0 6.6

lent to the metres of straight pipes stated in the last two lines of the table.
Lower figures indicate head loss in metres per 100 metres of straight pipes.
90 bends gate valves 1.0 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3

The head loss in bends, slide valves, T-pieces and non-return valves is equiva-
T-pieces, non-return valves 4.0 4.0 4.0 5.0 5.0
Theory

21
 Theory

Additional piping theory

Pressure relief valve
Fitting a pressure relief valve in the discharge piping is rec-
ommended to protect the piping from over-pressure due
to system malfunction.

Installation note:
The relief valve must always be placed on the discharge
side of the pump. The relief valve outlet should then be
connected to a drain.

Protection against frost

Frost must be avoided in all installations. Protection meth-
ods include:
Insulating the entire system properly
or
Draining the system completely during periods of frost

Non-return valve
A non-return valve should always be fitted into a water
supply installation. Doing so will avoid the loss of water in
the pipework when the pump is shut off.

Installing a combined foot valve and strainer is recom-

mended when an above-ground pump draws water from a
shallow well or tank.

22
 Theory

Pressure tank
In order to minimise the number of pump starts and stops
in water supply systems, and to reduce problems with
water hammer in the pipework, a pressure tank should be
installed.

The following formula can be used for correct sizing of the

tank:

V = Q x 1000 x (1+(Cut in) +p) x 1

4 x nmax. x p k

V = tank volume (litres)

Q = mean flow (m/h)
p = difference between cut-in and cut-out pressure
settings (bar)
Cut-in = lowest cut-in pressure (bar)
nmax. = max. starts/stops per hour
k = constant for diaphragm tank pre-charge pres-
sure = 0.9.

The following diagram is based on these values:

1. Differential pressure p = 1 bar
2. Starts/stops per hour = 20
3. k = 0.9

23
 Theory

Matching consumption and pump ca-

pacity

Select the right pump is a matter of matching water con-

sumption with pump capacity. Installing an under- or over-
sized pump should be avoided.

Please note:
Consumption varies greatly depending on housing
standards and lifestyle.
Garden watering in the summer can increase consump-
tion fivefold.
Evaporation from swimming pools and garden ponds
consumes nearly the same quantity per square metre
as lawn watering

The process:
1. Define the projected daily water consumption and
peak demand.
2. Test the incoming water supply flow rate.
3. Use Brisan documentation pump that best
meets system requirements.

Important notes:
Local legislations may require using a break tank to supply
the pump. Please check with your local authorities.

Peak Peak
Size/Application
L/min. m /h
3

Up to 145 m 50 3

Over 145 m 80 5

Lawn and garden 15 1

24
Trouble Shooting
 Trouble Shooting

Submersible pumps
When installing a submersible pump, the following basic
rules must be adhered to:
Pump only clean water
Use a cleaning pump to clear the well of sand and other
solids before installing the new pump.
Dry-running protection and a non-return valve (if not
integrated) must be installed before submerging the
pump.
Run the pump until the system has been vented.

Installation note:
You should always consult the Instruction and Operation
manual for each specific pump during installation and
start.

26
 Trouble Shooting

Above ground suction lift pumps

When installing above ground suction lift pumps, the fol-
lowing basic rules must be adhered to:

Avoid frost.
Pump only clean water.
Install a filter if water contains impurities.
A foot-valve must be installed.
The suction pipe must be 100% air tight.
The pump must be primed before starting for the first
time.

Maximum suction lift during operation (see table).

H (m head)
Liquid temperature
Flow [m3/h] 20o C
2 4.1
4 7.5

Above ground booster pumps

When installing above ground suction booster pumps, the
following basic rules must be adhered to:

Inlet pressure.
Avoid frost.
Pump only clean water.
Avoid dry-running
A non-return valve must be installed.
The suction pipe must be 100% air tight.
The pump and piping must be primed before starting
for the first time.

