I am working on making improvements to an existing water system and have a few questions.  Background: 66 homes spread over 6 miles; distribution pipes are 4", 2", and 1.5"; Currently the well's 10 hp submersible pump runs continuously at about 90 gpm, causing the reservoir (located 2 miles away) to continuously overflow.My preferred pump control option is to use a radio SCADA system to turn the pump on and off based on the reservoir water level.  Since I will be turning the pump on and off, I am concerned about pressure surges, but don't want to make this system more complicated than it needs to be.  > Is a pump control valve needed?  It seems like they require a Oil pump lot of additional valves (surge anticipator valve, check valves, and isolation valves) plus a way to discharge water> Is a check valve sufficient? (there is aleady a check valve installed)> Would a pressure reducing valve work?> Would a cycle stop valve work?I am also not sure about needing to install a soft start for the pump since it would now be turning on and off.  Are there any advantages to intalling a soft start?  Are they just an added expense that isn't really necesary?  Would having a softstart reduce the potential for pressure surges?
Further information is needed before one can make a reply.Is there an elevation difference?When you say reservoir, are you talking about a water supply tank? And are you pumping directly from the well to the tank? Or are you pumping into the water distribution system?

2011-08-10

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