MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION GUIDELINES
Download the complete Design and Installation Manual here or telephone 800-828-3388 for a free copy.
Geoflow,
Inc.
May 5, 2001
AS-BUILT SYSTEM DESCRIPTION:
Site Name: _______________________________________________________________________
Site Address including State: ________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Dripfield Installed by: _______________________________________________________________________ Date of Installation: __________________________ Daily design flow: ____________ gpd Soil percolation rate: ____________ 8. Is there secondary treatment on this job site? _______Yes ______No If "Yes" to question 8 above, please name manufacturer and model number_____________________________ 9. Number of zones in dripfield _______________,p> If more than 1 zone, please describe valve (size, manufacturer, part number, type) ________________________ 10. Amount of dripline installed in each zone. Zone 1_________ ft. Zone 2_________ ft. Zone 3_________ ft. Zone 4_________ ft. 11. Wasteflow dripline model number &/or description. _______________________________ 12. Flow rate per zone. Zone 1_________ gpm. Zone 2_________ gpm. Zone 3_________ gpm. Zone 4_________ gpm. 13. Pump manufacturer, model number and number of pumps ___________________________________________ 14. Vortex filter model number &/or description __________________________________________________ If more than one zone, do the zones (a) share one filter or(b) each have their own filter?__________ 15. Pressure in each zone: Zone 1________ psi Location pressure measured__________________________________________Zone 2________ psi Location pressure measured__________________________________________ Zone 3________ psi Location pressure measured__________________________________________ Zone 4________ psi Location pressure measured__________________________________________ 16. Size of feed manifold_____________ inches. Depth of feed manifold __________________inches. 17. Depth of flush manifold_________________ inches. 18. Size of filter flush valve _________ inches. Is filter flush valve manual or automatic? _____________
19. Size of field flush valve _________ inches. Is the field flush valve manual or automatic? ____________
If more than one zone, do the zones (a)
share one flush valve or (b) each have
their own flush valves? __
20. Was any fill material supplied on the
dripfield? ______________
If ³yes² to 19 above please describe fill
quality and quantity added.
_____________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
21. Please provide owner with as-built drawings, including but not limited to direction of drip lines, location of air vents, location of pressure regulators if applicable, location of Headworks (filter and valves) and location of pump tank.
SYSTEM COMPONENTS:
A
typical drip system installation will consist of the elements listed
below:
1. Wasteflow® Dripline
WASTEFLOW lines carry the water into the
dispersal/reuse area. Wasteflow
lines are connected to the supply and return with Compression or Lockslip fittings.
Standard spacing between lines and emitters is 24² on center. The dripline has no joints that may pull
apart during installation and is ideal for tractor mounted burying machines. It
is sold in 500-ft rolls. For export 400-m rolls are available. Rolls of alternative lengths may be special
ordered.
Wasteflow
dripline features:
a) Rootguard®
The risk of root intrusion with an emitter slowly
releasing nutrient rich effluent directly into the soil is well known to anyone
who has observed a leaking sewer pipe. Geoflow has an exclusive license for rootguard, to protect emitters from
root intrusion. Rootguard carries
a 10-year warranty against root intrusion.
b)
Turbulent flow path
Wasteflow
drip emitters are pre-inserted in the tube 6², 12² or 24² apart with 24² being
the most popular. Angles in the emitter
flow path are designed to cause turbulence in order to equalize flow between
emitters and keep the emitters clean.
Geoflow emitters boast large flow paths, which, coupled with turbulent
flow, have proven over the years to be extremely reliable and dependable.
c)
Antibacterial
Geoflow¹s Wasteflow
has an inner lining impregnated with a antibacterial, Ultra Fresh DM-50, to
inhibit bacterial growth on the walls of the tube and in the emitter.
d) Wasteflow Classic and Wasteflow PC Dripline
For Wasteflow
Classic the flow rate delivered by the emitter is a function of the pressure at
the emitter. Wasteflow PC will have a constant flow rate at all pressures
from 7 to 60 psi - to ensure a long life the recommended operating range is 10
to 45 psi.
