Buffer Tank water column

I have a question about a buffer tank that I’m hoping someone can help me with. I know the topic of buffer tanks have been covered many times and I’ve searched and read through the list of old posts but haven’t exactly got any answers that I feel are clear cut answers to my problem. @Steve had a few comments that seemed helpful so maybe you can chime in.

Here’s my deal. I am setting up a 50 gallon buffer on my trailer build. I elected not to go bigger simply for floor space for a smaller 5x8 trailer. My tank is roughly 24” tall and the inlet on my pump is 12” off the trailer. After I install a Hudson float valve in my tank, that will only allow less than a foot difference in my water level over the top of my inlet. I have a direct drive pump so I’m not pulling a suction so it will be 100% gravity fed. Does anyone think this will create a problem since I have such a small difference in water above my inlet when its going to be gravity fed? Or should I look into having a stand made for my buffer to raise the water column above the inlet more? Thoughts??

Look for a different float valve that will allow you to get 40 45 gallons. Also is your machine on wheels? If so take off the frame ( 4 bolts) and have a skid made for you, buy one for a $100 offline or built one oit of wood for the time being

Get a 55 gal drum… can easily be found locally for $10-20.

Yes, my machine is on a cart. I was hesitant to remove it from the cart in the event that I run into a situation where I would need to remove it from the trailer. I’m hoping I can upgrade to a better unit that will be on a skid but trying to make this work for the time being. If all else fails, I can remove it, was just trying not to.

You can also elevate the tank.

That was my original question. Should I elevate, or would it work as is.

The 55 gallon drum is an option, but I’m trying to make what I have work. Thank you for the advice though, that may very well be what I end up doing.

I’m not a fluid engineer, but I would personally not feel comfortable with that setup in the event you run low on water. If I were you I would elevate the tank or lower the pump, or both. As patriotwash said, maybe get a different shutoff valve to gain some volume.

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I was thinking the same thing, but really wanted to get someone else’s opinion before I did anything.Thanks for the help guys.

What size machine?

4gpm/4000psi.

I’ve done this but using a 225 gal tank in my truck with the PW on my trailer, plenty of flow (8 GPM+). I’m a simple man so I would set it up the way you would like to do it and see what the flow rate is into a 5 gal bucket. If you get over 5 GPM rock and fire if not you are risking your pump. I say 5 GPM for a 4 GPM machine because I tend to be cautious.

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Yea, I thought about putting the tank in the bed of my truck and that’s still definitely an option. Playing around with a few different ideas and testing. Will let y’all know what I come up with.

Ya know, your thread title got me thinking. What about creating an actual water “column” as a buffer tank for direct drive machines?

You could get about 5 feet of 10” or 12” pvc, and mount your bulkhead fitting in the end cap on the bottom, with an elbow coming out to feed your machine.

The float valve, bypass return, air vent, and anything else would get installed in the other end cap at the top. It would look a little goofy, and you’d be limited on capacity, but you should have all the water pressure you ever need for a direct drive pump, while losing hardly any floor space.

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Now that’s an idea I like. Never really thought about that, but that just might be worth looking into. That would certainly help with floor space on a smaller trailer. Good thought

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Oh c’mon, don’t leave us hanging like that!

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Haha! Well someone messaged me and linked this thread and when I responded it put my message in the thread instead of the Direct message. So I deleted it. Nothing to leave ya hanging on! Ha

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