Aqua-Pure MCA2001M User Manual

INSTALLATION AND OPERATING

MODELS:

MCA1001 MCA1001M MCA1501 MCA1501M MCA2001 MCA2001M

INSTRUCTIONS

MCA SERIES RESIDENTIAL

IRON REDUCTION SYSTEMS

Installer, please leave with homeowner. Homeowner, retain for future reference.

INSTR2804 0312

SAFETY INFORMATION

Read, understand, and follow all safety information contained in these instructions prior to installation and use of the Aqua-Pure® MCA Series Iron Reduction Systems. Retain these instructions for future reference.

Intended use:

The Aqua-Pure MCA Series Iron Reduction Systems are intended for use in reducing dissolved and precipitated iron in water in homes and have not been evaluated for other uses. These systems are intended for indoor installations near the entry point of a home water line, and must be installed by qualiﬁ ed professional installers according to these installation instructions.

EXPLANATION OF SIGNAL WORD CONSEQUENCES

WARNING

CAUTION

To reduce the risk associated with choking:

• Do not allow children under 3 years of age to have access to small parts during the installation of this product.

To reduce the risk associated with ingestion of contaminants:

• Do not use with water that is microbiologically unsafe or of unknown quality without adequate disinfection before or after the system.

To reduce the risk of physical injury:

• Shut off inlet water supply and depressurize system as shown in manual prior to service.

To reduce the risk associated with a hazardous voltage:

• If the home electrical system requires use of the cold water system as an electrical safety ground, a jumper must be used to ensure a sufﬁ cient ground connection across the iron reduction system installation piping — refer installation to qualiﬁ ed personnel.

• Do not use the system if the power cord is damaged — contact qualiﬁ ed service personnel for repair.

To reduce the risk associated with back strain due to the heavy weight of the various system components:

• Follow safe lifting procedures.

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury and/or property damage.

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury and/or property damage.

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, may result in property damage.

WARNING

CAUTION

To reduce the risk associated skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritation from gravel and ﬁ lter media during installation:

• Gravel and several types of ﬁ lter media may be used in this product, depending upon the application. During installation, dust may cause irritation to skin, eyes, and

respiratory tract.

• Utilize a NIOSH-approved dust ﬁ lter mask, protective gloves, and appropriate eye protection when handling and pouring gravel and ﬁ lter media.

• To request an MSDS relating to this product, call 203-238-8965 or go to www.3M.com, select country, and use the search engine to search MSDS. For emergen-

cies, call 800-364-3577 or 651-737-6501 (24 hours).

CAUTION

To reduce the risk associated with property damage due to water leakage:

• Read and follow Use instructions before installation and use of this water treatment system.

• Installation and use MUST comply with existing state or local plumbing codes.

• Protect from freezing, relieve pressure and drain system when temperatures are expected to drop below 40°F (4°C).

• Do not install on hot water supply lines. The maximum operating water temperature of this iron reduction system is 100°F (38°C).

• Do not install if water pressure exceeds 100 psi. If your water pressure exceeds 80 psi (552 kPa), you must install a pressure limiting valve. Contact a plumbing professional if you are uncertain how to check your water pressure.

• Do not install where water hammer conditions may occur. If water hammer conditions exist you must install a water hammer arrester. Contact a plumbing professional if you are uncertain how to check for this condition.

• Where a backﬂ ow prevention device is installed on a water system, a device for controlling pressure due to thermal expansion must be installed.

• Do not use a torch or other high temperature sources near system.

• On plastic ﬁ ttings, never use pipe sealant or pipe dope. Use PTFE thread tape only, pipe dope properties may deteriorate plastic.

• Take care when using pliers or pipe wrenches to tighten plastic ﬁ ttings, as damage may occur if over tightening occurs.

• Do not install in direct sunlight or outdoors.

• Install system in such a position as to prevent it from being struck by other items used in the area of installation.

• Ensure all tubing and ﬁ ttings are secure and free of leaks.

• SHUT OFF FUEL OR ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLY TO WATER HEATER after water is shut off.

• Do not install system where water lines could be subjected to vacuum conditions without appropriate measures for vacuum prevention.

