Sta-Rite THS 3461 Installation Manual

PENTAIR POOL PRODUCTS

THS SERIES FILTER

DIAPHRAGM VALVE STYLE

FACE PIPING INSTALLATION

INSTRUCTIONS

This manual covers installation and operating instructions for the optional diaphragm valve style
face piping kits for use with the THS series filter vessels.

WARNING: This manual contains critical safety information that must be furnished to the end
user. Failure to read and follow the instructions could result in serious personal injury and/or
major property damage.

Pentair Pool Products

1620 Hawkins Ave.

Sanford, NC 27330
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PRINCIPALS OF OPERATION 2

1.0

1.1 DIAPHRAGM VALVE OPERATION 2

1.2 SINGLE TANK NORMAL OPERATION 2

1.3 SINGLE TANK DURING BACKWASH 3

1.4 DUAL TANK NORMAL FILTRATION 3

1.5 DUAL TANK DURING BACKWASH 3

2.0 FACE PIPING INSTALLATION 4

2.1 SINGLE TANK FACE PIPING INSTALLATION – THS 3461 (4” GROOVED CONNECTIONS) 4

2.2 SINGLE TANK FACE PIPING INSTALLATION – THS 3484, THS4272, THS 4284 AND THS
4296 (6” FLANGE CONNECTIONS) 9

2.3 DUAL TANK FACE PIPING INSTALLATION – THS 3461 (4” GROOVED TANK
CONNECTIONS) 12

2.4 DUAL TANK FACE PIPING INSTALLATION – THS 3484, THS4272, THS 4284 AND THS
4296 (6” FLANGE CONNECTIONS) 15

3.0 BACKWASH CONTROLLER INSTALLATION 19

3.1 SINGLE TANK SEMI-AUTOMATIC CONTROLLER INSTALLATION 19

3.2 DUAL TANK SEMI-AUTOMATIC CONTROLLER INSTALLATION 23

3.3 SINGLE TANK AUTOMATIC CONTROLLER INSTALLATION 27

3.4 DUAL TANK AUTOMATIC CONTROLLER INSTALLATION 30

4.0 OPERATION 33

4.1 SETTING THE MULTIPORT PRESSURE 33

4.2 WHEN TO BACKWASH 33

4.3 SEMI-AUTOMATIC CONTROLLER OPERATION 33

4.3.1 Controller Overview 33

4.3.2 Switching to Backwash Mode 34

4.4 AUTOMATIC CONTROLLER 36

APPENDIX 37

APPENDIX A 38
APPENDIX B 39
APPENDIX C 40
APPENDIX D 41

Diaphragm Valve Face Piping Kit Installation Manual Pg. 1 of 47
1/16/05 Rev. D

Thank you for purchasing the diaphragm valve style face piping kit for your THS series filter
vessel. They include features such as pneumatically actuated diaphragm valves, semi-automatic or
automatic backwash controller options, and pre-glued construction for ease of assembly.

This manual covers the installation of face piping for both one and two tank filter systems,
as well as installation of the semi-automatic and automatic controllers for the same. This manual
also covers operation of the semi-automatic controller, as well as a trouble-shooting guide to assist
with any problems which may occur during installation and operation. If you should have any
questions pertaining to the filter tank itself, please refer to the separate manual provided for the
tanks.

Please remember to use proper safety equipment and techniques when installing this
filtration system.

1.0 Principals of Operation

This section will familiarize you with how the face piping kit and valves work in order to
provide a means of backwashing the filter. It will cover how the diaphragm valves operate, the flow
of water in a single tank system in normal filtration and backwash modes, and a dual tank system in
normal filtration and backwash modes. Please note that the diagrams are for reference only,

and may not be representative of the actual face piping kit.

1.1 Diaphragm Valve Operation

During normal operation water enters one side of

the valve and exits the other. A shaft, which is

attached to a diaphragm at one end, and a throttling

cone and seal at the other, prevents water from

flowing out of the sideport. When the valve is

actuated, water is pumped into the top of the valve

from the controller. This water and pressure causes

the diaphragm to collapse onto the sealing surface

of the valve body. This moves the cone portion of

the shaft allowing water to exit out of the sideport,

while sealing off flow from the influent side of the

valve.

1.2 Single Tank Normal Operation

During normal filtration mode, water

is passed through the influent piping

and into the tank. Water is then

passed through the sand, which is

what actually filters the water. It is

then passed through the collection

laterals at the bottom of the tank. It

then passes out of the effluent pipe

and continues on through the rest of

the filtration system.

