Tank Talk

Tank Talk: A.Y. McDonald Pressure Tanks and the Art of Water Control

When you open a spigot in a home or building, you expect water to flow at a certain pressure. How water pressure is controlled within a structure greatly depends on how this resource is obtained. For a water well, the combination of the pressure tank, pressure switch, and the pump allow water to flow through a structure. As one of the main components to a pump system, the pressure tank allows the following:

• Protects and extends the life of a pump by reducing the number of cycles
• Provides storage of water under pressure for delivery between cycles
• Reserves capacity for periods of peak demand
• Reduces system maintenance

A.Y. McDonald pressure tanks are designed for a wide range of applications, including hydropneumatic systems, booster systems, irrigation systems, and reduction of water hammer effects. The tanks are made of steel and have an internal lining of polypropylene and chlorobutyl membrane. The membrane is fixed to the tank wall by a steel ring. A bronze air valve is sealed with a plug and an O-ring that prevents air from escaping. The external coating of the tank is polyurethane paint on an epoxy base and provides hundreds of hours of protection against UV rays. Below are additional features to A.Y. McDonald pressure tanks:

• Fixed butyl membrane
• Stainless-steel water connection
• Polypropylene internal lining
• Finished with polyurethane paint on epoxy base
• Air valve plug sealed with O-ring
• No maintenance required
• Maximum working pressure: 150 PSI
• Maximum working temperature of water: 194°F
• IAPMO R&T, ACS, CE certifications
• Factory pre-charged
• 100% factory tested

A water well’s pressure tank contributes greatly to the overall longevity and efficiency of the system. By better understanding how this part functions and why, you can also better grasp the importance of a high-quality pressure tank for any application. The next time you turn on a faucet, take a moment to recognize all the components it takes to successfully bring access of water to your home!

For more information on A.Y. McDonald pressure tanks, take the ‘Pressure Tanks’ AYU course and visit the pressure tank solutions on rmhanson-se-ce.net.