Installation note:
You should always consult the Instruction and Operation
manual for each specific pump during installation and
start. 27
 Trouble Shooting

Lowering a submersible pump

into a well

When lowering a submersible pump into a well, the fol-

lowing rules must be adhered to:

Never raise or lower the pump by means of the motor

cable or straining wire always use the pipe.
Always attach a straining wire, fastening it to the bore-
hole seal with wire locks. This acts as an extra safety
device that lets you raise the pump if the pipe should
break. The wire should remain slack when installation
is complete.

Expansion vessels
Keep the following tips in mind, when dealing with instal-
lations using expansion vessels:

Stop the pump and open a valve to relieve the water

pressure before checking the pre-charge pressure of
the tank.
For traditional on/off controlled pumps, the pre-charge
pressure should equal the cut-in pressure multiplied
by 0.9.

Filters
Check filters on a regular basis, and clean if necessary.

28
 Trouble Shooting

Self-priming

Fault Cause Remedy

a) The pump and Fill the pump and

suction pipe- pipe with water.
work need to be
primed.

b) The suction Check all connec-

1. The pump is run- pipe is not tions and the suc-
ning but there is 100% tight. tion pipe. Replace if
no pressure. Maximum necessary.
differential
pressure will be
obtained, clear-
ing the valve.

a) The pressure Check the setting

2. The pump does switch is set and adjust accord-
not stop. incorrectly. ingly

a) Lack of water in Drill new well.

the well.

b) Suction pipe is Check all connec-

not 100% tight. tions and the suc-
tion pipe. Replace if
3. The pump does necessary.
not deliver
enough water.
c) Pipe system is Clean pipework.
blocked.

d) Pump capacity Replace with a larg-

is not sufficient er capacity pump

29
 Trouble Shooting

Fault Cause Remedy

a) Pre-pressure in Adjust pre-pressure

pressure tank is in pressure tank.
too low or too (0,9 x cut-in pres-
high. sure)

b) Faulty footvalve. Check footvalve,

replace if necessary.

4. Pump switches
on and off fre-
quently.

c) The pressure Increase the differ-

switch differen- ential.
tial between the
start and stop
pressures is too
small.

30
 Trouble Shooting

Submersible

Fault Cause Remedy

a) The pump and Fill with water.

pipework are
not primed cor-
rectly.
5. The pump is run- b) The pipework is Clear the pipework
ning but there is blocked.
no pressure.

c) Lack of water in Drill new well or

the well renovate well

a) Pump capacity Replace with a larg-

is not sufficient. er capacity pump.

b) The pipework is Clear the pipework.

6. The pump does blocked.
not deliver
enough water.

c) The well draw- Drill a new well or

down is greater . renovate well
than expected.

a) Pre-pressure in Adjust pre-pressure

7. Pump switches pressure tank is in pressure tank.
on and off fre- too low or too (0,9 x cut-in pres-
quently. high. sure)

31
 Trouble Shooting

Non self-priming

Fault Cause Remedy

a) The pump and/ Prime the pump

or suction pipe and/or suction pipe
is incorrectly with water.
primed.
10. The pump is
running but
there is no
pressure. b) The non-return Replace the non-
valve or suction return valve and/or
pipe is leaky. seal the suction
pipe.

a) The suction lift Check the distance

is too high. from the pump to
the water level in
the well. If possible,
mount the pump
nearer the water
11. The pump does
level.
not deliver
enough water.
b) Pressure switch Adjust settings ac-
settings are cordingly
incorrect

a) The pump and/ Prime the pump

12. The pump
or suction pipe and/or suction pipe
has run for a
is emptied of with water.
long time, but
water.
delivers no
water when
restarted after
a standstill.

32
 Trouble Shooting

Fault Cause Remedy

a) Pre pressure in Adjust pre-pressure

pressure tank is in pressure tank.
too low or too (0,9 x cut-in pres-
high. sure)

b) Faulty footvalve. Check footvalve,

replace if necessary.

13. Pump switches

on and off fre-
quently.

c) The pressure Increase the dif-

switch differen- ferential.
tial between the
start and stop
pressures is too
small.

33
 Contact

www.brisanpumps.com