A Guide To Selecting the right booster set

Understanding Water Pressure Issues

 
There are lots of things we all take for granted. Having running, clean water is one; having running, clean water that flows effortlessly is another. Low water pressure is a common issue that many believe is just bad luck. Low water pressure can occur for various reasons, from the design of the plumbing system to external factors like water supply issues. However, understanding the cause is the first step toward finding a solution. There are effective solutions to transform a trickle of a shower into a revitalising cascade. One such solution is installing a booster set, to increase water pressure when there is insufficient flow.
 

What is a booster set?

 
The technical answer to this question is that it is a multi-pump skid-mounted system comprising:

• Normally two or more pumps, commonly with variable speed drives.
• Manifolds, valves and expansion vessels.
• Control gear, sensors and BMS interface system.

In simpler terms, a booster set is a pump with pressure control that automatically maintains a constant water pressure in the system. These sets are commonly used to pressurise drinking water within buildings or the mains water network. Additionally, they are utilised in various applications such as irrigation, car washes, water treatment systems, industrial processes, and fire suppression systems.
 

How do booster sets boost water pressure?

 
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 aim to reduce water waste, misuse, and contamination. These regulations restrict pumping directly from the mains at more than 12 litres per minute.

So, in situations where the incoming water supply is insufficient for the building’s use, the mains supply feeds into a break tank. Break tanks are used in pressure-boosting water systems to supply sufficient net-positive suction head (NPSH) to a pump in situations where mains water pressure is not sufficient to supply the requirements of the system. From there, the booster set pumps water around the system to increase pressure. In some cases, the booster sets can pump directly from a pressurised main, giving the water pressure a significant boost.

To ensure uninterrupted supply, booster sets often include a backup or standby pump in case of pump failure.
 

Why are booster sets important?

 
Compared to other European countries, the UK consumes an exceptionally high volume of water daily—around 150 litres per person. With growing populations and urban development, the demand for water is increasing. Booster sets play a crucial role in meeting this demand efficiently.

What are the benefits of booster sets

Selecting the right booster set is a vital part of the solution. Because they only deliver the required pressure when it is needed, variable speed booster sets can offer energy savings of up to 50% compared with traditional booster sets. Not only is this good news for the environment, it also means cost savings, too.

But that’s not all; additional benefits of intelligent control include:

• Energy Efficiency and Cost Saving: Variable speed booster sets can offer energy savings of up to 50% compared with traditional booster sets.
• Dry-Run Protection: Prevents the pump from running without water, which could cause damage.
• Longer Lifespan: Extends the life of parts like motor bearings and the pump itself.
• Space Efficiency: Reduces the footprint of applications, as large expansion tanks are not required.

 

How to select a booster set

 
Our focus on energy conservation means it is more important than ever to select the right booster set for the job, and this means identifying key data.

Calculated normal demand flow rate: It is up to the system designer to calculate how many taps, showers etc. are to be fitted. Operational diversity (how many systems are likely to be used at once) can be referred against industry standards (such as CIBSE). See our flow rate guide for more information on how to calculate flow rate demands.

Calculated peak demand flow rate: What are the likely scenarios specific to the project? For example, in a rugby club the showers are likely to be used simultaneously, whereas in a hotel, shower usage will be more staggered.

Static height difference between supply tank water level and highest outlet on the system: This is simply the physical measurement between the water level in the storage tank feeding the booster set and the shower or tap on the top floor of the building.

Required pressure at the highest outlet: The system designer will determine the pressure required at the highest point in a building. For example, a 3-storey town house may need at least 3.0 bar pressure to satisfactorily operate a rain head shower on the top floor. Adding the required pressure figure to the static height and friction loss figure (see below) gives the duty head pressure required.

Friction losses at peak flow rates: This is important if there is any doubt about the size of the interconnecting pipework. If the pipework is too small there will be a significant drop in pressure through the system.

Percentage of pump redundancy required for emergency or maintenance cover at peak demand: Depending on the flow rate specified, the total duty flow could be covered by a single pump or equally spread over two or more pumps. For the latter (each pumping 50% of the peak flow rate required), a third pump would provide 50% redundancy. This means that if one pump failed, the other two could operate successfully at peak demand.

On virtually every project, assumptions will have to be made about this data. This tends to result in over-specification of data to be absolutely sure that the pump system will cope with the demand. We have a wide range of resources to help you with these calculations, use them today.

Conversions and Calculators >

 

Boost water pressure with Dutypoint booster sets

 
Dutypoint are experts in pump systems, our extensive range of booster sets are the perfect solution to low water pressure issues. We have provided an overview of our key ranges, but if you need more information our expert team can work with you to help you find the best pump for your needs.

Cat 5 Booster Sets: Under the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme, it is illegal for any commercial enterprise to fit a hosepipe directly onto a tap for the purpose of washing down. Cat 5 booster sets are designed to prevent backflow contamination of mains water supplies and are used in a variety of applications and industries, including wash down areas, laboratories, chemical and sewage plants to name a few. Dutypoint offers a range of tanks and boosters specifically designed to satisfy the customer’s pressure boosting needs and the requirements of the Category 5 legislation.

 

Flowboost Range: Our Flowboost range offers a variety of variable-speed booster sets, ideal for homes and businesses experiencing low water pressure. Variable speed booster sets can save up to 50% in energy compared to traditional booster sets by delivering the necessary pressure only when it’s needed. Each unit is available in different specifications, is easy to install, and quickly boosts water pressure.

Cold water booster: Cold water booster sets are energy-efficient, low-maintenance, and come in a variety of configurations making them a good choice for large residential or commercial properties with many outlets, such as schools, hospitals, and university campuses. They can also be used in single properties where the mains pressure is low or water storage is required. Dutypoint’s WRAS-approved cold water booster sets provide the perfect solution for any project, accommodating limited space, unique plant rooms, high flow rates, and zero downtime, tailored to your exact specifications.

 

 

MicroBOOST: Dutypoint’s most advanced, space-saving domestic cold water booster, the MicroBOOST features an IE5 permanent magnet motor and full remote access via the app bridge function. You can rest assured the high-quality construction makes it easy to use and maintain.
 

Choose the right booster set with Dutypoint

 
In conclusion, selecting the right water booster set is essential for ensuring consistent water pressure, reducing water waste and cutting energy consumption. Dutypoint offers a comprehensive range of solutions tailored to meet your specific needs, from compact domestic systems to large-scale commercial installations. Our expert team is ready to assist you in finding the perfect booster set to enhance water flow and efficiency. Contact Dutypoint today to learn how we can help optimise your water pressure for any project.