Simer HT20 Pre-Charged Pressure Tanks Owner’s Manual

Simer HT20 Pre-Charged Pressure Tanks

Product Information: Pre-Charged Pressure Tanks

The Pre-Charged Pressure Tanks are available in models HT7, HT20, VT14, VT19, VT20, VT36 VT52, VT96, and VT99. These tanks are designed to provide a steady supply of water to homes and other residential or commercial buildings. The tanks come with an installation/operation/parts manual that must be carefully read and followed before installation, operation, and maintenance of the product. The tanks must be installed according to local codes by a licensed plumber or installer. The tanks have a pressure switch setting of 20-40 PSI (138-276 kPa) and different precharge PSI values depending on the model.

Product Usage Instructions

Before installing or servicing the tank, ensure that the electric power source is disconnected. Follow the instructions in the manual to release all water pressure before working on the tank or system. If necessary, remove bleeder orifices, air volume controls, or other air charging devices in the existing system. Install a relief valve in the pump supply line to the tank as close to the tank as possible. Ensure that the pump electrical circuit is properly grounded. Always test water from the well for purity before using and check with the local health department for testing procedures. It is important to note that the tank should not be used as a surge suppressor. To avoid damage to the equipment and prevent tank explosions from causing serious injury, do not allow the pump, tank, or piping system to freeze. Freezing voids tank warranty.

For further assistance, contact Simer Customer Service at 1-800-468-7867.

293 Wright St., Delavan, WI 53115

• Phone: 1-800-468-7867
• Fax: 1-800-390-5351
• WebSite: SimerPump.com

Installation/Operation/Parts

For further operating, installation, or maintenance assistance: Call 1-800-468-7867

Important Safety Instructions

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS – This manual contains important instructions that should be followed during installation, operation, and maintenance of the product.

This is the safety alert symbol. When you see this symbol on your pump or in this manual, look for one of the following signal words and be alert to the potential for personal injury!

DANGER
indicates a hazard that, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

WARNING
indicates a hazard that, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

CAUTION
indicates a hazard that, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.

NOTICE addresses practices not related to personal injury. Carefully read and follow all safety instructions in this manual and on pump. Keep safety labels in good condition. Replace missing or damaged safety labels.

California Proposition 65 Warning

WARNING
This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer or birth defects or other reproductive harm.

1. Read this manual carefully. Failure to follow these instructions could cause serious bodily injury and/or property damage.
2. Consult an installer or licensed plumber for the correct relief valve. Install the system according to local codes.
3. Always test water from well for purity before using. Check the local health department for testing procedures.
4. Before installing or servicing the tank, BE SURE the pump’s electric power source is disconnected. Release all water pressure before working on tank or system. Release air pressure before removing cover flange.
5. Install relief valve in the pump supply line to the tank, as close to the tank as possible.
6. BE SURE the pump electrical circuit is properly grounded.
7. Remove bleeder orifices, air volume controls, or other air charging devices in the existing system.
8. DO NOT USE the tank as a surge suppressor.

WARNING
Risk of explosion. The pump body may explode if used as a booster pump unless a relief valve capable of passing full pump flow at 75 PSI is installed. Do not ground to a gas supply line. To prevent possible serious or fatal injury and/or damage to equipment, system pressure must be less than 100 pounds per square inch (PSI) (689kPa) under any circumstances. Failure to follow instructions can result in a tank blow up. If system discharge pressure can exceed 100 PSI (689kPa), install a relief valve capable of passing the full pump volume at 100 PSI (689kPa).

WARNING
Risk of freezing. Do not allow pump, tank, or piping system to freeze. Freezing can severely damage equipment and may lead to tank explosion and serious injury. Allowing tank to freeze voids the tank warranty.

General Information

The tanks listed below are pre-charged, or filled with air at the factory, to 40 pounds per square inch (PSI) (276kPa). When installing tank, set tank pressure according to Chart 1. To do this, bleed air from or add air to the tank through the valve on top of the tank.

NOTICE Always set or check tank pre-charge with NO WATER in the tank or water pressure in the system. If you have already pumped water before setting or checking pre-charge pressure, turn the pump off. Open the faucet until there is no more water pressure. Set pre-charge in tank according to Chart 1, then close the faucet and turn the pump back on. Periodically inspect pump and system components.

