ProMinent DCM3 Series - User Manual

DCM3 Series Controller
Quick Start Guide
pH Single Point Calibration Example
Press the button, then use the arrow buttons
to scroll to pH sensor E, then press .
Login with your password, if requested.
Next, take a water test and using the buttons,
enter the results, one decimal
place at a time, followed by the
SAVE key. The LED screen
will indicate Sensor
Calibrated. Press NEXT to continue to the next
sensor to be calibrated, or press ESC twice to return to
the Home screen.
Free Chlorine
Single Point Calibration Example
NOTE: The Free Chlorine calibration routine is
designed to optimize a DPD calibration by
remembering the ppm value at the moment the DPD
button is pressed.
Press the button, then use
the buttons to scroll to C:
Free Chlorine, then press .
Login with your password, if requested.
When ready, remember to press the DPD button
first, to instruct the calibration to
save the sensor reading. A timer
is then started on the display for
your use. Once the Free
Chlorine value is measured,
enter the results using the arrow buttons, followed by
the SAVE key.
If the calibration is accepted, the LED screen will then
indicate Sensor Calibrated. Press NEXT to
continue to the next sensor to be
calibrated, or twice to return
to the Home screen.
Status LED
Steady Blue = Normal
Flashing Red = Alarm
Steady Red = An output relay is Forced OFF
pH Setpoint Example:
Set points menu is located in the outputs that control
the feeders.
By default, and in our example, the pH feeder is
assigned to Relay 1: Acid Feed.
To change the pH set point, press the SETPNT
button. Use the buttons to point to the ►1:Acid
Feed relay, then press .
Login with your password if
requested, then press .
Use the buttons to
change the pH Setpoint, then press to save the
new setting.
Deadband:
Deadband is the control overlap necessary to keep a
feeder from turning on and off too rapidly, sometimes
called “chattering”.
By default, the pH feeder is assigned a deadband of
0.10 pH. This means the pH must deviate 0.10 pH
above the setpoint before the acid feeder will turn on.
The default deadband for ORP is 5mV and the Free
Chlorine deadband is 0.5 ppm.
The control deadbands do not normally need to be
changed after being set by your ProMinent technician
during startup.
Refer to the Operation and Installation manual for more
information on the Deadband and its function.
2.04ppm 2.33ppm 
7.44pH 783mV
84.5F 256gpm
STATUS ALARMS SETPNT
CAUTION
Before attempting calibration or commissioning of the DCM3 control system,
water chemistry must be stable and within normal operating ranges of 7.2-7.8
pH, Free Chlorine at 1-5 ppm, and Total Alkalinity level at 80-120 ppm.
E:pH Sensor
Enter value
7.66pH
SAVE MORE
1:Acid Feed
Adjust Setpoint
7.4pH
DEDBND
C:Free Chlorine
DPD wait: 25sec
2.2ppm
SAVE MORE
C:Free Chlorine
Sample & press DPD
2.2ppm
DPD MORE
C:Free Chlorine
Sensor Calibrated
NEXT
ORP input is factory calibrated and cannot be
re-calibrated in the field.
Calibrations
Adjusting Setpoints

Summary

Calibrations

pH Single Point Calibration

Step-by-step guide for calibrating the pH sensor on the DCM3 controller.

Free Chlorine Single Point Calibration

Guide for calibrating the Free Chlorine sensor using the DPD method.

Adjusting Setpoints

pH Setpoint Adjustment

Instructions on how to change the pH set point for feeder control.

Deadband Configuration

Explanation of deadband for controlling feeder overlap and chattering.

Alarms Management

Alarm Information and Clearing

How to view detailed alarm information and clear active alarms.

Feeder Control: Prime and Force OFF

Priming and Forcing Feeders ON

Instructions for temporarily forcing a chemical feeder ON (Priming).

Using the START;STOP Key

How to use the STOP/START key to control feed relays and their status.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Calibration
4. Setpoint Adjustment
5. Alarm Management
6. Feeder Prime/Force ON/OFF
7. START/STOP Key
8. Maintenance Features

The DCM3 Series Controller is a sophisticated device designed for managing water chemistry in various applications, ensuring optimal and safe operating conditions. It provides precise control over pH, Free Chlorine, and ORP (Oxidation-Reduction Potential) levels, crucial for maintaining water quality.

Function Description

The primary function of the DCM3 controller is to monitor and adjust water chemistry parameters automatically. It continuously measures pH, Free Chlorine, and ORP, comparing these readings against user-defined setpoints. Based on these comparisons, the controller activates or deactivates chemical feeders (e.g., acid feed, oxidant feed) to bring the water chemistry back within the desired ranges. This automated process minimizes manual intervention, enhances safety, and ensures consistent water quality.

The controller features a clear LED screen that displays real-time measurements, status indicators, and alarm messages. It uses a system of status LEDs (Blue, Red, Red Flash) to provide immediate visual feedback on its operational state: steady Blue indicates normal operation, flashing Red signifies an alarm, and steady Red means an output relay is forced OFF.