Diaphragm Valve Face Piping Kit Installation Manual Pg. 2 of 47
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1.3 Single Tank During Backwash

During backwash mode, both of the

diaphragm valves are actuated. Since

water cannot enter the tank through

the influent piping, it enters through the

effluent piping. The water is pushed

up through the sand bed, which is

called “Fluidizing” the sand bed. This

loosens dirt and debris trapped by the

sand. This debris is then passed

through the influent piping and exits

through a waste pipe connected to the

valve.

1.4 Dual Tank Normal Filtration

During normal filtration in a dual tank

system, water is split between the two

tanks. It passes through the influent

piping and then through the sand beds.

It is then passed through the collection

laterals at the bottom of the tanks and

passed out of the effluent piping and

returned to the pool.

1.5 Dual Tank During Backwash

During backwash mode in a dual tank

system, one of the three way valves and

the two-way valve are actuated

simultaneously. This allows water to pass

through one of the filters as if it were

filtering normally. When the water exits

that tank, it is forced to enter the second

tank through the effluent pipe. This water

then backwashes the second tank. The

dirt and debris is then passed through the

influent pipe of tank two and out of a waste

pipe connected to the valve.

Diaphragm Valve Face Piping Kit Installation Manual Pg. 3 of 47
1/16/05 Rev. D

2.0 Face piping installation

IMPORTANT: Installation of the face piping should occur after the filter vessels have been
positioned in their permanent location. Please refer to the Tank Owner’s/Operator’s Manual
section on locating the filter vessels. For dual tank systems, it is very important that the “C­C” dimension listed in Figure 1 on page 5 of that manual is followed. Please refer to the
Tank Owner/Operators Manual for more information.

Diaphra gm valve style face piping kits come in either one or two tank kits. All piping is pre-

glued, which means the only connections that need to be made are flanged connections between
mating sections. Please refer to the appropriate drawings in the Appendix section at the end of this
manual for aid in assembly.

IMPORTANT: When tightening flange bolts, it is important to follow a diametrically opposed
pattern. This will ensure that a proper seal between the flanges is obtained. Refer to Figure
1 below for proper tightening sequence. Torque all bolts to a maximum of 25 ft-lbs.
may be beneficial to apply a teflon based lubricant to each bolt or nut to help relieve stress
due to friction.

Prior to Installation see “Grooved Coupling Assembly Instruction” found on page 6.

Also, it

2.1 Single Tank Face Piping Installation – THS 3461 (4” Grooved
Connections)

The single tank face piping kit consists of:

(1) V3-04A, 4” 3-way diaphragm valve

without Flanges

(1) V3-04B, 4” 3-way diaphragm valve

with Flange, Thru port only.
(1) Tee Assembly

(1) Waste pipe extension

(1) Backwash extension
(1) Sightglass assembly (not shown)
(7) 4” Grooved Coupling Assembly
(3) 4” Flange gaskets
(24) 4” ¾-10 x 3 1/2” Zinc Plated Bolts
(48) Flat Washer, Zinc Plated
(24) Lock Washer, Zinc Plated
(24) Hex Nut, ¾-10, Zinc Plated
(1) Semi-automatic backwash controller

(See Controller Installation Section)

Verify that all parts listed above were supplied before beginning installation. Replacement parts
can be ordered through your local distributor.

Diaphragm Valve Face Piping Kit Installation Manual Pg. 4 of 47
1/16/05 Rev. D

Grooved Coupling Assembly Instruction

1) Seat rubber gasket over end of pipe 1, making sure that the gasket does not cover the groove
cut in the pipe.

2) Insert end of pipe 2 into rubber gasket, again making sure that the gasket does not cover the
groove in the pipe.

3) Fit coupling halves over rubber gasket making sure that coupling halves are seated into the
grooves of the (2) pipes. Make sure one coupling half has standard thru bolt holes and the
other has hexagonal counter-bored thru bolt holes.

Apply an anti-seize lubricant to the threads of the coupling bolts. Insert bolts into the holes in the
coupling, making sure that the bolt heads fit inside the hexagonal counter-bored holes on one side
of the coupling. Place one washer and nut on each bolt and tighten.