WASTEFLOW Classic Specification
The dripline shall consist of nominal sized one‑half
inch linear low density polyethylene tubing, with turbulent flow, drip emitters
bonded to the inside wall. The drip
emitter flow passage shall be 0.053² x 0.053² square. The tubing shall have an outside diameter (O.D.) of approximately
.64‑inches and an inside diameter (I.D.) of approximately
.55-inches. The tubing shall consist of
three layers; the inside layer shall be a bacterial protection, the middle
layer shall be black and the outside layer shall be purple striped for easy
identification. The dripline shall have emitters regularly spaced 24² (or 12²)
apart. The turbulent flow emitters
shall be molded from virgin polyethylene resin. The turbulent flow emitters shall have nominal discharge rates of
1.3 gallons per hour at 20 psi. The emitters shall be impregnated with Treflan®
to inhibit root intrusion for a minimum period of ten years and shall be
guaranteed by the manufacturer to inhibit root intrusion for this period. WASTEFLOW Classic dripline shall be Geoflow
model number WF16-4-24 or WF16-4-12.
WASTEFLOW PC Specification
The dripline shall consist of nominal sized one‑half
inch linear low density polyethylene tubing, with turbulent flow, drip emitters
bonded to the inside wall. The drip emitter flow passage shall be 0.032² x
0.045² square. The tubing shall have an
outside diameter (O.D.) of approximately .64‑inches and an inside
diameter (I.D.) of approximately .55-inches.
The tubing shall consist of three layers; the inside layer shall be a
bacterial protection, the middle layer shall be black and the outside layer
shall be purple striped for easy identification. The dripline shall have
emitters regularly spaced 24² (or 12² or 6²) apart. The pressure compensating emitters shall be molded from virgin
polyethylene resin with a silicone rubber diaphragm. The pressure compensating emitters shall have nominal discharge
rates of 0.53 gallons per hour. The emitters shall be impregnated with Treflan®
to inhibit root intrusion for a minimum period of ten years and shall be
guaranteed by the manufacturer to inhibit root intrusion for this period. WASTEFLOW PC pressure compensating dripline
shall be Geoflow model number WFPC16-2-24 or WFPC16-2-12 or WFPC16-2-06.
2. Controllers
Controllers are used for time dosing and auto-flushing of
the filter and dripfields. GEO
controllers include a programmable logic control interface for field
modifications. They can be used on
systems ranging in size from one to four zones at the time this manual was
printed. All controllers include a
surge arrestor, elapsed time meter and counter. For larger systems please
inquire about our Wasteflow Manager controller that has monitoring and
telemetry capabilities.
Controller Description
The following have been used
in the standard GEO controller. Refer to
paperwork supplied with controller for more detailed operating instructions.
Panel Components:
Programmable logic module for timing and controls.
Contactor and circuit breaker for
pump (see panel description for max hp ratings and other specifications).
Hand-Off-Auto (H-O-A) switches
for pump and valve operation.
Connections/contacts for normally
closed 24 VAC valves. (Contacts
for normally open valves special order)
Elapsed time meter and cycle
counter for pump monitoring built in to PLC.
Circuit breaker for control
power.
Surge arrestor for lightening
protection.
12² x 10² NEMA 4 X fiberglass
enclosure.
Float
functions:
Redundant Off and Low level Alarm Float. It is a secondary off float that will
prevent the operation of the pump if the timer on and off float fails. This float turns off
the pump when lowered. Pumping
will be disabled in both the automatic and manual modes. This float also activates the audible and
visual alarm. Pressing the illuminated
PUSH TO SILENCE button will silence the audible alarm. The alarm light will
remain on until the float is raised.
When raised, this float will enable operation of the pump.
Timer On & Off float. Activates timer. Timer will control pump cycles, beginning with the off mode.
Over-ride timer On & Off
float. Activates the over-ride
timer. Over-ride timer will control
pump cycles. The over-ride timer will
finish at least one complete cycle even if the over-ride float drops.
High-level alarm float. Activates the audible and visual alarm when
raised. Audible alarm may be silenced
by pressing the illuminated PUSH TO SILENCE button. The alarm light will remain on until the float is lowered.
NOTE: We recommend the use of normally open mercury control floats.
