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High Rise BLDG Water Supply

Since water doesn't flow uphill, high rise buildings depend on pumps to “lift” the water to the upper floors. A typical municipal water system doesn't have enough “head” (the pressure that pushes water up) to do the job by itself.

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kartik chopra
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7K views22 pages

High Rise BLDG Water Supply

Since water doesn't flow uphill, high rise buildings depend on pumps to “lift” the water to the upper floors. A typical municipal water system doesn't have enough “head” (the pressure that pushes water up) to do the job by itself.

Uploaded by

kartik chopra
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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WATER SUPPLY- HIGH RISE BUILDINGS

Over the last couple of hundred years, high rise buildings reflected the need to make the best
possible usage of a relatively small area of land in densely populated urban spaces across the
world.
Further, with the increase in density of population in Indian cities, there is an exponential
vertical development calling for high rise structures sprawling the city skylines.

SR. No. Building Storeys Height Limit Classification


1 Building up to 10 storey high Height up to 30 M Low
2 Buildings with 10 to 20 storeys Height up to 60 M Medium
3 Building above 20 storeys Height above 60 M High-rise

This equally poses a huge challenge when it comes to design of efficient water distribution
systems in these high-rise structures.

And while designing these distribution systems the challenge does not stop only with capacity
calculation and piping design, but also on the detailing of booster controls.
WATER SUPPLY- HIGH RISE BUILDINGS

WATER DISTRIBUTION IN GENERAL


Tall Buildings generally receive insufficient pressure from mains that creates challenge for
water supply designers.

The general process is to store water in an under ground water tank then pump to overhead
water tank for evenly distribution to all residents.

The peak load flow might be greater than what is possible to supply from the mains is an
obvious fact to deal with.

Tall buildings where the height of the building prevents water from reaching the top floors. For
example, a mains pressure of 3.0 bar should, theoretically, be sufficient for a 30-m tall building,
but this is not the case. There must be sufficient surplus pressure to cover resistance in riser
pipes, single components such as shower heads, toilets and cooling towers.

Various systems of water supply practiced for high rise buildings are:
Down Take Pressure Reducer Valve System
Multiple Storage System
Break Pressure Tank System
Hydro-Pneumatic System
WATER SUPPLY- HIGH RISE BUILDINGS

Down Take Pressure Reducer Valve System


• Water storage tanks are provided on the
terrace

• The down take line from the tank is laid out


horizontally in a loop on the terrace

• The pressure in loop at peak demand should


not become negative

• Vertical down take are taken from the loop as


per the requirement and each down take is
then linked for a zone of four storeys at a time

• These down take are designed for the peak


demand it has to serve.
WATER SUPPLY- HIGH RISE BUILDINGS

Down Take Pressure Reducer Valve System


• These down take are provided with
pressure reducing valve to limit the
head to a maximum of 25m.
• These PRVs should be installed in
easily accessible places like ducts etc.
• PRVs are regulated and adjusted by
means of adjustable screws.
• One down take branch is taken to
serve/ feed four floors only.
• Each PRV will be set according to
number of floors to be served

• The pressure settings on the down take


pipe should not be more than 2 Kg/SQ
CM
• One down take pipe can supply water
at a pressure of about 1 Kg/SQ CM to
the last floor.
WATER SUPPLY- HIGH RISE BUILDINGS
WATER SUPPLY- HIGH RISE BUILDINGS

Down Take Pressure Reducer Valve System = LOOP SYSTEM


WATER SUPPLY- HIGH RISE BUILDINGS

Down Take Pressure Reducer Valve System

Contradictions to use of overhead tanks in high rise buildings:

Examples include
a) Higher capital costs due to the tank set-up

b) Greater structural requirements

c) High operating costs

d) Lack of pressure control

e) Difficulty in maintaining the overhead tank itself

f) In addition to serving as a storage device and creating pressure, roof-top tanks


unfortunately can also serve as breeding grounds for bacteria (legionella)
constituting a major health risk.
WATER SUPPLY- HIGH RISE BUILDINGS
Multiple Storage System
• In this system the building is divided
into sub-zones of 8 to 10 floors by
introducing service floors.

