Mike Oxley, Training Manager at Salamander Pumps answers questions on its water boosting solution TankBoost and explains when installers should turn to the recently launched 5.0 bar variants.
Q. Since the introduction of TankBoost a few years ago how has the product been received by the market?
TankBoost has been well received, with installers praising its versatility alongside its simple installation and quiet running.
To build on the success of the 3.0 bar TankBoost models, we have launched a range of 5.0 bar variants. This is to meet the demand for higher pressure solutions needed in larger, multi-level properties with outlets on upper floors and with overall higher water demands.
Q. What are the main features of the solution and how can it help installers facing issues around pressure and flow rate?
TankBoost is an all-in-one unit made up of a 100L, 200L, 350L or 450L water storage tank and integrated submerged pump. It increases both the pressure and flow in a mains-fed system up to 3.0 bar and 80L/min, while the new variants boost up to 5.0 bar and 120L/min.
The 5.0 bar version is aimed at larger buildings where higher pressure is required. These properties often have outlets on higher floors, lengthy pipe runs and multiple outlets in use simultaneously, and therefore require higher pressure.
Examples of vulnerable building types include houses of multiple occupancy, B&Bs, hotels, small gyms, restaurants and cafes.
Q. Can you use TankBoost to boost both hot and cold water?
TankBoost has been designed for cold water only. It can, however, be used to increase cold water flow rates and pressure to any mains hot water system, such as unvented cylinders and combi boilers.
If you are fitting TankBoost before an unvented hot water cylinder, you still need to use the pressure reducing valve and follow the installation requirements of the manufacturer.
Q. Can additional units be fitted to the system to further enhance water capacity?
To increase capacity, additional water storage tanks can be linked to a primary TankBoost using the tank connection kit.
The additional storage tank must match the size of the primary TankBoost unit to avoid any water imbalance, they must both be level and be located within one meter.
Q. Where and when would you use the recently launched 5.0 bar version of TankBoost?
The 5.0 bar version was introduced to meet the increasing demand from installers for a higher pressure solution.
Water pressure decreases by 0.1 bar for every meter it travels upwards. So, for boosting water in taller buildings, across multiple outlets, starting with a higher-pressure rating at the ground floor (or point of installation) delivers better water pressure at the highest point in the system, compared to when a lower pressure boosting solution is used.
For example, when a 5.0 bar TankBoost is installed in a basement or on the ground floor, there’s a maximum achievable pressure of 3.9 bar at 11 meters where a typical second floor showerhead is found. With a 3.0 bar TankBoost, the pressure would be 1.9 bar at 11 meters.
Q. How does the CAT 5 version of TankBoost differ from the standard models?
The CAT 5 version, in both the 3.0 and 5.0 bar models, is fitted with a type AB air gap. This is an air gap between the incoming supply and the maximum water level in the tank to prevent the risk of backflow.
It is aimed at commercial sites where there is a risk of backflow contamination with Category 5 fluids. These are categorised as hazardous due to a high concentration of pathogens, radioactive elements or extremely toxic substances.
Installation sites include laboratories, chemical manufacturers, meat trade sites, healthcare sites and dog grooming parlours.
Q. Do you have any installation guidance for installers considering fitting TankBoost?
Installers need to ensure they install a TankBoost unit which meets a building’s water demand. Undersizing runs the risk of the tank running empty and damaging the pump.
A common reason for undersizing is selecting a model based on the space available, rather than the water demand in the property. TankBoost has been designed to be flexible and can adapt to ensure enough capacity. For example, installing a 100L unit alongside an additional 100L storage tank to create a combined 200L of storage would fit into a space where height is limited.
It’s also important not to oversize the unit because the total stored water should not exceed estimated usage for a 24-hour period.
When installing TankBoost, installers need to remove all the air from the system as part of the commissioning process.
To do this, installers need to ensure that they fill the tank before connecting the outlet pipework. Once connected, open all outlet isolation vales and water outlets before electronically switching on the unit.
Image: Salamander Pumps
