Booster Pumps
Booster pumps are automatic pressure boosting systems that deliver water to points of use at the required flow rate and pressure. Vertical or horizontal pump sets operate together with pressure tanks, check valves, isolation valves, pressure sensors, control panels and protection equipment.
Variable-speed booster systems adjust pump speed according to changing water demand. Therefore, they can maintain more stable system pressure and reduce unnecessary energy consumption. Pump type, impeller material and automation must be selected according to water chemistry, particle content, required flow rate, total head and operating conditions.
Constant Pressure Control
The operating sequence of the pumps is automatically controlled through a pressure transmitter or pressure switch.
Variable-Speed System
Motor speed is adjusted according to water demand. As a result, pressure fluctuations and unnecessary energy consumption can be reduced.
Dry-Running Protection
A level float, electrode or pressure sensor can prevent the pumps from operating without water.
What Is a Booster Pump?
A booster pump system draws water from a storage tank and supplies it to the installation at the required pressure. It can be designed with one, two or multiple pumps. Depending on changing water demand, the pumps operate sequentially or simultaneously to maintain the required system pressure.
Pump selection should not be based solely on motor power. Required flow rate, total dynamic head, static elevation difference, pipe friction losses, minimum suction pressure, water temperature and chemical characteristics must be evaluated together.
How Do Booster Pumps Work?
Water Storage
Service water is stored in a clean water tank of suitable capacity.
Pressure Detection
A pressure transmitter or pressure switch continuously monitors the system pressure.
Pump Activation
When pressure drops below the set value, the pump or pump group starts automatically.
Pressure Stabilization
The pressure tank and control system limit pressure fluctuations during sudden changes in water demand.
Types of Booster Pumps
| Booster Type | Design | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Horizontal Booster System | Uses one or more horizontal centrifugal pumps. | Residential buildings, small commercial properties and medium-pressure water systems. |
| Vertical Booster System | Vertical multistage pumps operate on a compact manifold. | High-rise buildings, hotels, hospitals and industrial facilities. |
| Variable-Speed Booster System | Motor speed is electronically adjusted according to pressure demand. | Systems with variable flow rates and constant pressure requirements. |
| Multi-Pump Booster System | Two or more pumps operate in staged and standby configuration. | Facilities requiring high flow rates, operational continuity and redundancy. |
Booster System Components
Horizontal or vertical pumps that provide the required flow rate and head.
Reduces pressure fluctuations and frequent pump starts and stops.
Electronically measures line pressure and transmits the signal to the control panel.
Controls pump start and stop according to lower and upper pressure settings.
Prevents water from flowing back toward the pump.
Manages pump sequencing, protection, alarms and variable-speed functions.
Stops the pumps when the water level in the storage tank becomes too low.
Provide pump inlet and outlet connections as well as maintenance and isolation functions.
Pump Selection According to Water Properties
| Water Property | Recommended Material Approach | Important Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Clean Mains Water | Noryl, composite, stainless steel or suitable cast impeller. | Potable-water suitability, temperature and operating pressure should be verified. |
| Water Containing Particles or Sediment | Wear-resistant impeller, suitable mechanical seal and pre-filtration. | Particle size and concentration directly affect pump service life. |
| Saline or Seawater | SS316, duplex stainless steel, bronze or special alloys depending on process conditions. | Chloride concentration, temperature and galvanic corrosion must be considered. |
| Chemically Contaminated Water | Chemically resistant casing, impeller and elastomer selection. | pH, conductivity, chemical composition and temperature should be evaluated together. |
Important Booster Pump Installation Requirements
Recommended Operating Conditions
| Parameter | Recommended Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Water Temperature | 0–35°C | A general operating range for standard clean-water booster systems. |
| Ambient Temperature | Maximum 40°C | Adequate ventilation should be provided for motor cooling and electrical panel components. |
| Water Quality | Clean and free from solid particles | Pre-filters or a suitable pump type should be used for water containing particles. |
| Freeze Protection | Freezing must be prevented | The pump and pipework should be protected in environments where freezing may occur. |
Booster Pressure Tank
A diaphragm pressure tank creates a pressurized water reserve that prevents the pump from starting immediately during small water demands. Correct tank sizing reduces motor starts and sudden changes in system pressure.
The permitted maximum operating pressure of the diaphragm tank must exceed the maximum system pressure that the pump set can generate. Tank pre-charge pressure should be adjusted according to the booster start pressure and the manufacturer’s instructions.
Motor Start Frequency and Pressure Settings
| Motor Power | Example Maximum Starts | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1.1 kW | Maximum 180 starts/hour | Motor and pump manufacturer data should be used to determine the exact limit. |
| Above 1.1 kW | Maximum 40 starts/hour | If frequent cycling occurs, tank volume, pre-charge pressure and system leaks should be checked. |
For example, in a three-pump system with pressure switch settings of 5–7 bar, 4.5–6.5 bar and 4–6 bar, a tank pre-charge pressure of approximately 3.5 bar may be considered. However, the final setting must be verified according to the pump start pressure, tank type and manufacturer’s recommendations.
Pump Protection Functions
Can be provided by a level float, electrode or suction pressure sensor.
Stops the pump in case of excessive current or motor temperature.
Provides protection against incorrect phase sequence, phase loss and voltage imbalance.
Stops the pump group when system pressure exceeds the permitted value.
Alternates the lead pump to balance operating hours between the pumps.
In suitable systems, a standby pump can automatically start when another pump fails.
Applications of Booster Pumps
Advantages of Booster Pumps
Application and Pump Selection Note
When selecting booster pumps, simultaneous water demand, building height, minimum and maximum pressure requirements, piping pressure losses, tank level, pump suction conditions, NPSH, water temperature, particle concentration and water chemistry should be evaluated together.
Pump impeller wear is commonly caused by sand, sediment and abrasive particles in the water. In these applications, suitable pre-filtration, controlled flow velocity, wear-resistant materials and a regular maintenance plan should be considered.
Get Technical Support for Booster Pump Selection
Booster systems should be engineered according to the required water flow rate, pressure, building height, number of pumps, pressure tank volume and control method.
Contact Airtes Industrial for technical support on horizontal, vertical and variable-speed booster pump solutions for residential buildings, hotels, hospitals, commercial properties and industrial facilities.
