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Megamachines

Installation

This article covers the installation process for Max-E Boost.

Do not attempt to start the pump even to check the direction of rotation until the system has been filled with water and both the pump and the system have been primed/vented.

All electrical connections should be carried out by a qualified and authorised electrician in accordance with the wiring diagrams supplied and with the latest issue of the I.E.E. regulations. The Home Booster must be earthed. It is strongly recommended that an Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB) is fitted on the incoming electrical supply.

Do not remove pump motor coupling guards and electric motor fan covers unless:

  • The electricity supply has been suitably isolated.
  • The pump isolating valves have been closed.
  • The system pressure has been removed from the pump unit.

Do not remove electrical panel enclosures, panel enclosures, panel components, motor terminal box covers, electrical cables or any other electrical protective covering without first ensuring that the electrical supply is suitably isolated and cannot be switched on.

Do not attempt to supply electricity to the control panel and run the pump electric motors without ensuring that all electrical fittings, cables and enclosures are intact and suitably electrically isolated from human touch during operation.

Do not attempt to supply electricity to the electric motor or re-pressure the pipe work system without first ensuring that the coupling guards and motor fan covers are held securely in their correct positions. 

General Information

  1. The suction and discharge pipework must be at least the same size as the booster set manifolds, as a smaller size may result in reduced pump performance or increased system resistance leading to a reduced flow.
  2. The installation suction and discharge pipework must be properly supported before being connected to the booster set so that the booster set is not stressed.
  3. The pipework installation from the booster set should be in accordance with local water authority regulations.
  4. The electrical installation of the booster set should be in accordance with the latest issue of the I.E.E. regulations.
  5. Check that the cold water storage tank has adequate capacity to meet the maximum demand. 

Location

The Max-E Boost must not be installed into roof spaces, the small level of vibration associated with any rotating equipment will cause disturbance, and considerable water damage could result if a leak occurs. Please provide drainage facilities for the unit in case of leakage or loss of water during commissioning and service.

  1. The Max-E Boost set should be sited in a dry, well ventilated, and frost-free position, where it will not be subjected to extremes of temperature. The Max-E Boost may be located outdoors in a weather, frost and rodent proof enclosure with adequate ventilation especially during hot weather. All pipe work subject to freezing conditions must be adequately protected.
  2. Ensure that the Max-E Boost is positioned to allow access for examination and service. A minimum of 75cm should be left all around the booster set. Adequate drainage facilities and protection from water damage in the immediate vicinity of the booster set must be provided.
  3. To enable maintenance and service of the unit to be carried out satisfactorily, the area should have adequate lighting for this work to be carried out safely.
  4. The Max-E Boost should not be installed in an unventilated small space, ensure adequate ventilation for the motor. 

Foundation & Mounting

The Max-E Boost is fitted with anti-vibration mountings to reduce vibration transmission into the structure of the building. If the Max-E Boost is installed with the anti-vibration mountings or an inertia base with springs, then flexible connectors should be fitted between the booster set and the system pipe work to vibration transmission into the system pipe work.

Alternatively, the Max-E Boost can be mounted directly to a concrete plinth, in this case the anti-vibration mountings may be removed. If installed on a concrete base, ensure the surface is both horizontal and flat to avoid distortion of the base plate, use shims if necessary to ensure that the base mounting frame is level and properly supported.

If the Max-E Boost is to be installed close to living accommodation, it is advisable to retain the anti-vibration mountings on the set and use flexible pipe couplings, or alternatively install the Max-E Boost with an inertia base with springs.

Grundfos does not recommend installation of the Max-E Boost onto a wooden substrate. Booster sets installed onto wooden flooring must be provided with an inertia base with springs, in this case flexible connections are also required. 

Storage Tank

The Max-E Boost must be used in conjunction with a cold water storage tank having a type AB Air Gap, supplied and installed in accordance with the Water Byelaws Regulations. The Max-E Boost must NOT be directly connected directly to the incoming water company mains water supply pipe. This will cause local depressurization of the water supply, and possible contamination of the mains water supply.

Check that the tank cold water storage tank has adequate capacity to meet the demand of the users within the building. As a general rule, allow 125 liters storage per person. Alternatively the storage can be based on the number of bedrooms, in which case multiply 125 liters by the number of bedrooms plus one.

A person will use approximately 150 liters per day, for standard fittings and use. Where space is restricted the amount of storage can be reduced on the basis that half of this volume is used in the morning and evening.

The ability of the cold water mains supply should also be taken into account when selecting the size of the cold water storage tank.

Bypass

In the event of a failure of the Max-E Boost, it is recommended to install a cold water mains water bypass, to allow continued water supply albeit at a reduced pressure to the installation. The bypass arrangement must be installed in accordance with the Water Byelaws Regulations.

Vessel Precharge Pressure

When adjusting the vessel pre-charge pressure, the vessel connection must effectively be open to atmosphere. Failure to set the pre-charge pressure correctly will cause incorrect operation of the booster set.

The vessel pre-charge pressure should be adjusted before the pump is filled with water. The pressure vessel pre-charge must be set to 70% of the required pump discharge (setpoint) pressure.

Example, if the required discharge pressure is 3.0 bar, then the pre-charge pressure must be set to 0.7 x 3.0 = 2.10 bar.

The pre-charge pressure can be checked and adjusted using a car tyre pressure gauge. For small pressure adjustments a foot pump can be used. If large amounts of gas are required then dry nitrogen should be used in order to prevent corrosion within the vessel.

Pressure Vessel

The Max-E Boost is supplied with a loose 24 liter pressure vessel for transport reasons. The 24 liter vessel is to be installed on site to avoid damage to the pressure vessel. The pressure vessel has a 1” BSP threaded connection for screwing into the pipe work fitting on the pipe work. The threaded connection should be sealed using a WRAS approved thread sealing material or compound.