Knight Equipment UNITECH FLUSH MANIFOLD Installation Manual

UNITECH FLUSH MANIFOLD

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

INTRODUCTION

The UniTech flush manifold offers an increased level of safety for operators as well as protection against corrosion to
the washer and protection against chemical burns to the fabric. When the highly corrosive laundry chemicals are
dispensed by the peristaltic pumps into the flush manifold, the unique flush mode of the control opens the built-in
water solenoid to provide a diluted flush to the washer through a single injection line. Concentrated chemicals can
now be dispensed with less chemical shock to the fabrics being washed. The built-in checkvalves prevent back­siphoning as well as cross contamination of the chemicals.

THEORY OF OPERATION

Liquid chemicals are dispensed into the flush manifold, and water is injected into the manifold to “push” the diluted
chemistry to the washer. The delivery tube is then flushed clean in a post-flush operation and is ready for the next
chemical. The flush mode of the UniTech dispenser flushes water “with” or “after” the chemical injections that are sent
to the washer. Use of the optional “Flow Switch" will verify proper water flow, and shut the system down in the event
of flush problems. Consult your UniTech programming manual for setting the flush mode.

PRE-INSTALLATION

Before mounting the manifold to the dispenser, a site survey should be performed to avoid installation problems and
to identify any items that will be needed to complete the task. You may also wish to read through the rest of this
manual to get familiar with the installation steps. Your site survey should include the following:

• Location of dispenser in relation to washer — dispenser can be located at the washer or remotely located with the

chemical supplies. The dispenser should be no more than 100’ from the washer.

• Determine proximity to water source — the water source should be as close to the dispenser as possible.

• Pressure and temperature of water source — system should operate at 20 to 40 PSI dynamic pressure. Warm or

cool water temperatures are recommended for best results.

• Backflow prevention — local codes may require vacuum breakers or other safeguards for backflow prevention.

• Discharge tubing path from manifold to washer to determine length of delivery line required.

• Assessment of plumbing hardware required to connect an incoming water source — this will help identify what

hardware is required, based on how you choose to plumb the system.

CAUTION: Wear protective clothing and eyewear when dispensing chemicals or
other materials. Observe safety handling instructions (MSDS) of chemical mfrs.

CAUTION: To avoid severe or fatal shock, always disconnect main power when
servicing the unit.

CAUTION: When installing any equipment, ensure that all national and local
safety, electrical, and plumbing codes are met.

0900856 Rev: A (05/07) Page 1 of 4

INSTALLATION

For reference purposes, you may wish to review the diagram on the following page before installation. An accessory
kit is included with the parts needed to connect the chemical pumps to the manifold, and to connect the flush solenoid
to the manifold. The kit does not include 1/2” delivery line to connect the output of the manifold to the washer.

►

Optional Flow Switch

If the optional flow switch will be used, its recommended to attached it to the mounting bracket prior to installation of
the manifold. The wiring barrier inside the UniTech main controller unit has terminals for connecting the flow switch.
The wires should be connected during installation of the manifold (explained below).

►

Flush Solenoid

If you are installing the manifold on a system without a flush solenoid, you will need to convert the unit by installing a
flush solenoid in the right-hand pump location on the base unit.

(1) Remove the pump and metal plate (on bottom) from the right-hand pump location on the base unit.
(2) Install the flush solenoid through the bottom of the right-hand pump location.
(3) The wiring harness inside the UniTech has connectors that will fit over the terminals on the flush solenoid. See

the wiring diagram in the dispenser’s instruction manual for further reference.

►

Basic Installation Steps

(1) Mount the manifold on the wall just below the UniTech dispenser using appropriate hardware. Center the

manifold inline with the center of the main controller, so that the flush solenoid and all pumps can be easily
connected to the manifold.

(2) This step only applies if using the optional flow switch: Remove the left-side pump from the main controller

(temporarily) to make the flow switch wiring easier. Remove a small knockout plug on the bottom of the controller
and install the included strain relief fitting. Route the flow switch wires through the strain relief, then up into the
top of the controller and attach to the wiring barrier (see the wiring diagram in the dispenser’s instruction manual
for reference). Put the left-side pump back in place and re-connect motor wires if necessary.

(3) Cut the vinyl tubing (provided) to the required length for each pump. Use the provided barb fittings to connect the

pump squeeze tubes to the vinyl tubes. Then connect the vinyl tubes to the checkvalves on the manifold. Cinch a
tie wrap around each connection point to help prevent leakage.

(4) Connect the output side of the flush solenoid to the input fitting on the manifold using the 1/4” poly tubing

provided. If a flow switch is used connect the output side of the flush solenoid to the input fitting on the flow
switch using the poly tubing, then connect a small loop of tube between the output of the flow switch and the
input fitting on the manifold.

(5) Connect the input side of the flush solenoid to a suitable water source. (20 to 40 PSI dynamic pressure, warm or

cool water recommended).

(6) Connect 1/2” ID tubing (delivery line) between the barbed output fitting on the manifold and the injection point on

the washer. For best results, keep the distance between the manifold and the washer as short as possible. Avoid
long vertical climbs that may require increased water pressure and/or lengthy flush time. Secured the connection
with a hose clamp to prevent leakage.

MAINTENANCE

Routine inspection and maintenance of the flush manifold will ensure that it continues to provide trouble-free
operation. Each time you visit the installation, check all hose and tubing connections for leaks or obstructions. In
areas that have hard water, deposits can build up inside the flush solenoid, checkvalves, and manifold. Also check
the flush line for obstructions or wear. Check that chemicals are flushing completely to the washer.

Checkvalves are like pump squeeze tubes in that they do wear over time. Checkvalves should be inspected on each
service c all to determine p roper checking act ion and positive fl ow. The checkval ve has an internal P TFE ball and
Viton seal — it is the user’s responsibility to evaluate proper compatibility of laundry products to these checkvalves.
Knight is not responsible for any damage resulting from product use or mis-use. The customer should determine a
reasonable change out interval for checkvalves to assure proper performance and prevent chemical cross
contamination or damage to lines.

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