Driving multiple reactors with one pump

[Josh]

I have the following items running in my sump:

Chiller
Phosban Reactor
Ca Reactor
Carbon Reactor

Does anyone know of a way to control the flow to all four devices from a central return pump (via a manifold) but keep the pressure for each item the same regardless of changes to the pressure in the other pipes.

To be clear, if I make a change to the flow through the chiller, I don't want to upset the rate I calibrated through the Phosban reactor.

I heard that it is possible to create a pressurized manifold but it sounded like a lot of work and added complexity to my design.

How are other people dealing with integrating these systems without using individual pumps?

Thanks,
Josh

 

[bad coffee]

If I were you, josh, I'd double up the phosban-carbon on one powerhead, and put the CA rx and the chiller on another pump.

OR:

Pump direct line to chiller with 2 'T's with valves inline. One to the CaRX and one to the Phos/carb pair. Start the pump, and open the ca rx feed. Once it's set, open the valve to the phosban/carbon. What's left can go through the chiller. Or add another valve and 'vent' it off to slow down the rate of the water throught the chiller.

B

 

[2slo4me]

I think the only way you can do something of that sort. is by putting the peice of equipment that needs the most flow 1st in line... aka if the chiller needs the most flow u put that 1st then which ever is 2nd and so on.... with ball valves inbetween each one. good luck!!!

 

[2slo4me]

If I were you, josh, I'd double up the phosban-carbon on one powerhead, and put the CA rx and the chiller on another pump.

OR:

Pump direct line to chiller with 2 'T's with valves inline. One to the CaRX and one to the Phos/carb pair. Start the pump, and open the ca rx feed. Once it's set, open the valve to the phosban/carbon. What's left can go through the chiller. Or add another valve and 'vent' it off to slow down the rate of the water throught the chiller.

B

He can do Ts. but then he will be loosing pressure something he is trying to keep. I assume.

 

[Josh]

Thanks, but it still doesn't address the issue of having the flow change if there are changes to one of the pipes. If I turn off the carbon I will affect the PFO as well.

 

[Josh]

He can do Ts. but then he will be loosing pressure something he is trying to keep. I assume.

Exactly, I want deterministic flow and pressure on all the devices. It should not change while I am making adjustments to flow on other devices.

 

[2slo4me]

hmmm, then I would do a 4 way T if possible... so each peice of equipment would have there own dedicated line.

 

[Josh]

hmmm, then I would do a 4 way T if possible... so each peice of equipment would have there own dedicated line.

That is how I have it set up now, the problem is that since all systems share a common pressure space and a single source of flow, making a change to one output changes the balance of the system.

I am specifically asking about the feasibility of a pressurized manifold, or another creative solution to this issue.

 

[ClosetFishGeek]

I built a manifold for my new tank and I run the following off of one pump. Main display, frag tank, gfo reactor, carbon reactor, calcium reactor, and the last for a chiller. I called these guys http://www.aquaticeco.com/ in Florida told them exactly how many feet of pvc pipe I was running how many 45's and t's and 90's and so fourth. They put all the information into there computer program and told me what kind of loss i would be dealing with. At this point I new exactly what pump would handle the job. I actually gave myself a little more flow then specked...roughly 15 % more. I felt that the watt diference was so small that it truly didnt matter much. Hell you can always throttle back the system. Then the next thing I did was use flow meters. This helped tremendously with getting the exact or close to the exact flow for use with each item. So far it has worked just as planned. Although I am not running a chiller yet but will be most likeley next summer. They have flowmeters for every diameter size tubing or rigid pipe size you can imagine. This way you know for sure what each peice of equipment will be getting.

 

[juiceguy]

there is a way to accomplish this but the expense$ is not worth it for our applications IMO. hayward makes all sorts of control valves, solenoids and pressure regulating valves that would work for your purpose but at $300+ a valve, i rather just open or close a valve manually as needed.

 

[Aqua Pro Builder]

I called these guys http://www.aquaticeco.com/

Good. Aquatic Eco sells retail now?

 

[lunner]

I think the main problem is the pressure point of the 4 outlets if you adjust any of them.

What I would do without spending too much would be double up each outlets with 2 valves control. With the 1st valves (A) from each outlet set at constant and only adjust the 2nd valves (B) from each outlet when needed.

And also I would put the device that you adjust the most at the top or the last outlet.

H==(valve A) ==(valve B)==device adjust the most
H
H==(valve A) ==(valve B)==
H
H==(valve A) ==(valve B)==
H
H==(valve A) ==(valve B)== device adjust the least
H
H
Pump

 

[House of Laughter]

Josh, the key for this in your current design is to throttle back the main and then make adjustments to the individual unit. I am unaware of a pressure based design in that confined a space, it can be done, just that more length is needed to do so. With the space you currently have, there would need to be a device of some sort inline to regulate each channel - would love to see a tool like this.

So, throttle back the main first, then do your maintenance. make sure your main has a mark so you know exactly where to put it back.

Hope that helps,

House

 

[cali_reef]

Adjusting one valve in a manifold type set up will affect the flow and pressure of the remaining outlets.

Phos and Carbon reactor = Low flow and low pressure

Chiller - High flow and preferably high pressure

CaRx feed - very low flow and high pressure, you need to overcome the reactor pressure.

I would not put all of these on one feed pump unless you happen to use a LARGE pump, having most of the water as return to the tank will help in balancing out the rest of the feeds.

 

[ClosetFishGeek]

Good. Aquatic Eco sells retail now?

Yes and have for some time.

 

[Solace Aquatics LLC]

I ran my media reactor, CA reactor, and skimmer all off my return pump and had plenty left over for some nice flow in the tanks.

 

[juiceguy]

this is a pressure regulated valve, once setup it maintains the set pressure giving you a regulated flow

http://www.haywardflowcontrol.com/pages/pro_contrv_04.html

 

[Josh]

Does anyone know of a good combo flow meter/controller?

 

[Solace Aquatics LLC]

Does anyone know of a good combo flow meter/controller?

If I remember correctly, you have the RKE. You can use the analog outputs to control Hayward ball valves. Just be sure to check all the voltages to make sure you don't burn the servo in the ball valve. I believe the max output on the analog output of the RKE is 10v. Unfortunately I do not know of any flow controllers, but I do know a person to ask. I will have more for you tomorrow.

I personally just used valves to dial everything in, it did take some patience, but it was well worth it.

 

[Josh]

Leo,

The problem I am having is that the GEO seems to be overpowered for my system (at current calcification rates). I have the PH in the chamber at like 7.5 and my Ca runs 400-450. Alk 10+.

With the limited amount of flow coming out of the return from the reactor, it is really hard to dial it in. I need something very precise and I figured this would be a good item to automate, I want to be able to digitally control the amount of flow coming out and visually see the value to make sure everything is working properly.