12v water system pressure switch.

[markieg31]

I am building a 12v solar pump system to lift water 300m with 30m head, running through a 20mm pipe.
I was hoping that I could find an inline pressure switch so that it would switch off the pump once the header tank was full but not having much luck finding one. I could do a float switch but then would have to run 300m of twincore which seems like a faff.

Any suggestions, still in the collecting parts fase so any new ideas welcome.

 

[hollister]

Inline flow switch? Might work to stop it but not sure it will restart the pump.

 

[Kidds]

Have you found a 12v pump that is actually capable of pumping to that height and distance? It is a big ask.

 

[box]

Any adjustable water pump pressure switch with a float valve on the tank will work fine, get one that goes up to 100 psi/7 bar (I'm no expert in water and not sure how much pressure you need to pump 30m, but I assume it's 40-50psi). Your local electrician or electrical supplier or pump supplier should keep them in stock.

Otherwise there are plenty available online from pump shops.

Pressure Switches for Water Pumps - Pumps UK

Pressure switches are compact electronic devices, also known as flow switches are used for the control and protection of electric pumps. Buy online today.

www.pumpsukltd.com

 

[highlander94]

As box said , Inline pressure switch with your header tank having a float valve in it, set your pressure switch turn off pressure, once the header fills and closes the float valve the pressure will build from the pump once pressure reached the switch will cut off the pump, when the float opens in the header tank again the press switch will turn the pump back on , just make sure your 12v pump is decent enough.

 

[Timbo]

I am building a 12v solar pump system to lift water 300m with 30m head, running through a 20mm pipe.
I was hoping that I could find an inline pressure switch so that it would switch off the pump once the header tank was full but not having much luck finding one. I could do a float switch but then would have to run 300m of twincore which seems like a faff.

Any suggestions, still in the collecting parts fase so any new ideas welcome.

You're not going to go to that head on 12v at any sort of useful flow.

You'll need to step up to 24 or more likely 48v.

 

[Kentishfarmer]

I am building a 12v solar pump system to lift water 300m with 30m head, running through a 20mm pipe.
I was hoping that I could find an inline pressure switch so that it would switch off the pump once the header tank was full but not having much luck finding one. I could do a float switch but then would have to run 300m of twincore which seems like a faff.

Any suggestions, still in the collecting parts fase so any new ideas welcome.

Very interested as I have a couple of 12V water supply projects in the pipeline.
What pump are you using? There aren't that many 12V ones on the market, I'm assuming it's inline rather than submersible?
I'm guessing the 20mm pipe is already in place? If not if you could up it to 32 you'd reduce the friction on pumping the water and therefore the pressure and energy required. Sounds like a big ask for a pump your 30m head is going to create at least 3bar of back pressure for your pump

 

[GEMS]

If you go down the pressure switch option -use a ball valve with full flow at all levels (Jobe ??) . These run at full bore until high level reached then complete shut off as opposed to "normal" ball valves whose flow reduces and reduces as the level rises.
This will reduce the cycling effect of a pressure switch which will turn on/off a lot if ball valve just wheeping .....
Maybe even fit inline pressure vessel to help take "shocks" out of the system.
Have a look at using an Idromat ...

https://www.ukpumpsupplies.co.uk/buy-online/controls_02/electrical-control_021/pump-automation_0215

Unsure if available in 12v tho....
Always fit a relay or contactor to any electronic controller even if they claim to handle load. A relay is cheaply replaced rather than the electronic control. I regularly replace Idromats where the pcb relay is burnt out and not replaceable. Use the Idromat to switch the relay.

 

[GEMS]

If you go down the pressure switch option -use a ball valve with full flow at all levels (Jobe ??) . These run at full bore until high level reached then complete shut off as opposed to "normal" ball valves whose flow reduces and reduces as the level rises.
This will reduce the cycling effect of a pressure switch which will turn on/off a lot if ball valve just wheeping .....
Maybe even fit inline pressure vessel to help take "shocks" out of the system.
Have a look at using an Idromat ...

https://www.ukpumpsupplies.co.uk/buy-online/controls_02/electrical-control_021/pump-automation_0215

Unsure if available in 12v tho....
Always fit a relay or contactor to any electronic controller even if they claim to handle load. A relay is cheaply replaced rather than the electronic control. I regularly replace Idromats where the pcb relay is burnt out and not replaceable. Use the Idromat to switch the relay.

https://www.ukpumpsupplies.co.uk/buy-online/controls_02/electrical-control_021/pump-automation_0215/pressure-controllers-flow-controllers_0215-6/item/mascontrol-pressure-flow-controller-low-voltage_0215-64

Yes they do a 12 volt
UK pumps -Phillip Francis -great Guy.........