Diaphragm Valve Face Piping Kit Installation Manual Pg. 5 of 47
1/16/05 Rev. D

STEP 1: 4” Valve Installation

Place a gasket of grooved coupling

assembly on the influent and effluent tank

grooved pipe connections. Place valve (V3-

04A) with no flanges on influent grooved

pipe connection, install groove coupling

assembly (Refer to page 5). Place valve

(V3-04B) with flange on thru port on effluent

grooved pipe connection, install groove

coupling assembly. See picture at right for

proper orientation. Snug the nuts to “hand

tight”, but do not fully tighten. This will allow

for adjustments during the remainder of the

installation. Please note the orientation of

the valves. The arrows on the valve

covers should be pointing toward the

STEP 2: Tee Assembly Installation

Place gasket of grooved coupling assembly on top
grooved connection of the influent valve. Install the
Tee assembly on the top of the influent valve, and
orient it as shown in picture, install groove coupling
assembly. Snug the nuts to “hand tight”, but do not
fully tighten.

tank.

Diaphragm Valve Face Piping Kit Installation Manual Pg. 6 of 47
1/16/05 Rev. D

STEP 3: Backwash Extension Installation

Place gasket of grooved coupling assembly on grooved
connection of the Tee assembly along with the effluent
valve. Install the backwash extension on to the system
as shown in picture. It may be necessary to turn the
valves or tee assembly slightly to ensure a proper fit.
Install groove coupling assembly. Snug the nuts to “hand
tight”, but do not fully tighten.

STEP 4: Waste Extension Installation

Place gasket of grooved coupling assembly on grooved
connection of influent valve. Install the waste extension
on to the system as shown in picture. Install groove
coupling assembly. Snug the nuts to “hand tight”, but do
not fully tighten.

Diaphragm Valve Face Piping Kit Installation Manual Pg. 7 of 47
1/16/05 Rev. D

STEP 5: Sightglass Installation

Assemble the sightglass by threading the glass
portion into the threaded saddle on the spool. Be
sure to use pipe thread sealant tape on the threads.
Place gasket of grooved coupling assembly on to the
waste extension Install the sightglass assembly on to
the waste flange. Orient the glass portion so it will be
visible during operation. Install groove coupling
assembly. Snug the nuts to “hand tight”, but do not
fully tighten.

STEP 6: Final Adjustments

Once all piping is in place make any necessary adjustments and fully tighten all flange bolts.
Be sure to follow the bolt tightening pattern explained at the beginning of Section 2.0. Tighten

all bolts to a maximum of 40 ft-lbs.

Note: All piping should be fully supported with adequate bracing and hangers
to prevent damage from weight and vibration.

STEP 7: Backwash Controller Installation

If a semi-automatic backwash controller was purchased, please refer to Section 3.1 of this
manual. If an automatic backwash controller was purchased, please refer to Section 3.3.

NOTE: There will be extra gaskets and isoplast hardware. This is to join the remaining
flanged connections of the filter system to any existing or new plumbing.

Diaphragm Valve Face Piping Kit Installation Manual Pg. 8 of 47
1/16/05 Rev. D

2.2 Single Tank Face Piping Installation – THS 3484, THS4272, THS
4284 and THS 4296 (6” Flange Connections)

The single tank face piping kit consists of:
(2) 6” 3-way diaphragm valves

(1) Waste pipe extension

(2) Backwash extension
(1) Sightglass assembly (not shown)

(3) 6” Flange

gaskets
(80) Isoplast bolts
(80) Isoplast nuts
(2) Semi-automatic backwash controller

(See Controller Installation Section)

Verify that all parts listed above were supplied before beginning installation. Replacement
parts can be ordered through your local distributor.

STEP 1: 6” Valve Installation

Place a flange gasket on the influent and
effluent tank flanges. Align the holes in the
gasket with the holes in the flange ring on
the tank. Place valves on the flanges
aligning the holes on the valve flange with
the tank flange ring. Please note the
orientation of the valves. The arrows on

the valve covers should be pointing
toward the tank. Install isoplast bolts and

nuts on the influent and effluent flanges.
Snug the nuts to “hand tight”, but do not
fully tighten. This will allow for adjustments
during the remainder of the installation.

Diaphragm Valve Face Piping Kit Installation Manual Pg. 9 of 47
1/16/05 Rev. D

STEP 2: Flanged Tee Assembly Installation

Place gasket on top flange of the influent valve.
Install the flanged tee assembly on the top of the
influent valve, and orient it as shown in picture.
Install isoplast bolts and nuts. Snug the nuts to
“hand tight”, but do not fully tighten.

