Chlorinator: Difference between revisions

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=== Process Flow ===

Water flows to the chlorinator from a tap on the outlet side of the main pump, i.e. "Unfiltered Water". An inline strainer provides a limited amount of ~~filteration~~ (i.e. ASTM 30, 600 µm) preventing harmful particulates from entering the chlorinator. Evidence has shown that without sufficient inline filtering, the chlorinator solenoid is subject to malfunction.

Water flows to the chlorinator from a tap on the outlet side of the main pump, i.e. "Unfiltered Water". An inline strainer provides a limited amount of filtration (i.e. ASTM 30, 600 µm) preventing harmful particulates from entering the chlorinator. Evidence has shown that without sufficient inline filtering, the chlorinator solenoid is subject to malfunction.

A bypass valve, whose exact purpose is not presently well understood, allows some amount of water flow to return to the pool essentially bypassing all mechanical filtration and chemical treatment. Further investigation of use of this valve is needed.

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Water is pumped out of the solution tank to the pool via a check valve, preventing pressure on the pool return line from forcing water back into the solution tank.

=== Maintenance ===

At some point, flow into the chlorinator is restricted by scale build-up on the sieve plate in the solid tablet tank. This may result in prolonged operation upon a call for chlorine, as the water flow rate through the tabs is reduced. When this occurs, cleaning is necessary. It is assumed that cleaning should be performed at least once per season.

To clean the tank, the following procedure is recommended (based upon the manufacturer's procedure):

# Open all doors in the pump house. Proper ventilation is a must.

# Remove all solid tabs from the tank.

# Remove as much chlorine from the tank as possible by flushing out with (pool) water. This may be done by engaging the chlorinator manually via the Chemtrol unit. A hose may be used to help loosen scale.

# Once an excess water has drained (if a hose was used), stop the chlorinator pump.

# Remove the chlorinator from the loop by closing the isolation valves (near the boiler).

# Open the bypass valve.

# Carefully mix a diluted acid solution and pour into the tank. The manufacturer recommends 1 qt of muriatic acid to 2 gallons of water (remember to add acid to the water, not the other way around). Extreme care must be taken to ensure chlorine is removed prior (to prevent the generation of toxic chlorine gas). Appropriate PPE must be worn. The acid will produce carbon dioxide as it reacts with the scale. Some chlorine gas may be produced - hence the absolute need for ventilation and PPE.

# Allow to soak for 30 minutes.

# Operate the chlorinator for 10 minutes.

# Open the isolation valves to begin flushing out acid.

# Use of a hose (again) may be required to fully wash out acid.

# Return the chlorinator to automatic (or off) mode and re-fill with chlorine tabs.

=== Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) ===

@@ Line 5: / Line 5: @@
 === Process Flow ===
-Water flows to the chlorinator from a tap on the outlet side of the main pump, i.e. "Unfiltered Water".  An inline strainer provides a limited amount of filteration (i.e. ASTM 30, 600 &micro;m) preventing harmful particulates from entering the chlorinator.  Evidence has shown that without sufficient inline filtering, the chlorinator solenoid is subject to malfunction.
+Water flows to the chlorinator from a tap on the outlet side of the main pump, i.e. "Unfiltered Water".  An inline strainer provides a limited amount of filtration (i.e. ASTM 30, 600 &micro;m) preventing harmful particulates from entering the chlorinator.  Evidence has shown that without sufficient inline filtering, the chlorinator solenoid is subject to malfunction.
 A bypass valve, whose exact purpose is not presently well understood, allows some amount of water flow to return to the pool essentially bypassing all mechanical filtration and chemical treatment.  Further investigation of use of this valve is needed.
@@ Line 15: / Line 15: @@
 Water is pumped out of the solution tank to the pool via a check valve, preventing pressure on the pool return line from forcing water back into the solution tank.
+=== Maintenance ===
+At some point, flow into the chlorinator is restricted by scale build-up on the sieve plate in the solid tablet tank.  This may result in prolonged operation upon a call for chlorine, as the water flow rate through the tabs is reduced.  When this occurs, cleaning is necessary.  It is assumed that cleaning should be performed at least once per season.
+To clean the tank, the following procedure is recommended (based upon the manufacturer's procedure):
+# Open all doors in the pump house.  Proper ventilation is a must.
+# Remove all solid tabs from the tank.
+# Remove as much chlorine from the tank as possible by flushing out with (pool) water.  This may be done by engaging the chlorinator manually via the Chemtrol unit.  A hose may be used to help loosen scale.
+# Once an excess water has drained (if a hose was used), stop the chlorinator pump.
+# Remove the chlorinator from the loop by closing the isolation valves (near the boiler).
+# Open the bypass valve.
+# Carefully mix a diluted acid solution and pour into the tank.  The manufacturer recommends 1 qt of muriatic acid to 2 gallons of water (remember to add acid to the water, not the other way around).  Extreme care must be taken to ensure chlorine is removed prior (to prevent the generation of toxic chlorine gas).  Appropriate PPE must be worn.  The acid will produce carbon dioxide as it reacts with the scale.  Some chlorine gas may be produced - hence the absolute need for ventilation and PPE.
+# Allow to soak for 30 minutes.
+# Operate the chlorinator for 10 minutes.
+# Open the isolation valves to begin flushing out acid.
+# Use of a hose (again) may be required to fully wash out acid.
+# Return the chlorinator to automatic (or off) mode and re-fill with chlorine tabs.
 === Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) ===

Chlorinator: Difference between revisions

Matt Parnell (talk | contribs)