• Domestic and flushing tanks are


provided for such zones independently
on the service floors.

• A suction tank with storage capacity of


one day’s requirement is designed.

• An individual or combined connection


to each zone is given and water is
lifted through single or a set of pumps

• These tanks serve to floors located


below.
WATER SUPPLY- HIGH RISE BUILDINGS
Multiple Storage System
WATER SUPPLY- HIGH RISE BUILDINGS
Break Pressure Tank System
• In this system, as the name suggests,
the pressure is broken by introducing a
break tank at every 5 to 8 storeys.

• The entire building is conveniently


divided into suitable zones each of 5 to
8 storeys.
• The capacity of each break pressure
tank should not be less than 2000
litres each for flushing and other
domestic purposes separately.

• The total quantity of water is first


pumped to the overhead tank and
then break pressure tanks receives the
supply through down take system.

• Down take arrangement is made to


provide supply to the lower floors.
WATER SUPPLY- HIGH RISE BUILDINGS
Break Pressure Tank System

• Preferable two down take branches are


taken for 8 floors, each branch serving
four floors
• Down take from upper tank serves as
an inlet for lower tank thus limiting
pressure head in the pipe to 25 meters

Advantages
Water always in stock.
Break tanks used on different floors in
high rise buildings, makes pipe sizing
easier compared to single boosting from
basement.

Disadvantages
Pressure in mains is not utilized.
Space is a scarce resource in modern high
rise buildings, making it difficult to have
the needed space allocated for break
tanks.
WATER SUPPLY- HIGH RISE BUILDINGS
Hydro-Pneumatic System

• In this system, the water supply is


made through hydro-pneumatic
pressure tank fitted with accessories
like non-return valve and pressure
relief valves, on each zone.

• Each zone of height restricted to 7


storeys or 20 m height whichever is
less.
• The capacity of the pump selected to
cope up with peak demand required
• Usually, a set of three pumps named as
lead pump, supplementary pump and
stand by pump is provided.

• The hydro-pneumatic system


comprised of air tight vessel,
cylindrical in shape and fabricated
from mild steel plates.
WATER SUPPLY- HIGH RISE BUILDINGS
Hydro-Pneumatic System

• The air compressor is also necessary to


feed air into the vessel to maintain
proper air-water ratio in the vessel.

• These tanks should be designed that at


maximum pressure desired the air
occupies about one third of the
volume of the tank

• To prevent the development of


dangerously high pressure, pressure
relief valve should be provided.
• Also, vacuum relief valve is to be
provided to avoid collapse of the tank
• The disadvantages of such tanks are
that only about 3/4th to 2/3rd of the
tank capacity is available for storing
water, the rest being occupied by
compressed air.
WATER SUPPLY- HIGH RISE BUILDINGS
Hydro-Pneumatic System
This is an automatic system and works on air vessels.
WATER SUPPLY- HIGH RISE BUILDINGS
The most important elements of booster system are described briefly with respect to the
functionality and role in the booster application in general.
1) Booster Pumps:
Water distribution to buildings is vital for several reasons and people who live in multi-story
buildings always need sufficient water. Therefore, high-quality pumps are crucial in booster
systems.

What counts for all though, is the way the core of the pump is designed. Multi-stage pumps
for boosters are all in-line multi-stage pumps.

2) Risers and Branches:


A building supply system is normally divided into risers and branches.

In the risers, total height has been incorporated, and then water is distributed to different
floors through branches to each tap point.

The branches are often joined into main branches using pressure reduction valves (PRV),
creating a zone for each PRV to reduce the required number of PRVs.
WATER SUPPLY- HIGH RISE BUILDINGS
The most important elements of booster system are described briefly with respect to the
functionality and role in the booster application in general.

3) Pressure reduction valves (PRV):


To equalize pressure on all floors, PRVs are often used in multi-story buildings.

The pressure is mechanically reduced directly by the spring, making it possible to adjust the
pressure precisely for each floor.

The PRV is a rather simple way of controlling the pressure throughout a tall building.

