Installation Instructions and Owner’s Manual
OXY3 & OXY3E Series
Iron Reduction System
Phone (260) 693-1972 Fax (260) 693-0602
First Sales, LLC
12630 US Highway 33 N
Churubusco, IN 46723
OXY3-OXY3E Instruction Manual 180625.docx
Pre-installation Instructions
Page 2
General Installation
Page 4
Installation Instructions
Page 5
OXY3 Timer Operation
Page 8
OXY3E Display and Operation
Page 10
OXY3E Setting Time of Day
Page 11
OXY3E Programming
Page 12
Specifications
Page 13
Component Parts Breakdown & List
Page 14
OXY3 Control Valve Breakdown
Page 15
OXY3 Control Valve Parts List
Page 16
OXY3E Control Valve Breakdown
Page 17
Table of Contents
1
Pre-installation Instructions
Description of the iron filtration system
The OXY3 iron filtration system includes an aeration tank, a filtration tank and a backwashing control valve.
Incoming water flows into the control valve and is directed into the aeration tank. Exposure to the air in this tank
will begin oxidizing any clear water iron. The water then flows through the back connector tube and into the
filtration tank where oxidized iron is trapped by the filter media. The iron-free water then returns to the control
valve where it is directed into the service lines.
Periodically the control valve will go through a backwash cycle. This cycle will typically begin at 1:00 A.M.
flushing the accumulated iron to the drain. Part of this backwashing process includes an air draw cycle which
will replenish the pocket of air in the aeration tank and prepare the unit for the next period of service.
Water Quality
While the OXY3 filter will perform under a variety of water qualities there are a few things that need to be
considered to ensure satisfactory performance. The water should be tested to determine the concentration, or
levels of the items listed below.
pH - A measurement of the acidity of the water. pH is reported on a scale from 0 to 14. Neutral water has a pH
of 7.0, lower values indicate acidic water. The OXY3 iron filter performs best when the pH is 7.0, or higher. pH
values below 7.0 require a special media blend in the filter in order to elevate the pH for proper iron oxidation.
Iron - A naturally occurring metallic element. Iron concentrations in excess of 0.3 milligrams/liter (mg/l) combine
with oxygen causing orange or red (rust) stains on plumbing fixtures. Iron naturally exists in some water
sources in either clear water (ferrous) state, red water (ferric) state or bacterial form. The OXY3 iron filter is
designed to oxidize ferrous iron so it can be removed by mechanical filtration in the ferric state. By removing the
available iron in the water, iron bacteria are then inhibited from propagating and forming biomass. Any biomass
that forms inside the iron filter is regularly dislodged during the backwash cycle of regeneration.
Manganese - A naturally occurring metallic element. Manganese concentrations as low as 0.05 milligrams/liter
(mg/l) can combine with oxygen to cause dark brown or black staining on fixtures. Additionally, manganese can
cause an odor in the water similar to a “rotten egg” smell. The OXY3 iron filter reduces manganese as well as
iron, however, manganese oxidation requires the pH of the water to be elevated to 8.2 or higher. Special OXY3
media blends are available to elevate the pH of manganese bearing waters.
Tannin - A naturally occurring humic acid. Tannin is an acid caused by water passing through decaying
vegetation. Coffee and Tea are prime examples of tannin in water. As hot water passes over the coffee beans,
or tea leaves, the tannin is extracted causing color and flavor in the water. Tannin concentrations as low as 0.3
milligrams per liter can cause a yellow discoloration in the water and may interfere with the OXY3 iron filter’s
long-term ability to remove the iron as the media becomes coated with the tannic acid.
Hydrogen Sulfide - A naturally occurring gas. Hydrogen sulfide, more commonly referred to as sulfur gas,
causes a distinct odor similar to “rotten eggs.” Due to its gaseous nature, hydrogen sulfide must be tested at the
well site within 1 minute of drawing the sample. If a water sample has been sitting for a while the sulfur gas will
dissipate and cause the hydrogen sulfide test to be lower than the actual concentration. If sulfur is present, the
filter should be set to backwash more frequently to prevent the gas from building up. The OXY3 iron filter can
typically treat up to 2 to 3 milligrams per liter of sulfur gas.
2
Draw Down (gallons)
X
60 = Pumping Rate (gallons per minute)
Cycle Time (seconds)
8 gallons
X
60
=
7.4 gpm (gallons per minute)
65 seconds
Pre-installation Instructions (cont.)
