Finish Thompson BE-15/15C - Manual (Page 8)

8
Semi-annually:
 HEAT EXCHANGER - Clean the finned-tube surfaces of the radiator by blowing compressed air through
the fins from the inside to the outside.
 LEVEL PROBE - Remove the Level Control Probe (disconnect the white wire and unthread the probe
with a spark-plug socket). Wipe the probe’s metal rod with a shop rag to remove any build-up of
residues. Take care not to bend the rod. Reinstall the probe; making sure that the rod does not make
contact with the inside of the pipe.
 PUMP RESERVOIR - Drain and clean the Pump Reservoir (there is a petcock on the bottom of the
reservoir). Wipe off any oily residues from the tank surfaces and pump. Flush the radiator by forcing
water through its upper hose (attach a garden hose to the loose/open hose inside the Pump Reservoir).
Re-fill with Pump Primer or Recycled Glycol. Water can be used as a primer, but will result in slightly
diluted Recycled Glycol for the next batch.
 PROCESS TANK - Perform a “detergent flush” of the Process Tank to help remove oily deposits.
Dissolve a non-sudsing detergent into 5 to 7 gallons of water (2 cups of automatic dishwasher detergent
such as Cascade

can be used). Pour this detergent solution into the Process Tank and allow the unit to
run until it automatically shuts off (this usually takes 2 to 3 hours). Drain the remaining liquid, and rinse
out the Process Tank with clean water.
 PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE - The Pressure Relief Valve is mounted to the top of the Process Tank.
Check for proper operation by lifting its lever. If the lever will not lift, replace the valve.
INTERMITTENT USE AND STORAGE:
Take additional precautions if the BE unit is used intermittently (less than once per week) or is placed in
storage (more than one month). Residues left in mechanical components can become “sticky”, liquid levels
can evaporate, and metal parts can corrode. Perform the following maintenance to help prevent problems
with intermittent use and storage:
Intermittent use:
 DRAIN RESIDUES - Do not allow the residues to sit in the Process Tank for any length of time. Drain
according to the “Maintenance Schedule” section of this manual.
 FLUSH - Flush out any residual residues and clean the Distillate Piping by performing a flush according
to the “Maintenance Schedule” section of this manual.
Before restarting with intermittent use:
 CHECK LIQUID LEVELS - Verify that the liquid in the Pump Reservoir is filled to the proper level. If
low, top off with Pump Primer, Recycled Glycol, or clear water until the reservoir overflows out of the
Recycled Glycol hose.