STEP 3: Backwash Extension Installation

Place isoplast bolts through the bolt holes on
the backwash extension flanges, then place
flange gaskets on to the flanges with the bolts.
Install the backwash extension on to the
system as shown in picture. It may be
necessary to turn the valves or flanged tee
assembly slightly to ensure a proper fit. Install
isoplast nuts. Snug the nuts to “hand tight”,
but do not fully tighten.

Diaphragm Valve Face Piping Kit Installation Manual Pg. 10 of 47
1/16/05 Rev. D

STEP 4: Waste Extension Installation

Place isoplast bolts through bolt holes
on the waste extension flange (elbow
side), then place a flange gasket onto
the flange. Install waste extension onto
valve making sure it is oriented properly
with the flange on the elbow connecting
to the valve (see picture). Install
isoplast nuts. Snug the nuts to “hand
tight”, but do not fully tighten.

STEP 5: Sightglass Installation

Assemble the sightglass by threading the glass portion into
the threaded saddle on the spool. Be sure to use pipe
thread sealant tape on the threads. Place isoplast bolts
through flange on the waste header, then place a flange
gasket on to the flange. Install the sightglass assembly on to
the waste flange. Orient the glass portion so it will be visible
during operation. Install isoplast nuts and snug them to
“hand tight”, but do not fully tighten.

STEP 6: Final Adjustments

Once all piping is in place make any necessary adjustments and fully tighten all flange bolts.
Be sure to follow the bolt tightening pattern explained at the beginning of Section 2.0. Tighten

all bolts to a maximum of 40 ft-lbs.

Note: All piping should be fully supported with adequate bracing and hangers
to prevent damage from weight and vibration.

STEP 7: Backwash Controller Installation

If a semi-automatic backwash controller was purchased, please refer to Section 3.1 of this
manual. If an automatic backwash controller was purchased, please refer to Section 3.3.

NOTE: There will be extra gaskets and isoplast hardware. This is to join the remaining
flanged connections of the filter system to any existing or new plumbing.

Diaphragm Valve Face Piping Kit Installation Manual Pg. 11 of 47
1/16/05 Rev. D

2.3 Dual Tank Face Piping Installation – THS 3461 (4” Grooved Tank
Connections)

The two tank face piping kit consists of:

(2) 4” 3-way diaphragm valves
(1) 6” 2-way diaphragm valve
(2) Influent/effluent headers
(1) Waste header
(1) Sightglass assembly (not shown)
(4) 4” Grooved Coupling Assembly

(2) 4” Flange gaskets
(2) 6” Flange gaskets
(24) Isoplast bolts
(24) Isoplast nuts
(16) 4” ¾-10 x 3 1/2” Zinc Plated Bolts
(32) Flat Washer, Zinc Plated
(16) Lock Washer, Zinc Plated
(16) Hex Nut, ¾-10, Zinc Plated
(1) Semi-automatic backwash

controller (See Controller
Installation Section)

Verify that all parts listed above were supplied before beginning installation. Replacement
parts can be ordered through your local distributor.

Prior to Installation see “Grooved Coupling Assembly Instruction” found on page 5.

IMPORTANT: Verify that the center to center dimension between the two tanks is correct.
Refer to Figure 1 on page 5 of the Tank Owner’s/Operator’s Manual for more information.

STEP 1: Level the tanks

Make sure influent and effluent flanges on each
tank are level. Shimming may be required to bring
the tanks to level with each other. Use a non­compressible material placed under the tank
saddles. Further leveling may require the saddles
to be adjusted. Please refer to page 5 of the Tank
Owner’s/Operator’s Manual for more information.

Diaphragm Valve Face Piping Kit Installation Manual Pg. 12 of 47
1/16/05 Rev. D

STEP 2: 4” 3-way Valve Installation

Place a gasket of grooved coupling assembly on
the influent grooved pipe connection of each tank.
Place valves on influent grooved pipe
connections, install groove coupling
assembly(Refer to page 5). See picture at right for
proper orientation. Snug the nuts to “hand tight”,
but do not fully tighten. This will allow for
adjustments during the remainder of the
installation. Please note the orientation of the
valves. The arrows on the valve covers should

be pointing toward the tank.

STEP 3: Influent/Effluent Header Installation

Place a gasket of grooved coupling assembly on
top grooved connection of each valve and the
effluent grooved pipe connection of each tank.
Install headers on to the valve/tank connections
(see pictures). Install groove coupling assembly.
The headers can be installed with the terminating
flange facing either left or right depending on what
is needed for the application. Snug the nuts to
“hand tight”, but do not fully tighten. This will allow
for adjustments during the remainder of the
installation.