 

[Timbo]

If you go down the pressure switch option -use a ball valve with full flow at all levels (Jobe ??) . These run at full bore until high level reached then complete shut off as opposed to "normal" ball valves whose flow reduces and reduces as the level rises.
This will reduce the cycling effect of a pressure switch which will turn on/off a lot if ball valve just wheeping .....
Maybe even fit inline pressure vessel to help take "shocks" out of the system.
Have a look at using an Idromat ...

https://www.ukpumpsupplies.co.uk/buy-online/controls_02/electrical-control_021/pump-automation_0215

Unsure if available in 12v tho....
Always fit a relay or contactor to any electronic controller even if they claim to handle load. A relay is cheaply replaced rather than the electronic control. I regularly replace Idromats where the pcb relay is burnt out and not replaceable. Use the Idromat to switch the relay.

Be better with a solid state relay. As you say, the ball valve will be paramount, although a float switch will be alot better as it will stop the pump rapidly cycling which will hugely reduce its lifespan.

 

[markieg31]

I have not laid the pipe yet, so could do it with a bigger pipe. I have got a 70psi sureflo pump, could be sent back if it is not going to do the job. Planning on pumping from an inc so could use a submersible pump.

 

[GEMS]

Submersible pump will have insufficient head .
Consider fitting a foot valve (swing type not spring loaded) to stop water draining back.

 

[Kentishfarmer]

I have not laid the pipe yet, so could do it with a bigger pipe. I have got a 70psi sureflo pump, could be sent back if it is not going to do the job. Planning on pumping from an inc so could use a submersible pump.

Looks like the pump should do it on paper. Are you running it off a battery & feeding the battery with solar or trying to power it straight from panels?
Definitely lay larger pipe than 20mm it will require less energy to pump more Ls

 

[markieg31]

The pump is feeding a header tank so not fussed about how quickly the pump will replenish the tank. Tricky to get your head around as you would have thought smaller pipe less weight of water sat in system pushing back, can understand friction in pipe with smaller diameter.
I plan to have a battery, Got 230w solar panel.

 

[e3120]

The pump is feeding a header tank so not fussed about how quickly the pump will replenish the tank. Tricky to get your head around as you would have thought smaller pipe less weight of water sat in system pushing back, can understand friction in pipe with smaller diameter.
I plan to have a battery, Got 230w solar panel.

Smaller pipe does equal less weight, but also acting on less area, so pressure is the same. Then friction losses make it worse.

 

[Exfarmer]

The pump is feeding a header tank so not fussed about how quickly the pump will replenish the tank. Tricky to get your head around as you would have thought smaller pipe less weight of water sat in system pushing back, can understand friction in pipe with smaller diameter.
I plan to have a battery, Got 230w solar panel.

How much water are you looking to pump in the winter as that panel on its own will not do much then . It sounds draw on pump will be fairly high with that head. If you post some figures n pump and water needs could possibly work out requirements

 

[markieg31]

Well I got 15 beef cows plus followers and circa 120 ewes and lambs all out wintered, I would have thought with the drop in sunlight the animals will be drinking less

 

[Bob c]

I am building a 12v solar pump system to lift water 300m with 30m head, running through a 20mm pipe.
I was hoping that I could find an inline pressure switch so that it would switch off the pump once the header tank was full but not having much luck finding one. I could do a float switch but then would have to run 300m of twincore which seems like a faff.

Any suggestions, still in the collecting parts fase so any new ideas welcome.

you want to 300m rising 30m in height ?

 

[markieg31]

Yarp.

 

[Iron150]

We have two of the following, but not working on your distance

Solar Water Pumps UK | Solar Powered Pump Solutions UK

Pump water from any remote location without needing access to electricity. Our pumps can operate in any remote location, pumping water at high pressure.

solarpumpsolutions.co.uk