A key aspect of its functionality is the ability to manage multiple chemical feeders. Each feeder can be independently configured with its own setpoint and deadband, allowing for fine-tuned control over different chemical additions. The controller also incorporates safety features, such as alarm systems that alert users to out-of-range conditions or system malfunctions. These alarms are typically latching, meaning they must be acknowledged or cleared by the user, ensuring that critical issues are not overlooked.

The DCM3 controller is designed to operate within specific water chemistry ranges for optimal performance and safety. It requires stable water chemistry within 7.2-7.8 pH, 1-5 ppm Free Chlorine, and 80-120 ppm Total Alkalinity for accurate calibration and reliable operation.

Usage Features

The DCM3 controller offers a user-friendly interface for calibration, setpoint adjustment, and alarm management.

Calibration:

The device supports single-point calibration for pH and Free Chlorine sensors.

• pH Calibration: To calibrate the pH sensor, users navigate to the calibration menu, select the pH sensor, and enter a measured pH value from a water test. The controller then indicates "Sensor Calibrated" upon successful completion.
• Free Chlorine Calibration: For Free Chlorine, the calibration process involves pressing a "DPD" button to save the current sensor reading, followed by a timed wait. After measuring the Free Chlorine value, users enter this result into the controller. The system then indicates "Sensor Calibrated." The controller remembers the ppm value at the moment the DPD button is pressed, optimizing the calibration.
• ORP Calibration: ORP input is factory calibrated and does not require field recalibration, simplifying maintenance for this parameter.

Setpoint Adjustment:

Users can easily adjust setpoints for various chemical feeders.

• pH Setpoint: To change the pH setpoint, users access the setpoint menu, select the relevant relay (e.g., "1: Acid Feed"), and then use arrow buttons to modify the pH value. The new setting is saved by pressing the "OK" button.
• Deadband: The controller incorporates a deadband feature, which is a control overlap designed to prevent feeders from rapidly cycling on and off ("chattering"). The default deadbands are 0.10 pH for pH, 5mV for ORP, and 0.5 ppm for Free Chlorine. These are typically set by a ProMinent technician during startup and generally do not require frequent changes.

Alarm Management:

The DCM3 controller provides comprehensive alarm management.

• Alarm Indication: When an alarm is active, the red LED flashes, and the display shows the number of active alarms. Users can view specific alarm details, such as the type of alarm (e.g., "Acid Feed," "E:PH Sensor") and timestamped information, by navigating through the alarm menu.
• Alarm Clearing: Individual alarms can be cleared, or all alarms can be cleared simultaneously using dedicated buttons. Clearing alarms extinguishes the flashing red LED, lights the blue "OK" LED, and returns the system to the Home screen.

Feeder Prime/Force ON/OFF:

The controller allows users to manually control chemical feeders for priming or troubleshooting.

• Priming: Users can temporarily force a feeder ON (prime) for a specified duration (default 5 minutes) to prime the chemical pump. This function is accessible from the Home screen.
• Forcing OFF/STOP: Feeders can also be forced OFF (STOP) for troubleshooting or maintenance. Pressing the "STOP" button not only stops the priming process but also forces the feeder OFF until it is manually unstopped.
• Safety Interlocks: For safety, the controller prevents forcing a feeder ON if it is in a timeout alarm, or if a flow switch or START/STOP button has stopped chemical feed.

START/STOP Key:

A dedicated START/STOP key provides a quick way to force all chemical feed relays to the OFF position. Pressing this button changes the status LED to a steady RED. Pressing it again resumes normal control, indicated by a steady BLUE status LED.

Maintenance Features

The DCM3 controller is designed with features that facilitate maintenance and ensure long-term reliability.

• Calibration Routines: The guided calibration routines for pH and Free Chlorine simplify the process of maintaining sensor accuracy. The "Sensor Calibrated" message provides clear feedback on successful calibration.
• ORP Factory Calibration: The ORP sensor being factory calibrated eliminates the need for field calibration, reducing maintenance effort and potential for error.
• Alarm Information: Detailed alarm information, including timestamps, helps in diagnosing and troubleshooting issues efficiently. This allows maintenance personnel to quickly identify the root cause of problems.
• Deadband Settings: While not a frequent adjustment, the deadband settings are crucial for preventing "chattering" of feeders, which can lead to premature wear and tear on pumps and valves. Proper deadband configuration contributes to the longevity of the feeding equipment.
• Password Protection: The controller supports operator-level password protection for critical functions like setpoint adjustments and priming, ensuring that only authorized personnel can make changes, thereby preventing accidental or unauthorized modifications.
• Clear Status Indicators: The clear status LED system (Blue, Red, Red Flash) provides immediate visual cues about the controller's operational state, allowing for quick assessment of system health.
• Manual Override for Feeders: The ability to manually prime or force feeders OFF is invaluable for maintenance tasks such as pump testing, line flushing, or troubleshooting chemical delivery issues without affecting the overall control logic.
• Documentation: The device refers to an "Operation and Installation manual" for more information on deadband and its function, indicating that comprehensive documentation is available to support maintenance and troubleshooting efforts. This ensures that users have access to detailed information for any operational or maintenance query.

ProMinent DCM3 Series Specifications