Pump and Valve Operation:
Pump dosing cycles are controlled
by the timers when the H-O-A switch is in the auto position. Under normal conditions the ³primary² timer
will control the pump. During high flow
conditions, the over-ride timer will control the pump. The over-ride timer will cycle the pump more
frequently than the primary timer. The
pump will dose for the same amount of time but the time in between doses, or
the over-ride timer ³off time², will be one half that of the primary timer ³off
time². (For example, if your primary
timer settings are one hour fifty-four minutes off and five minutes on then
your over-ride timer settings would be approximately fifty-five minutes off and
five minutes on.)
The Vortex Filter flush valve
will open for 1 minute (field adjustable) at the end of the pump cycle to allow
the filter to self-flush. When the Vortex Filter flush is complete, the pump
will remain activated for 15 seconds (field adjustable) to accommodate the
opening of the field flush valve.
The field flush valve will open
during the 15 seconds the pump is still activated after filter flush
cycle. After the pump is deactivated
the flush valve will remain open for one minute (field adjustable) to allow for
drainage of the return line.
For severe freezing conditions
allow adequate time for the manifold to drain
completely.
To periodically flush the dripfield, after 10 dosing cycles (field
adjustable) the pump will operate for 5 minutes (field adjustable) with the
field flush valve opened and the field flush valve will stay open until all
zones have been flushed. This operation
will also occur after a power outage.
Wiring
Control voltage input is 115 VAC
for all GEO 1 and GEO 4 series panels.
Output to valve(s) is 24 VAC
3. Pumps
Wasteflow dripfields depend on pumps to supply
effluent and pressure to the field.
These must be sized according to flow and pressure requirements. Look for effluent pumps from a dependable
source. Geoflow does not endorse a
single manufacturer, but does advocate you use a pump that is readily serviced
in your area.
4. Filters
Geoflow systems use a self-cleaning Vortex Filter with a
stainless screen 150 mesh / or 100 micron filter element. The self-cleaning action is efficient over a
range of flow rates depending on the filter size. The clean-out port is at the base and can be opened and
closed manually or automatically. If
using a manual flush valve, please keep the valve cracked open slightly at all
times for continuous flushing. The
controller will fully open automatic flush valves.
Filter
specification
3Ž4² Filter. The Y filter body shall be molded from glass reinforced
engineering grade black plastic with a
3/4 inch male pipe thread (MIPT)
inlet and outlet. The two-piece
body shall be capable of being serviced by untwisting and shall include an
O-ring seal. An additional 3/4 inch
MIPT outlet shall be capable of periodic flushing. The 150-mesh filter screen is all stainless steel, providing a
23.4 square inch filtration area. The
screen collar shall be molded from vinyl.
The filter shall flush flows from 4-11 gpm. The 3Ž4² filter shall be Geoflow Vortex Filter model number
AP4E-75.
1² Filter. The Y filter body shall be molded from glass reinforced engineering grade black plastic with a 1 inch male pipe thread (MIPT) inlet and outlet. The two-piece body shall be capable of being serviced by untwisting and shall include an O-ring seal. An additional 3/4 inch MIPT outlet shall be capable of periodic flushing. The 150-mesh filter screen is all stainless steel, providing a 28.4 square inch filtration area. The screen collar shall be molded from vinyl. The filter shall flush flows from 7-28 gpm. The 1² filter shall be Geoflow Vortex Filter model number AP4E-100.
1.5² Filter.
The Y filter body shall be molded from glass reinforced engineering
grade black plastic with a 1.5 inch male pipe thread (MIPT) inlet and
outlet. The two-piece body shall be
capable of being serviced by untwisting and shall include an O-ring
seal. An additional 3/4² MIPT outlet
shall be capable of periodic flushing.
The 150-mesh filter screen is all stainless steel,
providing a 60.8 square inch filtration area.
