Armstrong Extends Variable Speed Booster Set Range
Armstrong has added new larger capacity models to its popular 6800 IVS variable speed booster set range. All new models incorporate the Soft Fill feature – a fully-automated process which reduces the risk of hydraulic shock damage and water hammer by controlling the pump speed to ramp up gradually to a fill setpoint.
The range has been extended to offer booster sets up to 25 bar, and variable speed above 7.5 kW. The motor size limit is 45kW, but there is a choice of 2, 3, 4, or 5 pumps for each set to suit the widest range of applications.
The 6800 IVS series of booster sets has proved ideal for buildings such as schools, hotels and hospitals, and design features such as Soft Fill have made it perfect for high-rise residential and commercial buildings.
The 6800 IVS series incorporates integrated frequency converters for variable speed pumping and provides outstanding energy efficiency, pressure control and occupancy comfort, all with reduced system complexity, and at a lower capital cost.
Pumps are mounted on a stainless steel base-frame complete with stainless steel headers, the packaged booster sets are pre-assembled and tested off-site for quick, trouble free installation.
A major advantage of the new range is that the intelligence for variable speed pumping is already built-in and factory-set to suit the building demands. The integrated frequency converters automatically manage the staging of multiple pumps reducing the need for additional equipment and thereby reducing capital cost. In addition, more accurate control of pressure is possible, enabling occupancy comfort to be optimised, whilst the automatic staging and control of pumps ensures best efficiency operation for minimised energy consumption.
The Soft Fill feature is an additional valuable advantage. It reduces the risk of water hammer associated with rapid exhaustion of air from piping systems – for example following a mains power failure where attempted water draw off leads to air entering the system. Traditionally booster sets are designed to reach their target pressure as soon as possible, but this can lead to hydraulic shock damage in this sort of situation. Armstrong’s Soft Fill feature, however automatically controls the pump speed in these instances and ramps up gradually to a fill setpoint.
As pressure increases are controlled, trapped air can be released, and water introduced to the system, in a gradual manner, without damage to fittings. The minimum fill time can be adjusted to suit site conditions. After initial start-up, when the system is in normal use, the booster set reverts back to its usual working conditions, reaching target pressures as quickly as possible.
Other benefits of the range include minimised project risk, lower maintenance costs (through reduced wear and tear), and reduced life cycle costs (in all areas from lower upfront outlay to reduced running costs).