• Do not apply heat to any ﬁ tting connected to bypass or control valve as damage may result to internal parts or connecting adapters.

• Install on a ﬂ at/level surface. It is also advisable to sweep the ﬂ oor to eliminate objects that could pierce the media tank.

To reduce the risk associated with property damage due to plugged water lines:

• Pay particular attention to correct orientation of control valve. Water ﬂ ow should match arrow on control valve. The Inlet and Outlet of other water treatment equipment products will vary depending on the control valve brand used.

• Failure to follow instructions will void warranty.

IMPORTANT NOTES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

IMPORTANT NOTES

SECTION DESCRIPTION

1 GENERAL INFORMATION

2 BEFORE INSTALLATION

3 INSTALLATION

4 BACKWASHING INSTRUCTIONS

5 MAINTENANCE

6 TROUBLESHOOTING

7 SPECIFICATIONS AND OPERATING DATA

8 LIMITED WARRANTY

SECTION 1: GENERAL INFORMATION

Congratulations on your purchase of an Aqua-Pure dissolved, precipitated and bacterial iron from your water supply. Contrary to conventional methods, your Aqua-Pure MCA Series Iron Reduction System requires NO chemicals (either added to the water supply or the ﬁ lter). This unique process requires ONLY periodic backwashing for a few minutes to ﬂ ush out entrapped iron that has accumulated in the media tank.

When properly installed, the Aqua-Pure MCA Series Iron Reduction System will provide many years of virtually trouble-free service. Read this manual all the way through ﬁ rst, and then follow the instruction steps in the proper sequence.

MCA Series Iron Reduction System! The Aqua-Pure MCA Series Iron Reduction System reduces

Description and Operation of the System:

The Aqua-Pure MCA Series Iron Reduction System consists of two major components which are:

1) A HYDRO-CHARGER located between the well head and the pressure tank, which adds a small amount of air to the iron-laden water whenever the well pump runs.

2) A backwashing type ﬁ lter containing a special media that causes the iron in the “Hydro-Charged” water to precipitate throughout the media bed (rather than on the surface as in chemical oxidizing ﬁ lters). This process produces an iron reduction capacity of 30,000 to 50,000 parts per million (ppm) compared to 6,000 to 8,000 ppm for chemical oxidation processes. The media DOES NOT require a chemical regenerant (such as potassium permangante) for oxygen enrichment, salt, chlorine or any other chemicals.

Your Iron Reduction System automatically adjusts the pH to neutral or higher on acid water WITHOUT an acid neutralizer (a required piece of equipment with chemical oxidation ﬁ lters whenever the pH is less than 6.7). The ability to raise pH when it is below neutral (7 or less) greatly enhances the MCA Series Iron Reduction System’s ability to reduce iron efﬁ ciently.

IMPORTANT NOTES

Replenishment of the component of the ﬁ lter media that adjusts pH, “ph-Plus®”, may be required periodically, the frequency of which is dependent on the raw water pH, the manganese (Mn) concentration in the water (if any) and the water consumption rate.

Periodic backwashing of the media bed ﬂ ushes the precipitated iron to the drain and readies the ﬁ lter for use again. The duration of the backwash procedure will vary depending on several factors, but generally totals just 10 minutes (factory setting). The frequency of backwashing depends on iron concentration and water usage, and ranges from daily to once every 12 days. The volume of water consumed during the entire backwashing procedure is approximately 50 gallons (1 cu. ft. models).

1-1

CAUTION

SECTION 2: BEFORE INSTALLATION

Inspecting And Handling Your Iron Reduction System:

Inspect the equipment for shipping damage. If damaged, notify the transportation company and request a damage inspection.

Handle the ﬁ lter unit with care. Damage can result if dropped or if set on sharp, uneven projections on the ﬂ oor. Do not turn the ﬁ lter unit upside down.

CAUTION

To reduce the risk associated with property damage due to water leakage:

• Installation must comply with existing state or local plumbing codes.

Make Sure Your Water Has Been Thoroughly Tested:

An analysis of your water should have beeb made prior to the selection of your water conditioning equipment. Your dealer should have performed this service for you, and may send a sample to the factory for analysis and recommendations.

