Clack WS1 EE Programming

[SmokedMeat]

Can anybody explain the correct way to decide what durations to select for the regeneration cycles when using a Clack WS1 EE? (Backwash, etc.) I know all about capacities, salt dose, and the basic settings, but the other stuff doesn't seam to be talked about much.

Thanks.

[nhmaster]

http://www.clackcorp.com/valve/Manua...r%20Manual.pdf

See page 10

[SmokedMeat]

"Adjust length of rinse from 1 to 20 minutes or OFF" doesn't really tell you much about the ideal time for a given system. I'm trying to determine the ideal settings for these features. I know how to change them.

[Gary Slusser]

Yes that manual isn't going to help you.

Can anybody explain the correct way to decide what durations to select for the regeneration cycles when using a Clack WS1 EE? (Backwash, etc.) I know all about capacities, salt dose, and the basic settings, but the other stuff doesn't seam to be talked about much.

Thanks.

Those things can not be stated in a manual because they are specific to the water quality, resin type and volume used etc. etc..

There are at least three quite different versions of the EE circuit board so who did you buy the softener from?

Do you have a two tank softener or twin tank version?

What do you have it programmed for now from the beginning?

[SmokedMeat]

The system was installed by a local "specialist". The more I learn by researching on the internet, the more I realize that I don't agree with everything he told us. I am a tinkerer at heart, and would like to tune the system to be as efficient as possible. The following should tell you what you need to know.

Valve: Clack WS1 EE (Revision code 5)
Media: Nelsen Standard Mesh High-Cap - 1 cu.ft.
Tank: 9x48

Hardness: 15 gpg (no significant iron/metals)
Gallon/day: ~150

Current Settings:
capacity - 20000
backwash - 6
brine draw - 45
backwash 2 - 6
rinse - 6
brine refill - 4.0

[Gary Slusser]

When you say installed by, who did you buy it from?

What is the rest of the programming?

You regenerating on volume, # of days, day of the week, auto, etc.?

How many people in the household?

You on city water or your own well?

[SmokedMeat]

When you say installed by, who did you buy it from?

Installer = Supplier
I bought the system from a local "specialist". Why does it matter?

What is the rest of the programming?

You regenerating on volume, # of days, day of the week, auto, etc.?

How many people in the household?

You on city water or your own well?

Regenerate on volume.
2 people, 3 dogs, big salt water aquarium.
City water.

[Gary Slusser]

Then the settings are fine.

[SmokedMeat]

That's good to hear. I really am interested in learning more about how these settings effect system performance, though.

[Gary Slusser]

They set the length of time that water runs in each cycle position; backwash, slow rinse/brine draw, the 2nd backwash and then the final rinse.

All the water flow is flow controlled at X.x gpm, so the only 'tweaking' would be to reduce water use slightly but, there's no free lunch, shortening the time to reduce the volume of water used can cause the softener to not provide soft water, incomplete backwash and bed expansion and failure to remove all iron/dirt and also shorten the life of the resin.

At best you'd only save 2-3 gallons of water every 8 days or so.