However, there are some disadvantages when using PRVs:


 The PRVs also need maintenance and therefore they need to be placed at an accessible
place
 Each PRV represents a loss, because of the energy consumed by creating higher pressure is
wasted
 Risk of pipe damage and flooding if a PRV fails and lets high pressure into a lower graded
pipe net
WATER SUPPLY- HIGH RISE BUILDINGS
3) Pressure reduction valves (PRV):
Water under pressure enters the valve through the inlet port. It then goes through an
adjustable orifice which is designed to have the minimum possible response to forward
pressure.
The diaphragm moves in response to the pressure on the outlet side of the adjustable
orifice valve. Spring “A” at the top in the above illustration transmits pressure from the
adjusting screw to the diaphragm and moving valve component.

Spring “B” at the bottom in the


above illustration counteracts
the movement of the diaphragm
and the moving valve
component.
As the pressure in the chamber
behind the diaphragm
increases, the diaphragm
moves upward to reduce the
size of the orifice thereby
restricting flow and reducing the
outlet pressure
WATER SUPPLY- HIGH RISE BUILDINGS
Booster systems may be designed in several different ways with the help of elements
described above.

Single booster system:


 A single booster system is perhaps the simplest booster
system available.
 It relies on a single set of pumps supplying pressure
boosting from the basement to the point farthest away
from the booster system. Basically, such systems may
be configured with or without initial break tanks

Advantages:
Only one riser needed (simple design)
No space required on upper floors
Disadvantages:
Excess pressure gets develop, on lower floors in buildings
exceeding ten floors (which again requires more PRVs and
high pressure graded pipes
WATER SUPPLY- HIGH RISE BUILDINGS
Booster systems may be designed in several different ways with the help of elements
described above.
Zone-divided booster systems:
 The building is divided into pressure zones of ten floors
or less with a booster supplying each zone from the
basement though dedicated risers.

Advantages:
Manageable pressure zones.
Increased flexibility and security due to zoning
No space required on upper floors
Low-cost operation due to no residual pressure

Disadvantages:
Higher initial cost than single-zone systems
Higher static pressure in upper zones (which requires high
pressure graded pipes)
WATER SUPPLY- HIGH RISE BUILDINGS
Booster systems may be designed in several different ways with the help of elements
described above.
Overhead tanks with terrace booster system:
 The solution requires pressure reduction valves on each
floor if the building exceeds approximately 15 stories, to
avoid unwanted high static pressure at the taps in the lower
floors.
 It also requires a terrace booster to provide the top floors
with the required pressure, as static pressure there will be
too low due to insufficient geodetic height at the overhead
tank.
Advantages:
Mature Technology
Small booster power due to roof tank working as buffer
Reserve capacity in roof tank
Disadvantages:
Higher initial cost than single-zone systems
High static pressure in upper zones (high-pressure graded pipes)
WATER SUPPLY- HIGH RISE BUILDINGS
Booster systems may be designed in several different ways with the help of elements
described above.

Series-connected systems with intermediate break tanks:


 Series-connected systems with intermediate break tanks
draw on several other systems, utilizing centrally-placed
break tanks to supply both the taps, the tank’s own
boosting zone and all the zones above it.
 With this system, a building is divided into smaller and
more manageable pressure zones.
 Every zone is then served by its own booster set.
Advantages:
Low pressure in each zone
Manageable pressure zones
Easy to size because each zone has its own supply tank
Disadvantages:
Higher initial cost than single-zone systems
Space required for booster sets and tank on service floors
WATER SUPPLY- HIGH RISE BUILDINGS
Booster systems may be designed in several different ways with the help of elements
described above.
Series-connected systems without intermediate break tanks
 A series-connected system operates on the same principles as the
previously mentioned system, but without the intermediate break
tanks.
 This enables an effective usage of power as the water is only
pumped to the part of the zone where it is used and not past it.
 However, complete control is very important.
Advantages:
Low pressure in each zone
Manageable pressure zones
No space required for tanks
Less excess boosting (low operation costs)
Disadvantages:
Higher initial cost than single-zone systems
Space required for booster sets and tank on service floors
Complex control

Common questions

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For a high-rise building over 20 storeys, key considerations include managing the significant pressure differential across floors and ensuring adequate water storage. Pressure management involves using technologies like pressure reducing valves to protect pipes, while storage considerations might include determining the capacity of overhead or hydro-pneumatic tanks. Systems need to efficiently supply adequate water pressure to the top floors without over-pressurizing the lower floors. Each system must balance cost, ease of maintenance, space constraints, and health risks, such as bacterial growth in stagnant water .