Diaphragm Valve Face Piping Kit Installation Manual Pg. 13 of 47
1/16/05 Rev. D

STEP 4: Waste Header Installation

Place gasket of grooved coupling assembly on
grooved connection of influent valves. Install the waste
extension on to the system as shown in picture. Install
groove coupling assembly. Snug the nuts to “hand
tight”, but do not fully tighten.

STEP 5: 6” 2-way Valve Installation

Place isoplast bolts through the flange on the
effluent header, then place a flange gasket on to the
flange. Install the valve on to the flanges making
sure to align the flange holes with the bolts. The

arrow on the valve cover should be pointing
away from the tank, in the direction of the
effluent flow. Install isoplast nuts. Snug the nuts to

“hand tight”, but do not fully tighten.

STEP 6: Sightglass Installation

Assemble the sightglass by threading the glass portion into
the threaded saddle on the spool. Be sure to use pipe
thread sealant tape on the threads. Place isoplast bolts
through flange on the waste header, then place a flange
gasket on to the flange. Install the sightglass assembly on
to the waste flange. Orient the glass portion so it will be
visible during operation. Install isoplast nuts and snug
them to “hand tight”, but do not fully tighten.

Diaphragm Valve Face Piping Kit Installation Manual Pg. 14 of 47
1/16/05 Rev. D

STEP 7: Final Adjustments

Once all piping is in place make any necessary adjustments and fully tighten all flange bolts.
Be sure to follow the bolt tightening pattern explained at the beginning of Section 2.0. Tighten

all bolts to a maximum of 25 ft-lbs.

Note: All piping should be fully supported with adequate bracing and hangers
to prevent damage from weight and vibration.

STEP 8: Backwash Controller Installation

If a semi-automatic backwash controller was purchased, please refer to Section 3.2 of this
manual. If an automatic backwash controller was purchased, please refer to Section 3.4.

NOTE: There will be extra gaskets and isoplast hardware. This is to join the remaining
flanged connections of the filter system to any existing or new plumbing.

2.4 Dual Tank Face Piping Installation – THS 3484, THS4272, THS 4284 and
THS 4296 (6” Flange Connections)

The two tank face piping kit consists of:
(2) 6” 3-way diaphragm valves

(1) 6” 2-way diaphragm valve
(2) Influent/effluent headers
(1) Waste header
(1) Sightglass assembly (not shown)

(13) 6” Flange gaskets
(104) Isoplast bolts
(104) Isoplast nuts
(2) Semi-automatic backwash controller

(See Controller Installation Section)

Verify that all parts listed above were
supplied before beginning installation.
Replacement parts can be ordered
through your local distributor.

IMPORTANT: Verify that the center to center dimension between the two tanks is correct.
Refer to Figure 1 on page 5 of the Tank Owner’s/Operator’s Manual for more information.

STEP 1: Level the tanks

Make sure influent and effluent flanges on
each tank are level. Shimming may be
required to bring the tanks to level with each
other. Use a non-compressible material
placed under the tank saddles. Further
leveling may require the saddles to be
adjusted. Please refer to page 5 of the Tank
Owner’s/Operator’s Manual for more
information.

Diaphragm Valve Face Piping Kit Installation Manual Pg. 15 of 47
1/16/05 Rev. D

STEP 2: 6” 3-way Valve Installation

Place a flange gasket on the influent flange
of each tank. Align the holes in the gasket
with the holes in the flange on the tank.
Place valves on the influent flanges aligning
the holes on the valve flange with the tank
flange. Please note the orientation of the
valves. The arrows on the valve covers
should be pointing toward the tank. Install
isoplast bolts and nuts on the influent flanges
of each tank. Snug the nuts to “hand tight”,
but do not fully tighten. This will allow for
adjustments during the remainder of the
installation

STEP 3: Influent/Effluent Header Installation

Place flange gaskets on the top flanges of the
valves and on the effluent flanges of the tanks.
Align the holes in the gaskets with the holes in
the flanges. Install headers on to the valve/tank
flanges (see picture). The headers can be
installed with the terminating flange facing either
left or right depending on what is needed for the
application. Install isoplast bolts and nuts on the
flanges of the headers. Snug the nuts to “hand
tight”, but do not fully tighten.

Diaphragm Valve Face Piping Kit Installation Manual Pg. 16 of 47
1/16/05 Rev. D