Water Supply
Unlike other iron filters that do not use chemicals to oxidize the iron, the OXY3 iron filter does not require
additional devices such as air compressors, venturis, solenoids, pressure switches or pressure tanks. This filter
will function properly when the water supply is furnished by a jet pump, submersible pump, variable speed
(constant pressure) pump or community water supply. As with all other filter systems, however, it is imperative
that the well pump provides enough flow rate for the filter to adequately backwash. In order to ensure sufficient
backwash flow rate the following pumping rate test should be performed prior to installing the iron filter.
1. Make certain no water is being drawn in the house.
2. Open spigot nearest pressure tank.
3. When well pump starts, close spigot and measure time (in seconds) to refill pressure tank (well pump
turns back off). This is Cycle Time.
4. Using a container of known volume, draw water from pressure tank and measure how many gallons
until the pump turns back on again. This is Draw Down.
5. Calculate pumping rate by dividing draw down by cycle time and multiplying by 60.
Example: Draw down is 8 gallons
Cycle time is 65 seconds
Location Considerations
The proper location to install the OXY3 filter will ensure optimum filter performance and satisfactory
water quality. The following factors should be considered in selecting the location of the iron filter.
1. The filter should be installed after the pressure tank (private well system only).
2. The filter should be installed as close as possible (preferably within 15’) to an adequate floor or
laundry drain capable of handling the backwash cycle volume and flow rate (refer to unit
specifications).
3. All water conditioning equipment should be installed prior to the water heater. Water temperatures
exceeding 100°F can damage the internal components of the control valve and filter tank. An
expansion tank may need to be installed in the line to the water heater in order to allow for thermal
expansion and comply with local plumbing codes.
4. The filter should not be subject to freezing temperatures.
5. The filter should be installed before a water softener (if required).
6. Never install a cartridge type filter prior to the OXY3 iron filter. Any cartridge or in-line filter (if
desired) should be installed after both the OXY3 filter and any softener that might be installed. This
will prevent restricting the water flow and pressure available for backwash.
7. Appliances requiring extended periods of continuous or high flow water use (i.e. geothermal heat
pumps, swimming pools, lawn irrigation, outside hose bibs, etc.) should bypass the filter and a
spring check valve should be installed on the filter inlet to prevent backflow of air from the aeration
tank (see installation diagram Fig. 1).
3
Water Heater
Water Softener
OXY3/OXY3E
Filter
Untreated Water
Untreated Water for
geothermal heat pumps,
swimming pools lawn
irrigation, etc.
Cold softened water
Hot softened water
Filtered Hard Water
FIGURE 1: Typical Installation
Spring Check
Valve
Grounding Strap
General Installation
Pressure
Tank
GENERAL INSTALLATION & SERVICE WARNINGS
The water conditioner is not designed to support the weight of plumbing.
Do not use Vaseline, oils, other hydrocarbon lubricants or spray silicone anywhere. A silicone lubricant may be
used on black “O” Rings. This will allow ease of installation and decrease chance of rolling from the bypass and
tank connections. Avoid any type of lubricants, including silicone, on red or clear lip seals.
Do not use pipe dope or other sealants on threads. Teflon® tape must be used on the threads of the drain line
connection. Teflon® tape is not used on any connection where “O” Ring seals are used
NOTE: If the plumbing system is used as the ground leg of the electric supply, continuity should be maintained
by installing ground straps around any non-conductive plastic piping or bypass used in the installation.
Make sure the filter is not installed backwards. The filter will not function properly if installed backwards and filter
media may be forced into the water lines. Arrows molded into the valve body and into the bypass indicate the
direction of flow.
Typical Installation:
4
FIGURE 3: Bypass Valve
FIGURE 2: Tank Positioning and Fillport Location
Fillport Cap
Filter Tank
Aeration Tank
Outlet to service
DLFC Retainer Clip
Inlet from water supply
Drain Line Elbow
Bypass Valve
(in service position)
General Installation
5
Installation Instructions
STEP 1: If media is already loaded in filter tank proceed to Step 4. Otherwise, use the fillport wrench
provided to remove the fillport cap (See Figure 2, page 5) by turning it counter-clockwise.