NOTICE Replace and tighten air valve cap after the pressure is adjusted correctly. Failure to replace the air cap may allow loss of air pressure and lead to tank waterlogging and bladder failure.

Chart I

(The first number on the pressure switch is the pump on setting; the second number is the pump off setting.) Pre-charged storage tanks can be connected together to increase the drawdown. Drawdown is the actual amount of usable water available from when the tank is full to when the pump turns on. Installing two tanks of same size will double the drawdown supply, three tanks will triple the drawdown supply, (Figure 1). Locate pressure switch as shown. Tank and pressure switch cannot be more than 10’ (3M) apart.

NOTICE Tank capacity is different than drawdown. Tank capacity is the actual physical volume of the sheet metal that makes up the tank.

Operating Cycle

• Step 1. Tank nearly empty – air expands filling area above bladder (Figure 2A).
• Step 2. Water enters tank – air is compressed above the bladder as it fills with water (Figure 2B).
• Step 3. Pump-up cycle completed – air compressed to OFF setting of pressure switch (Figure 2C).
• Step 4. Water drawn from tank – compressed tank air forces water out of bladder (Figure 2D).
• Step 5. Bladder empty – new cycle ready to begin (Figure 2A).

Installation
NOTICE Do not allow pump or any system component to freeze. To do so will void the warranty. Connect the discharge pipe from the pump to a tee. Connect one side of the tee to the tank flange and the other side of tee to the service. Use plastic or steel pipe as required. To prevent leaks, use PTFE pipe thread sealant tape on male threads of all threaded connections to tank.

NOTICE To be sure pipe joints are not cross threaded and all threads are clean, make connections by hand (without sealer) first. When the threads are clean, remove the pipe, add PTFE pipe thread sealant tape, and remake the connection. Tighten by hand first; finish with pipe wrench. When installing an elbow or nipple in the plastic tank flange, tighten it hand tight plus 1-1/2 turns with a pipe wrench. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN!

Standard Tank Replacement

When replacing a standard tank in a water system with a pre-charged tank, no bleeder orifices or Air Volume Control (AVC) are required. When sizing a pre- charged tank to replace a standard tank, the tanks should have equivalent drawdowns.

For example, model FP7110T precharged tank has a drawdown of 5.8 gallons (22L) and is equivalent to a 42-gallon standard tank that has a drawdown of 4.3 gallons (16.3L).

WARNING
Risk of electric shock and explosion. Disconnect all power to the pump and bleed all pressure from the system before working on the pump, tank, or piping. For jet pump installation, remove AVC tube from port in pump body or jet body and plug port (see Figure 3). New pumps come with plug installed.

When working on submersible pumps in wells be sure safety rope is solidly connected to the pump and to secure the anchor at the wellhead at all times. Do not drop the pump down the well!

Bleeder Orifices

NOTICE For submersible pump installations, there may be bleeder orifices in the vertical discharge pipe. They must be removed and the tees plugged when a pre-charged tank is installed in the system. To do this, raise the pump and discharge piping enough to bring the bleeder orifices clear of the well. Remove the bleeder orifices from tees and replace them with plugs (see Figure 4). Bleeder orifices may be any of several sizes. Have a pair each of 1/2”, 3/4”, and 1” plugs available. Replace pump and reconnect the discharge pipe.

Adjusting Tank Pre-charge

In areas where the temperature is high for long periods of time, tank pre- charge pressure may increase. This may reduce tank drawdown (amount of water available per cycle). If this occurs, adjust pre-charge pressure according to Chart 1. Flush all air out of piping system and water reservoir portion of the pre-charged tank. Required on: new installations, pumps requiring re-priming, and pumps disassembled for service.

• Step 1. Open the faucets furthest from the tank and run the pump.
• Step 2. Run the pump until the sputtering stops and a steady stream of water flows.
• Step 3. Open and close fauces repeatedly until all air has been removed.
• Step 4. If the stream does not become steady, air may be leaking into the system; check for leaks in the piping on the suction side of the pump.

NOTICE To prevent waterlogging, check the tank air charges annually.

To Check Tank Air Charge
If the drawdown decreases significantly, check as follows:

• Step 1. To check the air charge in the tank, shut off the electric power to the pump, open the faucet near the tank, and drain completely.
• Step 2. At the air valve, check the tank air pressure with a tire gauge. See Chart 1, for the correct pressure setting. If needed, adjust the tank pressure up or down.
• Step 3. Use soap or liquid detergent to check for air leaks around air valve. Continuous bubbling indicates a leak. If necessary, release air pressure and install a new core in the air valve, (same as used for automobile tubeless tires.)