Check Your Pumping Rate and Water Pressure:

Two water system conditions must be checked carefully to avoid unsatisfactory operation or equipment damage:

1) MINIMUM water pressure required at the iron reduction system inlet is 20 psi (138 kPa).

CAUTION

To reduce the risk associated with property damage due to water leakage:

NOTE: 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 data below:

Water Pressure:

Low psi High psi

CAUTION

To reduce the risk associated with property damage due to water leakage:

• Do not install system where water lines could be subjected to vacuum conditions without appropriate measures for vacuum prevention.

The installer is required to take appropriate measures if there is the possibility a vacuum condition may occur. 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 voids the factory warranty.

2) The pumping rate of your well must be sufﬁ cient for satisfactory operation and BACKWASHING of the iron reduction system. (See Speciﬁ cations

And Operating Data, Section 7).

IMPORTANT NOTE

If sediment is present, the installation of a sediment pre-ﬁ lter is recommended. Even if sediment is not currently present or at a level high enough to

be objectionable, a pre-ﬁ lter can help increase the efﬁ ciency of the softener and help reduce the amount of maintenance required.

2-1

To measure the pumping rate of your pump, follow these instructions:

IMPORTANT NOTE

a. Make certain no water is being drawn. Open spigot nearest pressure tank. When pump starts, close spigot and measure time (in seconds) to reﬁ ll

pressure tank (when pump shuts off). This ﬁ gure represents CYCLE TIME.

b. With the pressure tank full, draw water into a container of known volume, measure the number of gallons drawn until the pump starts again. This

is DRAW-DOWN. Divide this ﬁ gure by CYCLE TIME and multiply the result by 60 to arrive at the PUMPING RATE in gallons per minute (gpm). To aid in your calculation, insert the data in the following formula:

DRAW-DOWN ______ (gals.) ÷ CYCLE TIME ______ (secs.) x 60 = PUMPING RATE ______(gpm)

EXAMPLE:

CYCLE TIME is 65 secs.; DRAW-DOWN is 6 gals.; then PUMPING RATE equals: 6 gals. ÷ 65 secs. x 60 = 5.5 gpm

IMPORTANT NOTE

The addition of the Hydro-Charger to the pumping system or plumbing and other water treatment devices (such as an acid neutralizer) may reduce the ﬂ ow rate at the ﬁ lter drain to an inadequate level to properly backwash the ﬁ lter. If you are uncertain whether your ﬂ ow rate is adequate, contact your dealer BEFORE installing your MCA Series Iron Reduction System, so that corrective action, if required, may be taken.

Installation Site Selection:

Select the location of your iron reduction system with care. Various conditions which contribute to proper location are as follows:

1) Locate as close as possible to water supply source.

2) Locate as close as possible to a drain.

3) Locate in correct relationship to other water conditioning equipment (Figure 1, page 3-1).

4) Locate the iron reduction system in the supply line BEFORE the water heater. Temperatures above 100°F (38°C) will damage the iron reduction

system and void the factory warranty.

5) DO NOT install the iron reduction system in a location where freezing temperatures occur. Freezing may cause permanent damage and will also

void the factory warranty.

6) Allow sufﬁ cient space around the installation for easy servicing.

7) Provide a non-switched 110V, 60Hz power source for the control valve.

WARNING

To reduce the risk associated with ingestion of contaminants:

• Do not use with water that is microbiologically unsafe or of unknown quality without adequate disinfection before or after the system.

CAUTION

To reduce the risk associated with property damage due to water leakage:

• Protect from freezing, relieve pressure and drain system when temperatures are expected to drop below 40°F (4°C).

• Do not install on hot water supply lines. The maximum operating water temperature of this iron reduction system is 100°F (38°C).

• Do not install in direct sunlight or outdoors.

