H.E. Anderson Ratio:Feeder J Plus Series

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Summary

Warnings and Cautions

General Safety Equipment and Precautions

Use of protective equipment and observing guidelines when working with chemicals.

Chemical Storage and Handling Safety

Storing chemicals safely and avoiding large quantities draining into the watering system.

Unit Freezing and Water Hammer Risks

Warning against allowing the unit to freeze and the destructive impact of water hammer.

Chemical Suction Lines and Flow Sensor Safety

Caution against mixing acid/alkali with water and incorrect flow sensor connection.

Installation Guidelines and Considerations

Installation Order of Components

Step-by-step order for installing components like manifold, water meter, and blend tank.

System Bypass and Water Meter Installation

EC and pH Sensor Bypass Loop

Install EC/pH sensors in a three-valve bypass loop, below water line, partially close main valve.

Installation Procedures and Safety

Chemical Safety and PPE

Keep children/pets away, use PPE (goggles, gloves), check chemical precautions.

Chemical Storage and Handling

Store protective clothing away, keep antidotes handy, use drain line for corrosive chemicals.

Chemical Containers and Ventilation

Use chemical-resistant containers, ensure ventilation to prevent corrosion damage.

Water Hammer Causes and Prevention

Water hammer causes high pressure; solenoid valves/long pipes are causes; use suppressors.

Installation Procedure Overview

Upstream Installation Steps

Begin upstream, install piping, backflow preventer, and captive air tank.

Detailed Installation Steps and Electrical Connections

Electrical Connections

Make wiring connections after plumbing is complete, connect flow sensor and valve outputs.

Operation, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting

Start-Up Procedure

Install strainers, connect discharge lines, fill tanks, prime pumps, check for leaks.

Trouble Shooting

Read section carefully before disassembling; many problems are easily corrected.

Meter Sensor and Pumper Operation

Requirements for Proper Operation

Minimum 30 psig pressure, flow rate within meter range, pumpers not exceeding 35 strokes/min.

Discharge Line and Chemical Feed

The provided manual describes the Ratio:Feeder® Series J Plus Injectors manufactured by H.E. Anderson Company. This device is an injection system designed for precise chemical dosing into a water supply, often used in irrigation or water treatment applications. The manual covers its installation, operation, maintenance, and warranty information.

Function Description

The Ratio:Feeder® Series J Plus Injector system is designed to accurately inject chemicals into a water line. It operates by controlling the flow of chemicals based on the water flow through a water meter. The system includes a J Controller, EC Monitor, pH Monitor, pumpers, and a manifold, all working together to ensure precise and consistent chemical dosing.

The core function involves:

Water Flow Measurement: A water meter measures the flow of water, providing data to the controller.
Chemical Pumping: Pumpers, connected to a manifold, draw chemicals from a stock solution tank and inject them into the water line.
Monitoring and Control: The J Controller, in conjunction with EC (Electrical Conductivity) and pH monitors, regulates the injection process to maintain desired chemical levels. Bypass loops are provided for the sensors to allow for isolation and service.
Blending: A blend tank ensures thorough mixing of the injected chemicals with the water before it proceeds downstream.
Safety Features: The system incorporates features like backflow preventers, captive air tanks (to mitigate water hammer), and recommendations for proper chemical storage and handling to ensure safe operation.

The system is designed to be installed in a bypass configuration, allowing the main water line to continue supplying water even when the injector is isolated for service.

