Doodlebug Pump -- FAQ

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Pressure Tank Sizing

How To Correctly Size A Pressure Tank

1. How to Correctly Size A Pressure Tank For A Submersible Or Jet Pump.
   

Pressure Tank Sizing

1. How to Correctly Size A Pressure Tank For A Submersible Or Jet Pump.

   A general rule: You can never have too big a tank.

   In order to prevent premature motor failure the pressure tank should be large enough to allow the pump to run for at minimum one minute. If it will run longer, so much the better.

   For example: A 1 HP Shallow Well Jet pump can produce up to 25 GPM @ 40 PSI. An 86 gallon Captive Air Tank has a draw down of 26 gallons. The pump will run for one minute before the pump turns off.

   If you were to attempt to use a 20-gallon tank, the draw down is only 6.2 gallons. In the above example, the 1 HP Jet Pump would only run for about 15 seconds before it turns off.

   This might be fine for a 1/2 HP pump, but for a 1 HP pump the run time is too short. There is not enough time for the motor to cool off.

   The important thing to remember is to first determine how much water your particular pump will deliver in one minute. Once you have made this determination, select a tank with sufficient capacity to allow the pump to run for a minimum of one minute or longer.

   You can use a smaller tanks in some applications, but it may cost you in both in terms of higher electric costs and premature motor falure.

   A small tank is only recommended for cabins or weekend homes where usage is limited or for smaller pumps based on the draw down.

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