STEP 2: Use the fill funnel provided and add the required amount of media (see unit specifications) to
the filter tank. Do not overfill the tank. At least 18” of freeboard (empty space) is required at
the top of the media tank to allow for proper bed expansion during backwash. Depending on
the unit model number, there may be as much as 24” of freeboard. Any excess media may be
saved for future replenishment.
STEP 3: Clean any media out of the fillport cap threads. Do not reinstall the fillport cap until Step 10.
STEP 4: Place filter tank on right side with inlet/outlet facing left. Place aeration tank on left with
inlet/outlet facing right.
STEP 5: Attach the control valve assembly to the front inlet opening of the aeration tank and outlet
opening of the filter tank. Attach the straight pipe adapter to the back outlet of the aeration
tank and inlet of the filter tank. HAND TIGHTEN UNION NUTS ONLY. DO NOT OVER
TIGHTEN.
STEP 6: Shut off water at main supply. Relieve pressure by opening nearest faucet. On private well
systems, turn off power to pump and drain pressure tank. SHUT OFF POWER OR FUEL
SUPPLY TO WATER HEATER.
STEP 7: Cut main supply line as required to fit plumbing to inlet and outlet of bypass valve. DO NOT
PLUMB INLET AND OUTLET BACKWARDS. Piping should support control valve in an
upright position. Do not apply heat to any fitting attached to the bypass or control valve.
STEP 8: Use the provided polyethylene tubing (NO VINYL TUBING) to run drain line from control valve
discharge fitting to floor drain or sump pit capable of handling the backwash rate of the filter
(refer to specifications and flow rate on page 14). DISCHARGE END OF THE DRAIN LINE
MUST BE FIRMLY SECURED! Failure to properly secure the drain line will result in the drain
line “whipping” and possibly flooding the area causing water damage. There must be an air
gap at the end of the drain line to prevent siphoning of waste water and meet plumbing code.
Total length of drain line should be 15’ or less. AVOID OVERHEAD DRAINS.
STEP 9: Use a garden hose or bucket to fill the media tank with water through the fillport. Ensure
media has been cleaned from fillport threads and install cap securely with wrench provided.
STEP 10: Plug the transformer into a non-switched electrical outlet.
Be sure the control valve is in the “Service” position. For the OXY3 models the service
indicator should point to the time of day arrow (See figure 4a, page 7).
OXY3E units are in service when the time of day is displayed above the gallons remaining
(see figure 6, page 11).
The bypass valve should be in the “Bypass” position (See figure 3, page 5). Open main supply
valve or turn on power to pump on private well systems. Check for leaks and correct as
needed.
STEP 11: Open bypass valve ¼ of the way allowing unit to pressurize slowly. It is normal for air to be
trapped in the top part of the aeration tank. Once tanks are pressurized, fully open bypass
valve to the “Service” position (See figure 3, page 5).
6
BACKWASH TIMER
FIGURE 4a: Timer in Service Position
FIGURE 4b: Adjusting Time of Regeneration
Installation Instructions (cont.)
STEP 12: Set the Timer Control (Figure 4a) by rotating the Skipper Wheel (Figure 4a) so the red pointer
is directly over day 1. Select the days when backwashing will occur by sliding the metal tabs in
or out. IN indicates no backwashing will occur on that day, OUT indicates that backwashing
will occur on that day. Factory setting is to initiate backwash every third day. Set timer so
the next backwash will not occur for at least 24 hours. This allows the media to become fully
saturated and prevents loss of media to drain during the first backwash.
For the OXY3E proceed to STEP 13.
STEP 13: Set the current time of day. For the OXY3 start by depressing the red Time Set Button (Figure
4a) and turning the 24 Hour Gear (Figure 4a) to the desired time (note AM and PM).
For the OXY3E refer to OXY3E Setting Time of Day on page 12.
STEP 14: Time of Regeneration is factory set to 1:00 A.M. Ensure time of regeneration does not
interfere with other water treatment equipment. To adjust the time of regeneration for OXY3:
a) Unplug control valve from electrical outlet
b) Locate three screws (Figure 4b) behind the Manual Backwash Knob (Figure 4a) by
pushing the red Time Set Button (Figure 4a) and rotating the 24 Hour Gear (Figure
4a) until each screw appears in the cut out portion of the Manual Backwash Knob.
c) Loosen each screw slightly to release pressure on the 24 Hour gear time plate.
7
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