The outer support shell shall be woven stainless steel wire, and the
inner screen shall be made of stainless steel cloth. The inner and outer screens shall be soldered together. The screen collar shall be molded from
vinyl. The 3hole filter shall flush flows of 34-42 gpm and the 4-hole filter
shall flush flows of 45-55 gpm. The 1
1Ž2² filter shall be Geoflow model number AP4E-150-3 or AP4E-150-4
2² Filter. The Y filter body shall be molded from glass reinforced engineering grade black plastic with a 2 inch male pipe thread (MIPT) inlet and outlet. The two-piece body shall be capable of being serviced by untwisting and shall include an O-ring seal. An additional 3/4² MIPT outlet shall be capable of periodic flushing. The 150-mesh filter screen is all stainless steel, providing a 60.8 square inch filtration area. The outer support shell shall be woven stainless steel wire, and the inner screen shall be made of stainless steel cloth. The inner and outer screens shall be soldered together. The screen collar shall be molded from vinyl. The 3-hole filter shall flush flows from 68-84 gpm and the 4-hole filter shall flush flows of 90-110 gpm. The 2² filter shall be Geoflow model number AP4E-200-3 or AP4E-200-4.
5. Supply Manifold
This carries the water from the dosing tank to the
dispersal area. Rigid PVC is usually
used and must be designed to slope back to the pump tank in freezing
conditions. The velocity in the
manifold should be between 2 feet per second and 5 feet per second (fps). Refer to PVC pipe sizing chart in the
appendix to determine the best diameter for your application.
6. Return Manifold
In order to help clean the system, the ends of the drip
lines are connected together into a common return line, most often made of
rigid PVC. This line will help equalize
pressures in the system. Flushing should be done frequently during the
installation period. Periodic flushing
under full system pressure will guarantee a long system life. The return
manifold should be installed to drain the line back to the pretreatment tank in
freezing climates.
7. Pressure Regulator
Pressure regulators fix the inlet pressure at a given
rate and are recommended with Wasteflow Classic. Under normal operating conditions, pressure
in the drip lines should be:
10 psi to 45 psi for Wasteflow Classic and
7 psi to 60 psi for Wasteflow PC
8. Air Vacuum Breaker
Air vacuum breakers are installed at the high points to keep soil from being sucked into the emitters due to back siphoning or backpressure. This is an absolute necessity with underground drip systems. They are also used for proper draining of the supply and return manifolds in freezing conditions. Use one on the high end of the supply manifold and one on the high point of the return manifold. Additional air vents may be required depending on terrain. Maximum flow per vacuum breaker is 50 gpm. Freezing conditions require the air vacuum breaker be protected with insulation.
Air Vacuum Specification
The air vacuum relief
valve provides instant and continuous vacuum relief and non-continuous air
relief. Both the body and the removable
dirt cover shall be constructed of molded plastic. The body and the dirt cover
shall be connected with a 3/4 inch hose thread. The ball shall be constructed of low density plastic and the
internal seat shall be constructed of vinyl.
The air vacuum relief valve shall seal at 5 psi. Inlet size shall be a 1-inch male pipe
thread. The air vent shall be Geoflow
item number APVBK-1
9. Filter Flush Valves
Used
to flush debris from the filter cleanout port back to the pretreatment tank,
this can be an electronically activated solenoid valve or a manual ball
valve. If manual, it should be opened
for a full flushing at least every six months and left cracked open slightly to
flush continuously. Cracking open a
manual valve may be used to increase flow through the system to be within the
efficient flow rate of the filter and/or pump, if necessary. Certain States may require automated
electronic flushing. Please refer to
your State codes.
Flush valve specification and
description
The Solenoid Valve is
electrically operated and used to flush the dripfield and Vortex filter. It is normally closed, and in the event of a
power failure the valve closes. Unique Dual Ported Diaphragm greatly minimizes
clogging. In operation, the diaphragm
ports constantly flex, inhibiting sand, silt and debris from blocking the valve
action. The porting design also permits
equal pressure on both sides of the diaphragm wall, regardless of line pressure
when valve is not operating, and nearly equal pressure across the wall when
operating. The DW Valve diaphragm is
made of nylon fabric reinforced Buna-N rubber; a grooved rib interlocks with
cover and body to prevent leakage.
