Here’s something you probably take for granted every day. When you turn the handle on a water faucet on, you get water flowing out under high pressure. The theory behind this is simple. In typical municipal water systems, water is stored in elevated towers, and gravity creates the pressure. However, not all locations have access to these systems. Places such as golf courses or remote housing communities share a challenge: they need to pump water from wells or boost inadequate city water pressure. This is where hydro-pneumatic tanks come in.
What Is a Hydro-Pneumatic Tank?
A hydro-pneumatic tank combines water storage and compressed air to deliver pressurized water as needed. The tank stores water in the bottom half of the tank, while compressed air is at the top. When the water is needed, the compressed air pushes the water out at a steady pressure.
Common Applications
Hydro-pneumatic tanks are used where municipal water infrastructure is either insufficient or unavailable. Typical uses include:
Remote Residential Areas – this includes any community that uses well water instead of municipal water. Here, the pump pulls water from the ground and feeds it into the tank, which holds and distributes it without constantly running.
Golf Courses – need reliable irrigation and domestic water but are typically far from municipal connections.
Pressure Boosting Applications – in certain situations, city water is available, but with inadequate pressure. Rather than pulling water from the ground in remote areas, in this case, the city water flows into the tank, which maintains the required elevated pressure.
Commercial Buildings – supporting high-demand plumbing systems in hotels, hospitals, and office complexes.
Hydro-Pneumatic Tank Selection
Specifying the right tank for a specific use requires several considerations as follows:
Capacity/Sizing – stock tanks are available in a range of sizes to suit many applications. For instance, our Hydro-Pneumatic Tanks are available up to 35,000 gallons. Capacity is determined by total daily demand, peak usage periods, and pump cycle frequency. Keep in mind that only half of the tank will hold water when making your calculations.
Pressure Ratings – hydro-pneumatic tanks will typically operate around 60PSI, though ours can withstand up to 125 PSI.
Configuration – almost all installations are horizontal, allowing for better stability and easier placement. However, vertical options are available for certain space-limited situations where smaller tanks are used.
Inlet/Outlet Fittings – in some cases, particularly retrofits, tanks require custom fitting placement. Check with the manufacturer/supplier to see if customization is available.
Interior Lining – lining quality is important since it creates a barrier between the tank and the water, keeping it clean and free of rust and contamination. It must be NSF-certified to meet Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
Exterior Finish – tanks can be painted to match their surroundings or facility aesthetics. Coatings are also available (and recommended) to protect tanks from weathering and corrosion.
Conclusion
Everyone deserves consistent reliable water pressure, regardless of where they are. For remote communities and other locations that are beyond the reach of municipal water or proper pressure, hydro-pneumatic tanks make it possible. With proper specification and installation, these systems will provide decades of reliable service, ensuring that each faucet delivers safe potable water with excellent water pressure.