If the water flow from a shower is little more than a trickle, installing a shower or whole house pump to boost this flow is a clear solution. But what lies behind the performance of these pumps? Ken Vance, Training Manager at Salamander Pumps, explains the technology inside the products that helps to make them powerful, quiet and compact…
Crossover technology
Salamander’s crossover technology allows its pumps to boost both hot and cold water at the same time, or independently of each other. In situations where a thermostatic shower is running, both hot and cold water will be supplied to the shower. However, as the pump only has one common driveshaft, if only a hot or cold tap is used, both sets of impellers would be turning but only one side of the pump would be supplying water, meaning one side of the pump would be running ‘closed head’. This causes an increase in temperature and pressure in that side of the pump, leading to severe damage.
However, most Salamander pumps have an innovatively placed bypass tube found in bathroom, universal and whole house variants, which allows the excess pressure to be relieved into the open side of the pump, which also brings fresh water into the closed head chamber, stopping the pump from overheating.
Pressure switches
In traditional negative head shower pumps, the pump will feature a pressure vessel. These pressure vessels help to maintain water pressure during the water’s expansion as it heats up. However, in its most recent 
product launch, EVE, Salamander has introduced a ‘micro sensitive pressure sensor’ inside the shower pump, which means that a pressure vessel is not needed, even when located in a negative head situation.
The pressure sensor has been designed through the use of smart electronics and is built into the parameters of the circuit board, and the microchip located on this. This essentially means that the sensor is able to identify a sensitive pressure drop and self-activate when needed to increase pressure.
Mechanical seals
Another feature across all of Salamander Pumps’ products is the use of exclusive FR8 seals. This comprises a rotary seal and static seal, which prevent water from escaping from the impeller housing and into the electric motor chamber. The seal has been uniquely designed to remove the tolerance stack up that can affect other mechanical seals, and leads to a longer life and improves the reliability of the pump.
Noise reduction
Customer feedback has shown that noise is a huge factor when it comes to choosing the right pump, which is why Salamander has continually invested thousands of pounds in research and development to reduce turbulence and vibration, and therefore noise.
Across its CT Force range, Salamander has introduced a number of new technologies to limit the noise levels produced by the pump, including utilising a metal replacement polymer, patented motor pump integration (MPI), as well as a splined drive shaft and impeller that are designed to sit together smoothly to prevent unnecessary vibration and noise.
Additionally, Salamander’s CT range features noise-reducing feet. These ensure that the vibrations are transmitted down through four rubber points, therefore eliminating the noise.
Electronic System Protection
Salamander Pumps has introduced its Electronic System Protection across its most recent products – EVE, and its re-engineered Right Pump Range. This system utilises existing technology that has been revamped, and is present on its negative head pumps.
The Electronic System Protection is a three-warning system, displayed on the surface of the pumps to alert the homeowner to any potential problems within the system. The first warning light indicates a leak somewhere in the system after the pump, for example dripping taps or shower heads etc. The second light indicates dry run or aeration, meaning the pump has identified air coming through into the pump. This can happen if no flange has been fitted on the hot water cylinder, incorrect water tank size or if someone has closed a valve. The pump will try three or four times to get rid of the air itself, however if it is unable to do this, the pump will lock off to prevent any damage.
The final light concerns the pump temperature. EVE, in particular, is designed to detect if it is getting too hot, for example from too high a water temperature, and thanks to its variable speed, brushless motor is able to throttle back for five to ten minutes to cool off. However, if it is unable to cool itself, EVE will again lock off to prevent damage.
Flat line performance
Until now, a pump’s pressure has decreased with each outlet that is opened. However, Salamander has introduced a variable speed, brushless motor into its latest pump, EVE to provide constant pressure even when demand increases. The pump is able to compensate for the increased flow, thanks to its ability to increase the motor speed to sustain the water pressure as and when additional outlets open. In fact, EVE’s motor varies speed to maintain constant pressure* with up to 40 litres’ flow, and can be set to at 1.5 bar, 2.0 bar or 3.0 bar.
For more information, visit www.salamanderpumps.co.uk
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