Te sting For Bladder Leakage

• Step 1. Disconnect power to pump.
• Step 2 Drain water from the tank bladder by opening the faucet closest to the tank.
• Step 3. Remove the valve cap and release all pressure by depressing the valve core. When air stops coming from the valve, remove the valve core to release the remaining pressure.
• Step 4. Disconnect piping from the elbow on the tank cover flange.
• Step 5. Carefully turn the tank upside down or lay on its side.

NOTICE Retained water in the tank may cause sudden weight shifts when lowering. Support tank so it cannot fall when being lowered or inverted.

• Step 6. If the bladder leaks, water will run out of the valve. If so, replace the bladder.
• Step 7. If replacing the bladder, be sure air and water pressures are relieved before removing the cover flange. When reassembling the cover flange, do not tighten nuts or mounting studs more than 65 in-lbs.
• NOTICE When using metal pipe with plastic fittings use only pipe thread sealant tape on male threads.
• NOTICE Most standard tanks have separate inlet and outlet ports. Pre-charge tanks have one port serving both functions. When replacing a standard tank with a pre-charge tank, run pipe from pump into a tee as shown. 2nd leg of tee goes to tank elbow; 3rd leg goes to existing service.

Product Information – Pre-Charged Tanks

Drawdown – Gals(L)

Catalog Number| 20-40 PSI

(138-276 kPa)

| 30-50 PSI

(207-345 kPa)

| 40-60 PSI

(276-414 kPa)

HT7-01| 2.2 (8.3)| 1.8 (6.8)| 1.6 (6.1)
HT20-01| 6.9 (26.1)| 5.9 (22)| 5.0 (18.9)
VT14-04| 4.8 (18.2)| 4.1 (15.5)| 3.6 (13.6)
VT19-02| 6.9 (26.1)| 5.9 (22)| 5.0 (18.9)
VT20-04| 6.9 (26.1)| 5.9 (22)| 5.0 (18.9)
VT36-04| 12.7 (48.1)| 10.7 (40.5)| 9.3 (35.2)
VT52-04| 18.3 (69.3)| 15.5 (58.7)| 13.4 (50.7)
VT96-04| 30.0 (113.6)| 26.0 (98.4)| 22.0 (83.3)
VT99-02| 41.3 (156.3)| 35.4 (134.0)| 31.0 (117.3)
Catalog Number| Maximum Capacity US GALS (L)| Equivalent to Standard Tank US GALS (L)| Tank Diameter (mm)| Overall Height (mm)| Tank Discharge Tapping
---|---|---|---|---|---
HT7-01| 6 (23)| 15 (57)| 12” (305)| 16 1/2” (419)| .75”
HT20-01| 19 (72)| 42 (159)| 16” (406)| *24-5/8” (625)| 1”
VT14-04| 14 (53)| 30 (114)| 16” (406)| 23” (584)| 1”
VT19-02| 19 (72)| 42 (159)| 20” (508)| 22-3/4” (578)| 1”
VT20-04| 19 (72)| 42 (159)| 16” (406)| 30-1/8” (765)| 1”
VT36-04| 35 (132)| 82 (310)| 20” (508)| 36 1/4” (921)| 1”
VT52-04| 50 (189)| 120 (454)| 24” (610)| 34 3/4” (883)| 1.25”
VT96-04| 85 (322)| 220 (833)| 24” (610)| 54” (1372)| 1.25”
VT99-02| 119 (450)| 320 (1211)| 24” (610)| 68” (1727)| 1.25”

