A variety of hot-water piping layouts can be arranged. Some basic principles must however be followed for efficient, and economical design. Piping layouts have also to be decided on the basis of architectural and structural considerations.
(a) Static pressure, the pressure exerted at the bottom of a stationery head of water is related directly to its height.
(b) Up feed system needs pump to force the water every time as required.
(c) Down feed system-
ADVERTISEMENTS:
A large tank is placed at the top of a building to supply water on demand via gravity It needs pump for forcing where the tank is replenished Tall building utilizing a down feed system. Would experience high water pressure at the fixtures.
Zoned down feed system:
A second tank is sometimes placed on an intermediate level to serve the lower floors.
Reverse circulation is similar to the up feed system, except that the return flow occurs in the same direction as that of the main flow pipe.
ADVERTISEMENTS:
(i) Till the end of the remotest circuit from where it returns to the calorific through a separate reverse return line
(ii) This system is suitable where the circuits are long and where there is a likelihood of the least favorably placed fixtures not receiving adequate flow or pressure. A reverse return-line enables closer balancing of pressure in the system.
Advantages of direct system-
The direct or non-storage system (i) contains less pipe work, (ii) has no cistern (or only a small one for the hot water system), (iii) easier and cheaper to install and maintain (iv) As all the water passes direct to the taps, all taps will have drinking water which has not been subjected to possible risk of contamination during storage.