Mikey
Aspiring Old Fart, EE, computer & networking geek
In another thread Dittohead mentioned (https://terrylove.com/forums/showth...ion-help-again&p=384090&viewfull=1#post384090) that "Irrigation should not be fed off the softener."
With a single well, pump, and pressure tank, how do you plumb and wire the components so that the chlorine dose to the treated-water flow doesn't get adversely affected by the irrigation use? The chlorinator pump is commonly wired in parallel with the pump, but with an irrigation load, the chlorinator pump would run when irrigation water is flowing, resulting in overchlorination. Controlling the chlorinator with a flow switch in the treated-water line wouldn't detect the many small flows that make up the treated load, resulting in underchlorination. A flow switch in the irrigation line to turn off the chlorinator would help, but if there's a large treated load at the same time, underchlorination results. An extra pressure tank, flow switch(es), and check valve(s) could minimize the problem, especially if the chlorine is injected prior to the treated-side pressure tank, but many pro's don't like that approach. Sensing the chlorine level downstream of the contact tank and using that to control the chlorinator is much better, but introduces a potential time lag in the dosage, and probably costs a ton of money. A small circulation loop across the contact tank feeding the chlorine detector solves the time-lag problem, but doesn't help the ton-of-money problem. A sensitive flow meter controlling a variable-dose chlorinator comes close as well, but also misses small flows, and is also pricey. Any ideas/suggestions?
With a single well, pump, and pressure tank, how do you plumb and wire the components so that the chlorine dose to the treated-water flow doesn't get adversely affected by the irrigation use? The chlorinator pump is commonly wired in parallel with the pump, but with an irrigation load, the chlorinator pump would run when irrigation water is flowing, resulting in overchlorination. Controlling the chlorinator with a flow switch in the treated-water line wouldn't detect the many small flows that make up the treated load, resulting in underchlorination. A flow switch in the irrigation line to turn off the chlorinator would help, but if there's a large treated load at the same time, underchlorination results. An extra pressure tank, flow switch(es), and check valve(s) could minimize the problem, especially if the chlorine is injected prior to the treated-side pressure tank, but many pro's don't like that approach. Sensing the chlorine level downstream of the contact tank and using that to control the chlorinator is much better, but introduces a potential time lag in the dosage, and probably costs a ton of money. A small circulation loop across the contact tank feeding the chlorine detector solves the time-lag problem, but doesn't help the ton-of-money problem. A sensitive flow meter controlling a variable-dose chlorinator comes close as well, but also misses small flows, and is also pricey. Any ideas/suggestions?
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