2-2

The Importance Of Your Pressure Tank:

IMPORTANT NOTES

IMPORTANT NOTE

The pressure tank found on private well systems becomes an integral part of the MCA Series Iron Reduction System by providing necessary mixing and “residence time” to the “Hydro-Charged” water. While the MCA Series Iron Reduction System will perform satisfactorily with either a captive-air (bladder) type pressure tank or a standard air-to-water type with an air volume control (air-relief valve), the bladder type requires more careful adjustment of the Hydro-Charger to prevent gases from collecting in the pressure tank and the head area of the media tank.

IMPORTANT NOTES

A properly sized pressure tank of either style will require a minimum pump cycle of 60 seconds to reﬁ ll from the well pump on-to-off pressure settings. If cycle time of pump is less than 60 seconds, pressure tank is too small, causing excessive wear on the pump and probable failure of the ﬁ lter system.

Under more severe operating conditions (low pH, high iron, manganese and small concentrations of sulfur), a standard air-to-water type pressure tank with an air-relief valve MUST be used (if bladder type tank is already in place, do not remove it. Install the air-to-water pressure tank between the HydroCharger and the bladder type-tank).

IMPORTANT NOTE

If your pressure tank (or any part of your water system) is not functioning properly, corrective action MUST be taken BEFORE installation of your MCA Series Iron Reduction System.

Facts to Remember While Planning The Installation:

1) All installation procedures MUST conform to local and state plumbing codes.

2) If lawn sprinklers, a swimming pool, or geothermal heating/cooling or water for other devices/activities are to be treated by the iron reduction

system, a larger model MUST be selected to accommodate the higher ﬂ ow rate plus the backwashing requirements of the iron reduction system. Consult your Dealer/Installer or our Customer Service Department at 1-800-222-7880 for alternative instructions if the pumping rate is insufﬁ cient.

3) Remember that the iron reduction system INLET is attached to the pipe that supplies water (i.e. delivers water from the well pump or after the

water meter) and the OUTLET is the line that runs toward the water heater.

CAUTION

To reduce the risk associated with property damage due to plugged water lines:

4) Before beginning the installation review the existing piping system and to determine the size, number and type of ﬁ ttings required.

WARNING

To reduce the risk associated with a hazardous voltage:

• If the home electrical system requires use of the cold water system as an electrical safety ground, a jumper must be used to ensure a sufﬁ cient ground connec-

tion across the iron reduction system installation piping — refer installation to qualiﬁ ed personnel.

5) Sweep the ﬂ oor to eliminate objects that could pierce the media tank.

2-3

SECTION 3: INSTALLATION

Proper installation sequence of Iron Reduction System is very important. Refer to the diagram before for your particular supply.

TREATED

SOFT WATER

BRINE TANK

TREATED

SOFT WATER

TREATED WATER

BRINE

TANK

WATER

SOFTENER

TREATED WATER

WASTE DRAIN

IRON

REDUCTION

SYSTEM

PRESSURE

WATER

SOFTENER

WASTE DRAIN

REDUCTION

WASTE DRAIN

IRON

SYSTEM

TYPICAL WELL INSTALLATION

110 V

OUTPUT

WASTE DRAIN

SECONDARY

PRESSURE

TANK

SECONDARY

PRESSURE

SWITCH.

SOLENOID

HYDRO-CHARGER

TYPICAL SPLIT-STREAM INSTALLATION

TANK

PRESSURE

SWITCH.

LAWN SPRINKLERS

HIGH DEMAND

VALV E

WATER FOR

OR OTHER

PRESSURE

CHECK VALVE

HYDRO-CHARGER

CHECK VALVE

PRIMARY

TANK

PRESSURE

PRIMARY

SWITCH.

RAW WELL WATER

TREATED

SOFT WATER

BRINE TANK

TREATED WATER

WATER

SOFTENER

WASTE DRAIN

IRON

REDUCTION

SYSTEM

WASTE DRAIN

PRESSURE

SWITCH.

TANK

110 V

OUTPUT

SOLENOID

VALV E

HYDRO-CHARGER

WATER FOR

LAWN SPRINKLERS

OR OTHER

HIGH DEMAND

CHECK VALVE

METER

RAW WATER

TYPICAL PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY INSTALLATION

Figure 1

CAUTION

To reduce the risk associated with property damage due to water leakage:

• Read and follow Use instructions before installation and use of this water treatment system.