The Break Pressure Tank System offers the advantage of maintaining water always in stock and simplifying pipe sizing due to its zonal approach. Each break tank serves its zone, reducing the overall pressure required. However, this system does not utilize mains pressure efficiently and requires additional space, which is a significant drawback in densely packed high-rise buildings. Compared to the hydro-pneumatic or multiple storage systems, it involves higher capital costs and complexity .

PRVs are crucial in high-rise buildings as they help manage water pressure across different floors by reducing excessive pressure that can lead to pipe damage or inefficiencies. The design of water systems with PRVs allows for customizable pressure zones, enhancing system flexibility and efficiency. However, they require strategic placement for accessibility and periodic maintenance to prevent potential failures and pressure discrepancies .

High-pressure booster systems in high-rise buildings can lead to increased capital costs due to the need for high-grade materials to withstand pressure and mitigate leak risks. They necessitate robust structural support to accommodate tanks and booster units. Economically, while they offer improved water distribution and potential long-term savings in energy consumption due to zonal pressure management, the initial investment and ongoing maintenance costs can be significant. This includes regular inspection to ensure system integrity and prevent pressure-induced damage .

High-rise buildings face challenges due to insufficient mains pressure to supply water to upper floors. Systems like the Down Take Pressure Reducer Valve System, Multiple Storage System, Break Pressure Tank System, and Hydro-Pneumatic System address these issues by using pressure management and strategic water storage. For instance, the Down Take Pressure Reducer Valve System involves using pressure reducing valves and looping pipes to control water pressure to upper zones, ensuring consistent supply without pressure spikes. This is contrasted with the Hydro-Pneumatic System that uses pressure tanks and pumps for balanced distribution. Each system requires careful considerations of initial costs, space constraints, pressure control, and maintenance requirements .

Series-connected booster systems differ from traditional single-zone systems by dividing a building into manageable pressure zones, each served by an individual booster set. This configuration reduces the overall pressure in each zone, minimizes excess boosting, and enhances operational efficiency compared to single-zone systems which use a single set of pumps. While series systems require higher initial costs and more complex controls, they offer significant advantages in terms of customized pressure management and potentially lower operational costs due to reduced excess pressure .

Different booster pump configurations affect the efficiency and reliability by dictating how pressure is managed and distributed across floors. Multi-stage pumps in zonal systems allow for precise pressure control and reduced energy consumption compared to single-zone systems, thus improving efficiency and reliability. Configurations with redundancy, such as lead and standby pumps, enhance reliability by ensuring continuous operation. The choice of configuration must balance between upfront cost, reliability, and long-term operational efficiency .

Water storage systems like rooftop and intermediate tanks can serve as breeding grounds for bacteria, including Legionella, posing significant health risks. To mitigate these risks, water systems should be regularly cleaned and maintained, with measures like continuous circulation, chemical treatment or UV purification of stored water to prevent stagnation. Implementing design configurations that minimize standing water and utilizing materials resistant to bacterial growth are also effective preventive measures .

Terrace booster systems benefit high-rise buildings by providing additional pressure to upper floors, using roof tanks as buffers to maintain reserve capacity. These systems are mature and reliable, offering small booster power requirements. However, they face limitations in high initial costs, potential high static pressure in upper zones, and the need for careful pressure reduction management on lower floors to prevent pressure-related issues .

The Hydro-Pneumatic System offers high efficiency in water supply through adjustable pressure control catered by air and water balance inside pressure tanks. It eliminates the need for multiple tanks on various floors, reducing structural requirements. However, it requires regular maintenance to monitor air-water ratios, compressor function, and pressure relief systems to prevent high-pressure risks. Despite its advantages in efficiency, the maintenance complexity and partial water storage capacity present challenges .

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