Repair Parts

Ref.| Description| Qty.| VT14-04| VT19-02| VT20-04
---|---|---|---|---|---
1| Air Valve Cover| 1| U31-380P| U31-380P| U31-380P
2| Air Valve with Cap| 1| U212-160| U212-160| U212-160
3| Water Cell – Vinyl| 1| U20-13| U20-08| U20-13
4| Cover Flange| 1| U31-446P| U31-446P| U31-446P
5| Flanged Nut 5/16-18 Hex†| 6| U36-202BT| U36-202BT| U36-202BT
6| Base| 1| U31-505P| U31-505P| U31-505P
| Pump Mounting Bracket| 1| TNKBR-P2| TNKBR-P2| TNKBR-P2
Ref.| Description| Qty.| VT36-04| VT52-04| VT96-04
---|---|---|---|---|---
1| Air Valve Cover| 1| U31-380P| U31-380P| U31-380P
2| Air Valve with Cap| 1| U212-160| U212-160| U212-160
3| Water Cell – Vinyl| 1| U20-9| U20-10| U20-14
4| Cover Flange| 1| U31-446P| U31-447P| U31-447P
5| Flanged Nut 5/16-18 Hex†| 6| U36-202BT| U36-202BT| U36-202BT
6| Base| 1| U31-505P| U31-512P| U31-512P
| Pump Mounting Bracket| 1| TNKBR-P2| TNKBR-P2| TNKBR-P2
Ref.| Description| Qty.| VT99-02
---|---|---|---
1| Air Valve Cover| 1| U31-380P
2| Air Valve with Cap| 1| U212-160
3| Water Cell – Vinyl| 1| U20-20
4| Cover Flange| 1| U31-462P
5| Flanged Nut 5/16-18 Hex†| 6| U36-202BT
6| Base| 1| U31-512P
*| Pump Mounting Bracket| 1| TNKBR-P2

• Standard hardware items, may be purchased locally.
• Not illustrated, sold separately.

Warranty

Retain Original Receipt For Warranty Eligibility

Limited Warranty
This Limited Warranty is effective June 1, 2011 and replaces all undated warranties and warranties dated before June 1, 2011. SIMER warrants to the original consumer purchaser (“Purchaser” or “You”) that its products are free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of the original consumer purchase. If, within twelve (12) months from the original consumer purchase, any such product shall prove to be defective, it shall be repaired or replaced at SIMER’s option, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein. Note that this limited warranty applies to manufacturing defects only and not to ordinary wear and tear. All mechanical devices need periodic parts and services to perform well. This limited warranty does not cover repair when normal use has exhausted the life of a part or the equipment. The original purchase receipt and product warranty information label are required to determine warranty eligibility. Eligibility is based on the purchase date of the original product – not the date of replacement under warranty. The warranty is limited to repair or replacement of original purchased product only, not replacement product (i.e. one warranty replacement allowed per purchase). Purchaser pays all removal, installation, labor, shipping, and incidental charges. For parts or troubleshooting assistance, DO NOT return the product to your retail store. Contact SIMER Customer Service at 800-468-7867. Claims made under this warranty shall be made by returning the product (except sewage pumps, see below) to the retail outlet where it was purchased or to the factory immediately after the discovery of any alleged defect. SIMER will subsequently take corrective action as promptly as reasonably possible. No requests for service will be accepted if received more than 30 days after the warranty expires. The warranty is not transferable and does not apply to products used in commercial/rental applications.

Sewage Pumps
DO NOT return a sewage pump (that has been installed) to your retail store. Contact SIMER Customer Service. Sewage pumps that have seen service and been removed carry a contamination hazard with them. If your sewage pump has failed:

• Wear rubber gloves when handling the pump;
• For warranty purposes, return the pump’s cord tag and original receipt of purchase to the retail store;
• Dispose of the pump according to local disposal ordinances.

Exceptions to the Twelve (12) Month Limited Warranty

General Terms and Conditions; Limitation of Remedies
You must pay all labor and shipping charges necessary to replace the product covered by this warranty. This warranty does not apply to the following: (1) acts of God; (2) products which, in SIMER’s sole judgment, have been subject to negligence, abuse, accident, misapplication, tampering, or alteration; (3) failures due to improper installation, operation, maintenance or storage; (4) atypical or unapproved application, use or service; (5) failures caused by corrosion, rust or other foreign materials in the system, or operation at pressures in excess of recommended maximums. This warranty sets forth SIMER’s sole obligation and the purchaser’s exclusive remedy for defective products. SIMER SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONTINGENT DAMAGES WHATSOEVER. THE FOREGOING WARRANTIES ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER EXPRESS AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE FOREGOING WARRANTIES SHALL NOT EXTEND BEYOND THE DURATION PROVIDED HEREIN. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages or limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to You. This warranty gives You specific legal rights and You may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

• SIMER
• 293 Wright Street
• Delavan, WI U.S.A. 53115
• Phone: 800-468-7867
• Fax: 800-390-5351
• www.simerpump.com

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