Dear lordfauntleroy-ga;
Thank you for allowing me to answer your interesting question. As you
know, float switches (sometimes called ?level switches? or ?switch
gauges?) monitor the levels within the tank and switch the pump on and
off according to those pre-set indications.
Some systems have only one switch but in other systems there are a
number of float switches. Occasionally you will find these mounted on
a bracket called a ?float tree? to hold them in place ? sometimes one
above another. They detect the liquid level in the pump tank and in
the overflow tank, and these drive a controller that energizes a pump
or in some cases, two pumps alternately, and some configurations can
even sound an alarm in the event that either the pump tank or the
overflow tank fill up. In others systems the switches are designed
merely to detect different levels and to activate the pump(s) in
response to it. Here?s how it looks in some cases:
?The lowest float is usually the "pump enable/off" float. In the 'up'
or 'on' position it enables the pump to run. This means the pump can
run when the middle or pump 'on' float also tips to the on position.
After the pump 'on' floats tips back down the pump will continue to
run until the lower float turns the pump off. In normal operation,
effluent from the septic tank fills the pump chamber and the pump
controls keep the effluent between the two lower floats.?
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
http://www.vdh.state.va.us/onsite/Howitworks/PumptoGravity.asp
So here?s the deal: Single float switches have limitations on tether
length, about 3 inches for most switches. On double float
installations, the distance between the two float switches sets the
pumping range. So 12 inches between floats will give approximately one
foot of draw down and so on. Multiple switch arrangements are designed
for greater potential draw down since the tether limitations are much
greater than, say, a one- or two-switch system. Four switches are
about the limit necessary to accommodate most high-end systems.
I hope you find that my research exceeds your expectations. If you
have any questions about my research please post a clarification
request prior to rating the answer. Otherwise I welcome your rating
and your final comments and I look forward to working with you again
in the near future. Thank you for bringing your question to us.
Best regards;
Tutuzdad-ga ? Google Answers Researcher
INFORMATION SOURCES
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
http://www.vdh.state.va.us/onsite/Howitworks/PumptoGravity.asp
SEARCH STRATEGY
SEARCH ENGINE USED:
Google ://www.google.com
SEARCH TERMS USED:
Float switch
Level switch
Level gauge
Septic
Tree |
