Swimming Pool Chemical Feeders Explained
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Rob Estell rob thepoolpros. Processes of disinfection, oxidation and pH control are the most common chemical requirements that necessitate a feeder.
Chemical feeders fall into four major categories, and there are several variations of each. Chlorine feed systems vary greatly, and the type of pool may be the greatest influence. Public, institutional and commercial pools use mostly larger-sized liquid or calcium-hypo, erosion feeders. However, the chemical characteristics of the facility water source should be considered. Even geographical influence play a role. A number of liquid chemicals including liquid hydrogen pool fire pump hypochlorite liquid bleachmuriatic acid hydrochloric acid often diluted to 31 percent concentration and sulfuric acid require liquid chemical feeders.
Liquid hydrogen pool fire pump other chemicals, including hydrogen peroxide and solids such as calcium hypochlorite, sodium bicarbonate, calcium chloride, soda ash, algaecides and cyanuric acid, also can be made into solutions and fed with a liquid feeder system. Liquid feeders are most often found in three basic types: To ensure that liquid moves only one direction, diaphragm pumps are fitted with several check balls and seals.
This also prevents any back- flow of pool water through the pump. Anti-siphon protection is another must for diaphragm pumps, especially on systems with tanks that sit above the pool.
New tube assemblies and stronger motors have allowed for up to 10 gpm feed capacities, with some units handling up to psi backpressure. Peristaltic feeders have few moving parts, making them popular. Venturi feeders are not a new concept; however, fully manufactured feed units with industry approvals have only become available recently.
These feeders use the increased pressure and flow of water from a boost pump through a venturi eductor to create a vacuum. This draws the liquid chemical through a flow meter and adjustable flow valve, and ultimately into a circulating water stream that mixes with the circulating water returning to the pool. Venturi feeders can be controlled with automation by turning the boost pumps on and off. Erosion feed systems were first developed to handle tricolor and stick bromine.
But with the increasing use of calcium hypochlorite as a chlorine source, a number of popular calcium-hypo erosion feeders now are available, some with capacities to handle even the largest of pools. The dry chemical tablets or brickets are stored in a hopper, then washed or sprayed with water, resulting in a cal-hypo solution that is delivered into the circulation system. The amount of chemical delivered at any given time is controlled by the amount of water flowing through the chamber.
Some of these types of feeders are automated via chemical controller-operated solenoid valves. These generation cells are plumbed in-line, so that as the chlorine is generated, it joins the liquid hydrogen pool fire pump water returning to the pool.
Unlike conventional liquid chlorine feed systems and brine systems, the TDS mainly made up of salt does not continue to rise. When installing an in-line system, to keep up with demand it is important to understand how much chlorine is used in a busy hour of operation rather than a whole day.
So many in-line systems have been inappropriately sized that a number of health agencies require a conventional chlorine feeder for backup. Though virtually extinct, there are still some pools running on chlorine gas systems, and only well-trained professionals should operate them. Special containment chlorine rooms and equipment including self-contained breathing equipment, scales, chlorine gas detectors, chlorine room air scrubbers and alarm systems usually are required.
On gas feeders, the venturi ejector creates a vacuum that operates liquid hydrogen pool fire pump entire system and liquid hydrogen pool fire pump sucks the gas into the circulating water.
A vacuum regulator controls the amount of gas that flows through the system. In general, chemical injection, almost without exception, should take place downstream of the pump, filter, heater and most all other equipment such as flow meters, gauges and liquid hydrogen pool fire pump like.
Depending on the type of system and local health department or fire marshal rules, secondary containment may be required of the chemicals in storage, the pump and the chemical feed lines. Additionally, each type of chemical feed system has some specific maintenance requirements.
In particular, when replacing tubing on a liquid feed liquid hydrogen pool fire pump, consult chemical compatibility charts carefully to ensure that you are using the right pump. Most feeders have moving parts within the pump that require care.
In addition, suction foot valves and the injectors require routine maintenance. It is not uncommon for liquid chemical feeders carrying high-pH chemicals such as bleach to clog or develop failing check valves due to scaling deposits. Other feeder systems develop worn seals, tubes and diaphragms that all need regular attention.
The results can be messy and costly! Clean erosion systems by flushing them with de-scaling-type chemicals or, with extreme scaling, use a mild acid-solution. Before you do anything, though, it is imperative that all the chlorine has been removed. In some cases, depending on the total water balance, on-site chlorine generation system cells without an auto-polarity-reversing feature require frequent cleaning.
To clean these cells, soak them in a weak muriatic acid solution, then scrub with a nylon brush under a direct stream of water. The cost of each type of chlorine feeder varies greatly, so it may be more important to examine the actual cost of the type of chlorine the feeder uses.
Finally, a chlorine generation system that costs many times more than either of the aforementioned feeders can liquid hydrogen pool fire pump a pound of chlorine for approximately 60 cents per pound. Depending on the amount of chlorine used, the actual cost of any one of the systems should be examined liquid hydrogen pool fire pump several years to determine the real, long-term, operational cost.
Maintenance In general, chemical injection, almost without exception, should take place downstream of the pump, filter, heater and most all other equipment such as flow meters, gauges and the like.
Troubleshooting Most feeders have moving parts within the pump that require care. Replacement Liquid hydrogen pool fire pump cost of each type of chlorine feeder varies greatly, so it may be more important to examine the actual cost of the type of chlorine the feeder uses.