I am about to install an Intellichem flow cell and would appreciate some advice. My Intellichem unit has no pumps -it will control a separate peristaltic pump with an injector installed in the return line after all pool equipment, so I am using the sensor outlet ONLY as the return from the flow cell and not injecting acid via the flow cell return.
The manual says to install the inlet tube ('supply line') for the flow cell after the filter and before the heater, with the outlet ('discharge') returning in after the heater. It also says that "It is essential that the supply line be at a higher pressure than the discharge line so the water will flow through the cell at a steady rate in the right direction'.
In my case, I have no heater, only a couple of three-way valves currently installed to pipe stubs to allow installation of solar heating in the future. If I follow these instructions and install the supply line after the filter and before the unused solar valves in the pool return line, with the discharge installed on the other side of the valves, then the supply and the discharge for the flow cell are basically going to be about 2 feet apart on what amounts to a straight run of pipe. Even after I connect up the solar pipe runs, this will still be the case any time the solar is valved off (summer - too hot). I find it hard to believe that there is going to be much, if any pressure differential.... (?)
Would it be better to install the supply line after the pump but before the filter, regardless of the manual? Alternatively, would it help to install the discharge a couple of feet further down the return line, after the SWG cell (Intellichlor) (although this gives me more tubing to get in the way/get snagged, which I would rather avoid)? Basically, I guess I am asking what creates sufficient pressure differential between two 3/8-inch holes in a run of pipe. :|
As always, sincere thanks to all who respond. I have come to realize that I am apt to post when I have a problem and then get sidetracked once the problem is resolved, without adequately thanking my helpers. Thus, to all who have responded to my posts in the past, a big thank you - your help really was very much appreciated.
The manual says to install the inlet tube ('supply line') for the flow cell after the filter and before the heater, with the outlet ('discharge') returning in after the heater. It also says that "It is essential that the supply line be at a higher pressure than the discharge line so the water will flow through the cell at a steady rate in the right direction'.
In my case, I have no heater, only a couple of three-way valves currently installed to pipe stubs to allow installation of solar heating in the future. If I follow these instructions and install the supply line after the filter and before the unused solar valves in the pool return line, with the discharge installed on the other side of the valves, then the supply and the discharge for the flow cell are basically going to be about 2 feet apart on what amounts to a straight run of pipe. Even after I connect up the solar pipe runs, this will still be the case any time the solar is valved off (summer - too hot). I find it hard to believe that there is going to be much, if any pressure differential.... (?)
Would it be better to install the supply line after the pump but before the filter, regardless of the manual? Alternatively, would it help to install the discharge a couple of feet further down the return line, after the SWG cell (Intellichlor) (although this gives me more tubing to get in the way/get snagged, which I would rather avoid)? Basically, I guess I am asking what creates sufficient pressure differential between two 3/8-inch holes in a run of pipe. :|
As always, sincere thanks to all who respond. I have come to realize that I am apt to post when I have a problem and then get sidetracked once the problem is resolved, without adequately thanking my helpers. Thus, to all who have responded to my posts in the past, a big thank you - your help really was very much appreciated.