Booster Pumps: When And Where Are They Necessary?

All pumping systems need the right amount of pressure to propel water through its many piping components and deliver it to plumbing fixtures and endpoints in a building. While there are various ways to achieve the necessary pressure and flow rate, using a booster pump in Singapore often proves to be the most cost-effective, reliable, and efficient solution. Below, we’ll explore what booster pumps are, how they work, and when they are necessary in different applications.

What is a Booster Pump?

Booster pumps are designed to increase water pressure and improve flow rates within a pumping system. But although they play a critical role in regulating pressure, they are just one part of the broader system that facilitates this variable. A booster pump can function independently or in conjunction with other pumps operating in series or parallel, depending on the system's needs, to maximise their service life.

The most common scenario where booster pumps shine is in tall buildings whose higher floors often suffer from low water pressure. Apart from ensuring adequate water pressure, booster pumps also help prevent the pressing issue of cavitation, which can cause severe damage to pumping systems. To work effectively, this type of pump is typically positioned between the water source and the plumbing endpoints (like faucets, toilets, and showers), where it receives water from the main pump and pressurises it so that it can successfully reach its final destination.

How to Identify When to Use Booster Pumps

Several factors can contribute to low water pressure in a building, including: 

- The diameter of the piping

- The distance the water needs to travel

- The height at which water must be pumped

- The type of plumbing system in place

- The water pressure supplied by the municipality or other sources

Booster pumps are often needed when fixtures experience low or inconsistent water pressure,  water flow fluctuations, or total stoppages, such as in taller or larger buildings where water must travel greater distances or to higher elevations. However, before deciding to install one, it is crucial to first assess the low water pressure situation carefully.

For example, older pipes can become obstructed, leading to a significant reduction in water pressure. In such cases, the solution may lie in repairing or replacing the pipes rather than installing a booster pump. Similarly, poorly designed plumbing systems or pipes whose specs are smaller than what is required for the application may also impact flow and pressure. Sometimes, the issue could be a mere oversight, like a valve that was left half-shut, and fully opening it may restore the water pressure. In these scenarios, adding a booster pump could result in excessive pressure, potentially damaging the system.

Commercial and Industrial Applications for Booster Pumps

Many manufacturers nowadays equip their pumping systems with pressure boosters to achieve the high water pressure output needed for their various processes, which can include cooling, distribution, and cleaning applications, like when using high-pressure cleaners. 

For instance, water treatment facilities need booster pumps to transport water during treatment and for final distribution. Booster pumps are also essential in industries like agriculture, where they are used to distribute water from wells, ponds, or other sources for irrigation purposes. 

Other common industrial applications for booster pumps include:

•       Feeding boilers
•       Supporting filtration operations
•       Powering HVAC systems
•       Assisting in reverse osmosis processes

The Many Kinds of Booster Pumps Used for Commercial and Industrial Applications

There are several types of booster pumps used in commercial and industrial settings, including:

1. Water Pressure Booster Pumps

This pump is usually placed near a facility’s water tank and activates when there is a substantial drop in its water levels. Essentially, it falls back on an alternative supply line (like from the local municipal source) until pressure builds back up in the tank and only switches back to it once it is refilled. 

2. Submersible Well Pumps 

Submersible pumps boast long service lives and high energy efficiency and are generally ideal for use in deep wells. The main downsides to them are that they often cost more and are prone to corrosion due to constant submersion.

3. Jet Well Pumps

Often used on properties that are cut off from the municipal water source, these pumps are relatively affordable and effective for both shallow and deep wells.

4. Irrigation Booster Pumps 

An irrigation booster pump is designed to draw water from a well, pond, or other similar water source instead of the municipal supply, making it ideal for agricultural irrigation systems.

5. Centrifugal Well Pumps 

These pumps are simple, inexpensive, and easy to maintain, making them a good option for shallow wells. Their compact size also makes it a breeze to install them within tight spaces.

Conclusion 

Booster pumps play a critical role in maintaining water pressure and flow rates in various residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Understanding when and where booster pumps are necessary ensures that systems operate efficiently and reliably, providing adequate water pressure to all areas, even in challenging environments like tall buildings or large facilities. Proper evaluation of water pressure issues and careful selection of the appropriate pump type can lead to long-term success and a well-functioning system.