Important Technical Specifications

While specific numerical technical specifications (e.g., flow rates, pressure limits, power requirements) are not explicitly listed in a consolidated table, the manual provides several important operational parameters and requirements:

Minimum Line Pressure: The system requires a minimum line pressure of 30 psig on the downstream side of the injector for proper operation. Insufficient back pressure is a common cause of erratic operation.
Pumper Stroke Rate: Pumpers should not exceed 35 strokes per minute to prevent premature failure and ensure correct injection rates.
Water Temperature: The warranty excludes damage caused by exposure to water temperatures above 60°C (140°F).
Water Hammer: The system is susceptible to water hammer, which can generate pressures up to 500 psi and is destructive to diaphragms. Captive air tanks are recommended to reduce this.
Drainage: The drain line from the manifold should be kept short, or expanded for longer runs (over fifteen feet), and must exit to atmospheric pressure without elevation or restriction. The unit discharges approximately twice as much water as chemical pumped.
Sensor Requirements: pH probes must not be allowed to dry out, as this will damage them. EC and pH sensors are installed below the water line in a bypass loop to prevent drying and reduce air contact.
Chemical Storage: Chemicals should not be stored in tanks where the level is more than a few feet above the discharge point of the pumpers to prevent siphoning or gravity flow. Smaller "day tanks" are recommended for large solution storage tanks.
Warranty Period: Fifteen months from the date of manufacture for defects in materials or workmanship.

Usage Features

The Ratio:Feeder® Series J Plus Injector offers several features that enhance its usability and reliability:

Modular Design: The system comprises distinct components (controller, monitors, pumpers, manifold, blend tank), allowing for flexible installation and easier servicing of individual parts.
Bypass Installation: The recommended bypass installation allows the injector to be isolated for maintenance without interrupting the main water supply.
Sensor Bypass Loop: Dedicated bypass loops for pH and EC sensors enable their isolation for service, calibration, or sample taking, ensuring continuous operation of the main system.
Clear Monitoring: The J Controller provides clear operational status (e.g., "OFF" display). The water meter sensor includes LED indicators (power and pulse) for quick troubleshooting of water flow.
Adjustable Injection: Pumper dials allow users to set the desired feed rate, providing control over chemical concentration.
Comprehensive Manuals: The manual frequently refers to specific manuals for the J Plus Controller, pumpers, and water meters, indicating a well-documented system with detailed instructions for each component.
Technical Support: H.E. Anderson Company offers toll-free technical assistance during business hours, with a commitment to promptly return calls if staff are unavailable. They also provide an online resource for additional manuals and a return information form for repairs/credit.

Maintenance Features

Maintenance is crucial for the longevity and proper functioning of the Ratio:Feeder® system, and the manual highlights several aspects:

Minimal Controller Maintenance: The meter and electronic controller typically require no maintenance unless a problem arises.
Pumper-Specific Maintenance: Users are directed to the pumper manual for detailed information on maintaining pumpers and fittings, indicating that these are the primary components requiring regular attention.
Chemical Solution Management:
- Chemical concentrate solutions should be kept clean, fresh, and thoroughly mixed.
- Solution tanks should be covered but vented to prevent vacuum formation that could stop the injector from functioning.
- Periodic cleaning of solution containers is recommended.
- When cleaning, the suction line should be transferred to another container of the same solution to prevent loss of prime.
Flushing for Storage: Before long-term storage, the pumper and chemical valves should be flushed with water (unless feeding acid) and rinsed after removal.
Protection During Storage: Valve openings should be taped closed while wet to protect seals and prevent insect entry. The unit must be completely drained to prevent freezing damage.
Leak Detection: Users are advised to watch for leaks, especially when pumping acid, and fix them immediately to maintain a clean and safe environment.
Filter Recommendation: For water supplies with solids, installing a filter upstream of the injector with pressure gauges before and after is recommended to monitor filter clogging.
Sensor Care: pH probes must be kept wet and replaced if they dry out. Boiler drains on the sensor bypass loop allow for pressure relief during servicing.
Troubleshooting Guidance: The manual provides a troubleshooting section, advising users to read it carefully before disassembling any part of the system. It refers to specific tables in other manuals for common problems and solutions, emphasizing calling the factory if the problem cannot be determined.

Overall, the Ratio:Feeder® Series J Plus Injector is presented as a robust and precise chemical injection system, designed with considerations for effective dosing, ease of installation, and practical maintenance.