• Installation and use MUST comply with existing state or local plumbing codes.

To reduce the risk associated with property damage due to plugged water lines:

3-1

Step 1

CAUTION

IMPORTANT NOTES

IMPORTANT NOTE

Shut off all water at main supply. On a private well system, turn off power to pump and drain pressure tank. Make certain pressure is relieved from complete system by opening nearest faucet to drain system.

CAUTION

To reduce the risk associated with property damage due to water leakage:

• When water supply is shut off, shut off fuel or electric power to water heater.

Step 2

Cut main supply line as required to ﬁ t Hydro-Charger in plumbing between well pump and pressure tank (Hydro-Charger may be installed in a vertical or horizontal position). The Hydro-Charger has been supplied with both 1” threaded and 1” barbed (insert) ﬁ ttings to allow for installation with various types of piping materials. When using the threaded nipples, use thread tape only. When using barbed (insert) ﬁ ttings, appropriate pipe clamps must be used. Once installed, the quick release nipples allow the Hydro-Charger to be rotated, so the air draw adjustment screw is accessible for adjustment by a small bladed screwdriver. Allow at least 10 inches of straight run of 1” pipe on both inlet and outlet side of the Hydro-Charger. Refer to Figure 2 for correct assembly. The quick release nipples also acts as a union to facilitate the Hydro-Charger removal, inspection and cleaning as needed. With an installation on PVC pipe and copper tubing it may require the addition of a normal plumbing union to aid in removal from the plumbing due to the rigidity of that type of material. Make certain the directional arrows on the Hydro-Charger points toward the pressure tank and the pressure control switch is located on the pressure tank side of Hydro-Charger as in Figure 1. Rapid cycling of pump may occur if the pressure control switch is located on well side. If a check valve is located between Hydro-Charger and pressure tank, it may prevent the Hydro-Charger from performing properly. Relocate to well side of Hydro-Charger.

Figure 2: HYDRO-CHARGER INSTALLATION

Step 3

Turn back on the power to the well pump and pressurize the water lines to allow for adjustment of the Hydro-Charger. Check for leaks and adjust as necessary.

IMPORTANT NOTES

• Do not apply heat near Hydro-Charger, as damage may occur. On badly scaled, older plumbing systems, it may be advantageous to install a WYE Strainer to help prevent plugging of the Hydro-Charger nozzle with scale or debris. The use of a WYE Strainer must precede the Hydro-charger on the inlet side by a minimum of 10”.

• If existing water system includes a captive-air type pressure tank (bladder) and it is desirable to install an additional air to water type with an air release (not as a split steam type installation) install an air to water type pressure tank between the Hydro-Charger and the existing captive air type pressure tank.

• Before proceeding with Hydro-Charger installed, re-verify adequate pumping rate pumping by following the procedure described in Section

2. After veriﬁ cation of adequate ﬂ ow, depressurize system as described previously.

• If installation is to be split streamed prior to ﬁ lter vessel or is a public water supply see Figure 1, or refer to Special Instructions on page 3-5.

Step 4

Set Hydro-Charger by following these steps:

a) Open nearest faucet until well pump starts, then close faucet.

b) Place a ﬁ nger lightly over the suction port (Figure 3). A slight suction should be de-

tected for approximately one third (1/3) of pumping cycle time. (Do not confuse with one third (1/3) of pressure range).

c) If suction is too short, increase by turning air adjustment screw (Figure 3), clockwise.

To decrease duration, turn counterclockwise.

d) Repeat steps (a) through (c) until proper setting is obtained. The optimum cycle time

is 60 seconds or more, with an air draw of 20 seconds minimum.

Figure 3

IMPORTANT NOTE

When the duration of the suction is too long, the cold water may have a milky appearance caused by excess air in the water system. Correct this condition by reducing the duration of suction. This condition is commonly associated with bladder type pressure tanks. In extreme cases where elimination of excess air prevents system from performing satisfactorily, it may be necessary to install an air to water pressure tank with an air release valve.

3-2

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Aqua-Pure MCA2001M User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual