Has anyone fitted an accumulator tank to their water pump and felt like it wasn't actually worthwhile? I've read a few positive comments here and there, but also a few detracting comments from people who don't appear to think there's a point. However often, the detractors haven't fitted one... the simply cite their system works fine without one. Mine does too I guess... I'd simply like to stop the pump cycling like a shaved-leg, Lycra wearing, CBD latte drinking, eco-warrior when the flow rate is low. ð Cheers, Steve

I fitted a couple at work on vehicles that used these pumps for water sprays. I think it would make a difference, but the air pressure in the accumulator would have to be very low, I don't know what your cut in pressure is, but I would have no more than 8-12 psi air pressure. Of course the cut in and cut out times would depend on the capacity of the accumulator, and the shur-flo units are very small.

Is this like a pressure tank where it's upright inlet , outlet at bottom . The air being compressed inside keeps pressure on line without pump turning on continually? I guess it depends on size etc of diaphragm in pump it it has one ? Not sure if our system has a tank ? But it doesn't turn on instantly when tap is turned on ..

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/122418732739

For the $$ I would fit one .. it's not like it would stuff up ? Plus they act like a shock absorber in your lines ..

You can get Plastic and metal ones.

I thought they worked on the head of water in there giving the pressure.

Readup on them once. Around 40 yrs ago.
Never went any further.

Pressure limiter on inlet of water line does me.
Brass one on van. Plastic spare in toolbox.

An accumulator stores energy, a battery is also an accumulator. The air tank on your compressor is an accumulator. A water pressure pump feeding a system, would turn on as soon as the pressure dropped, a tap turned on, a small leak in the system etc., and turn of suddenly as soon as the cut off pressure is reached, the on again, of on off etc. You could get hammering in the lines. By fitting a small tank after the pump, that has its capacity divided by a diaphragm, and one side of the tank is filled with gas (compressible as liquid is not), when the pump starts up, the pump stays going until the gas is compressed and the system reaches the cut off pressure. We now have a tank full of liquid, and compressed gas (potential energy), when a valve is opened, the cylinder will provide pressure until it reaches the cut in pressure for the pump, and it will start up, providing pressure and re-charging the accumulator.
So in short, it will reduce quick succession starts of the pump, dampen out pulsations and prevent hammering. They are used on all hydraulic systems where required.
Also known as pressure cells.

Thanks for the comments and information all. I grabbed one with the 20% off promotion... I'll let you know how it goes. Cheers, Steve

Blaze . Possibly a cheap one ? Lol The type we have used are the air type . But you have to let air in every so often if pump comes on too often ? As the air has gone and not acting or air being compressed . The diaphragm type negates the air but not as durable . Chances are too high line pressure & or diaphragm split ?

Not all cyclists are eco warriors ya know!
It is a great way to travel sometimes....