Michaelco
New Member
I finally ran a few amperage measurements, and saw very little difference in the current draw for full flow rate, restricted flow and dead headed condition.
I turned off the power to the well pump, and pumped 1500 gallons from the storage tank to irrigate a few rows of trees in the orchard. Having the well pump's power off kept the well's water level at it's highest level, when I measured the pump's current draw.
I set up a video camera to capture the clamp on meter display and flipped the breaker for the well pump.
Full Flow (no restrictor) - 6.6 amps.
Throttled Flow to 3 GPM - no change (still 6.6 amps)
Throttled Flow to 0 GPM ~ 6.5 amps
Looks like the 3/4 HP pump is not the right pump for the job, and the SymCom's most sensitive setting wouldn't have a chance to catch either dead head, or dry well condition. I adjusted the throttling valve to match as closely as I could to what I think the well is capable of sustaining, and plan to change out the pump if and when the pump fails - The biggest downside I can think of with this approach is a pump failure, if it occurs, may not come at a convenient time.
Are there any other potential issues?
Are there any good source for sizing of well pumps?
I turned off the power to the well pump, and pumped 1500 gallons from the storage tank to irrigate a few rows of trees in the orchard. Having the well pump's power off kept the well's water level at it's highest level, when I measured the pump's current draw.
I set up a video camera to capture the clamp on meter display and flipped the breaker for the well pump.
Full Flow (no restrictor) - 6.6 amps.
Throttled Flow to 3 GPM - no change (still 6.6 amps)
Throttled Flow to 0 GPM ~ 6.5 amps
Looks like the 3/4 HP pump is not the right pump for the job, and the SymCom's most sensitive setting wouldn't have a chance to catch either dead head, or dry well condition. I adjusted the throttling valve to match as closely as I could to what I think the well is capable of sustaining, and plan to change out the pump if and when the pump fails - The biggest downside I can think of with this approach is a pump failure, if it occurs, may not come at a convenient time.
Are there any other potential issues?
Are there any good source for sizing of well pumps?