Introduction – Culligan Iron-Cleer User Manual
Page 6
Introduction
Operation
Step 1.
Aeration Operation Service Cycle
In the service cycle, raw water enters the inlet port of the aeration tank and is directed through the
inlet diffuser. The oxidation process begins when the water passes through the inlet diffuser and
cascades through a head of air. This air/ water contact oxidizes the iron, manganese, hydrogen
sulfide in the water. The water is directed toward the bottom of the tank and travels through the pick-
up tube. It then passes through the outlet of the aeration tank to the inlet of the filter tank.
Filter Tank Operation Service Cycle
Raw water enters the filter tank through the inlet port of the filter control valve. Upon system demand
for filtered water, water is directed to the top of the tank and flows downward through the multimedia
filter bed toward the lower distributor. Oxidized iron particles are trapped by the filter bed as the
water passes through. Filtered water enters the lower distributor and travels up the distributor tube
to the outlet port on the filter valve.
Step 2.
Aeration Operation Air Recharge Cycle
When energized, the air pump sends air through the solenoid valve into one end of the shuttle valve.
Once air pressure in the shuttle valve is greater than the water supply pressure at the other end
of the shuttle valve, the piston shifts to the open position. In the open position, the bleed-off port
discharges excess water and old air to the drain port through a flow restrictor. Simultaneously, the air
inlet port opens to provide a direct connection between the air pump and the top of the aeration tank.
The air pump runs for a preset period of time recharging the head of air in the aeration tank.
Air Recharge Shut Off
The timer turns power off to the air pump and the solenoid valve at the end of the recharge cycle.
The solenoid valve then closes the port between the air pump and the shuttle valve. The port
between the shuttle valve and the atmosphere opens and releases air pressure. This allows water
pressure to shift the piston to the closed position. With the piston in the closed position, the air
recharge inlet port is closed and direct communication between the bleed off tube and the drain port
is also closed.
Timer Operation
A timer controls the air recharge cycle and how frequently it occurs. The timer simultaneously
energizes the air pump and the solenoid valve. After a preset amount of time, the timer shuts off the
air pump and de-energizes the solenoid valve.
Solenoid Valve Operation
The solenoid valve is a three-way valve having ports that connect to the air pump, shuttle valve and
the atmosphere. In the service cycle, the solenoid valve is de-energized and closes the port to the
air pump, providing a positive shut-off to the pump. This prevents water from backing up into the air
pump and damaging the pump. In the air recharge cycle, the solenoid valve closes the port to the
atmosphere and opens the port from the air pump.
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