Operating instructions

pH
The pH of water measures its acidity. Water with a pH of less than 7.0 is acidic, above 7.0 it is alkaline, and a pH of 7.0 is neu-
tral. The lower the pH value, the greater the acidity, and the higher the pH value, the more alkaline. Acidic water (pH less than
7.0) is corrosive to pipes, appliances, etc. A pH of 7.0 or higher facilitates iron reduction, which is why the Chem-Free System
is designed to increase the pH when it is less than 7.0.
The pH increasing component of Chem-Free media is “sacrifi cial”, that is, it slowly dissolves during the process of increasing
pH. The rate at which this occurs is proportional to the degree of the pH increase and the water consumption rate (i.e., the
greater the pH increase and water consumption, the greater the sacrifi cial rate). Thus, when the pH is increased to 8.2 or more,
as is necessary when manganese is present, the sacrifi cial rate is even greater. Under the most severe conditions, the MpH
Adder component of the media may have to be replenished two to four times per year. On the other hand, if the raw water pH
is 7.0 or above and no manganese is present, the sacrifi cial rate is very slight (see NOTE, Section 1).
Tannins (Humic Acid)
Tannins (a humic acid), which may be present in some water supplies, are the result of various forms of decaying vegetation
(the test for tannins can be performed by your dealer). Tannins can cause problems in the operation of the Chem-Free System
by forming a sticky coating on the media, thus rendering it incapable of fi ltering the iron. Generally with tannin concentrations
of 0.5 ppm or less, more frequent backwashing will help prevent the sticky coating from forming. It does appear, however,
that the level of tannin concentration affects the operation of the Chem-Free fi lter differently in different geographical areas
(in some areas, the Chem-Free System will perform satisfactorily when tannin concentration is considerably greater than 0.5
ppm). It is therefore recommended that if the tannin concentration is 0.5 ppm or more, contact your dealer BEFORE install-
ing the system.
Hydrogen Sulfi de (H
2
S)
Hydrogen sulfi de (often referred to as “sulfur”), is easily detected by its objectionable “rotten egg” odor. Sulfur corrodes iron,
brass, copper and silver. While the Chem-Free System is not intended to be used as a sulfur fi lter, it has the capability of re-
ducing sulfur in concentrations of up to 2 or 3 ppm, and sometimes as high as 5 ppm. Whenever hydrogen sulfi de is present,
backwashing must be performed at more frequent intervals, and the pumping system MUST include a standard air-to-water
pressure tank with an air-relief valve. The air to water pressure tank must be installed between the Hydro-Charger and existing
pressure tank.
Check Your Water Pressure and Pumping Rate:
Two water system conditions must be checked carefully to avoid unsatisfactory operation or equipment damage:
1) MINIMUM water pressure required at the fi lter tank inlet is 20 psi. If pressure is over 100 psi, a pressure re-
ducing valve must be installed in the water supply line ahead of the Hydro-Charger. NOTE: If you
have a municipal or community water supply and daytime water pressure is 80 psi or more, night-
time pressure may exceed 100 psi. Call your local water department or plant operator to obtain
pressure readings. If you have a private well, the gauge on the pressure tank will indicate the high
and low system pressure. Record your water pressure date below:
Water Pressure
Low ________PSI High ________PSI
Damage to system can occur (including possible mineral tank failure) if system is subjected to a
vacuum. The installer should take appropriate measures if there is the possibility a vacuum may oc-
cur. This would include the installation of an appropriate device in the supply line to the system, i.e.
a vacuum breaker or backfl ow prevention device. Vacuum damage may cause property damage and
voids the factory warranty.
2) The pumping rate of your well pump must be suffi cient for satisfactory operation of the Hydro-Charger and to back-
wash the fi lter. For models MCIF1001 and APIF100, the required rate is 5 gpm (refer to Specifi cations
and Operating Data for the backwash requirements for other models). To measure the pumping
rate of your pump, follow these instructions:
2-2
CAUTION