Nylon exhaust orifice is non-corrosive and has an opening sized larger
than the diaphragm ports so that any pieces of sand or silt passing through the
diaphragm will not be trapped beneath the solenoid actuator. The solenoid is constructed of molded epoxy resin
having no carbon steel components exposed thereby eliminating possible external
corrosion and deterioration. Solenoid
is completely waterproof, with an O-ring seal, and complies with NEC Class II
circuit requirements for 24V a.c. operation (also operates on 12 volts d.c. up
to 75 psi). The actuator is teflon coated stainless steel and
brass with a molded-in place rubber exhaust port seal; a stainless steel spring
assures positive seating. High strength
plastic glass-filled body and cover designed to operate in heavy duty
commercial applications. Stainless
steel 1Ž4 inch cover bolts and mating brass body inserts make re-assembly
easy. Shock cone on diaphragm seat
eliminates water hammer in all except extreme cases.
Flow control. A brass, non-rising type flow control stem
for throttling the valve from full open to close positions.
Manual bleed lever. An easy-to-use, hand operated control bleeds
valve to downstream; has stops for open and closed positions.
Cold water working pressure: 150 psi
10. Field Flush valves.
Used
to flush out fine particles which have passed through the filter and accumulate
on the bottom of the tube at the end of each lateral. The field flush valve can
be manual or electronic. If manual, it
should be opened for full flushing at least every six months and left cracked
open slightly to flush continuously and provide for drainage of the flush line
in freezing conditions. Cracking open a
manual valve can also be used to increase the flow through the system to be
within the efficient flow rate of the filter and/or pump if necessary. Certain
States do require automated electronic flushing. Please refer to your State codes.
Flush valve specification and description
See
specifications and description for filter flush valves above.
FREEZING OPERATIONS
Buried
drip systems are not prone to frost damage because, in their design, vacuum
release and drain valves are provided. Please adhere to
the following precautions:
a) Manifolds,
supply lines and return lines must be sloped back to their respective dosing or
treatment tanks. Under extreme
conditions return and supply manifold should be insulated or buried below frost
line. Be sure drain valve on flush line remains open long enough for entire
field to drain.
b) Remove the check valve at the pump or provide alternate
method for draining supply manifolds. Check with pump
manufacturer before removing check valve from pump to be sure that it does not
affect warranty.
c) Insulate equipment boxes, including Headworks box or
filter and field flush valve boxes as well as zone dosing valves, pressure
regulator and air vacuum relief valves.
Use closed-cell insulation such as perlite in a plastic bag.
d) The top of
air vacuum relief valves must be no higher than soil surface.
e) If using an
index valve to split field zones, be sure it is capable of self-draining.
f) WASTEFLOW lines will self-drain through
the emitters into the soil. If the cover crop over the dripfield is not yet
adequately established, add hay or straw over the field for insulation.
g) Mark the
valve box with a metal pin so you can find it in the winter when covered in
snow.
h) If using
manual filter flush valves or manual field flush valves, they should be left
cracked open slightly to provide for quick and complete drainage
of the flush line in freezing conditions.
SYSTEM MAINTENANCE:
The
best way to assure years of trouble free life from your system is to
consistently monitor the system and
perform regular maintenance functions. For large systems or systems with
a BOD > 20 mg/l automation of maintenance is essential. For smaller systems
with a BOD < 20 mg/l semi-annual inspection and maintenance is adequate.
1) Remove the spin filter and
install a clean cartridge. Clean the
used filter cartridge back at the shop with a pressure hose. The filter cartridge should be cleaned from
the outside inwards. If bacteria
buildup is a problem we advise first trying lye, and if the problem persists,
soak it in a chlorine bath. Soak the
filter cartridge in a mixture of 50% bleach and 50% water.
2) Open the field flush valve.
3) Manually turn on the pump.
4) Flush the system for
approximately five minutes.
5) Close the field flush valve.
6)
Check for proper pressures in the field and if a ball valve is used
reset the field flush valve for 1-psi loss.
7) Remove the lids on the vacuum
breaker and check for proper operation.
8) Visually inspect the
field for any irregularities.
9) Turn off the pump and reset the
controller for auto mode.
10) Periodically remove and clean the
field flush and filter flush valves.
ROOTGUARD® is a registered trademark of
A.I.Innovations.