IntelliFlo initial start-up flow too much

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Pesh

Pesh

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Apr 19, 2020
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Austin, TX
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I have two (2) IntelliFlo pumps that are below water level in a "flooded" state controlled by IntelliCenter:
- 1 x IntelliFlo3 3HP (used as main filter pump)
- 1 x IntelliFlo VS (used as waterfall pump)

When both pumps start they seem to jump to very high speed and push a ton of water for about 20-30 seconds, then they reduce to automation selected speed.

Is there any way to change this? Ideally, when the pump starts up it would be at the automation-selected speed. For example, on the IntelliFlo VS it would be ~1500 RPM.
 
TinFoilHat said:
That is the normal priming routine that runs whether the pump baskets are full or not. The priming speed only lasts for a few seconds, at least mine does.
Click to expand...
Thanks for quick reply and confirmation its not just me :)

I assumed that is what was happening. Wish I could share a video of what happens to my waterfall feature as a result. Its obnoxious. Granted it does only last 20-30 seconds, certainly not desirable.
 
You might be able to program the prime routine out or maybe make it a slower speed but others would have to chime in on that. On mine I have to reprogram my clock time for the first time ever since I had power off to the system for 2 days.
 
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ajw22 said:
You can adjust the priming settings in both the pump and IntelliCenter to what works best on your pool.

Read Pentair Automation Systems - Further Reading
Click to expand...
I have the priming speed on VS set to 450 which is the minimum but the pump still blasts, at what seems to be full speed 3450 RPM, for 20-30 seconds, then it goes into "prime" mode, and then ultimately into the automation-programmed speed (in my case 1500 rpm).
 
Note: Maximum Speed will limit Priming Speed, except in one case.

If the Maximum Speed is set below the lowest available Priming Speed (2400 RPM) then the pump will exceed the Maximum Speed while the priming feature is running.

This prevents the pump from having trouble priming if the Maximum Speed is set this low.

If this is a problem, priming can be disabled in the Priming Menu (see “Priming” section on page 17).

Set Maximum Speed (RPM)
The maximum speed can be set from 1900 RPM to 3450 RPM (default is 3450).

Use this setting to set the maximum running speed of the IntelliFlo® VSF Variable Speed and Flow Pump.

Note: Maximum and minimum speed settings, and the associated alarms, remain active when in Flow mode.

1. Check that the green power LED is on.
2. Press Menu.
3. Press Select to select “Settings”.
4. Use the Up or Down arrows to scroll to “Min/Max”.
Press Select.
5. Use the Up or Down arrows to scroll to “Set Max Spd”.
6. Press Select to change. The cursor will appear in the first number column (ones).
7. Press Up or Down arrows to edit the maximum speed
setting from 1900 to 3450 RPM.
8. Press Save to save. Press Back to exit. To cancel, press the Back to exit without saving.

Pump Menu: Priming
The default setting for Priming is ENABLED.

This setting allows the pump to automatically detect if it is primed for startup.
The priming feature increases the pump speed to 1800 RPM and pauses for three (3) seconds.

If there is sufficient water flow in the pump basket, the pump will go out of priming mode and run its commanded speed.

If the water flow is not sufficient, the pump speed will increase to the “Priming Speed” setting and remain for the priming delay time (default 20 seconds).

If there is sufficient water flow in the pump basket at this time, it will exit priming mode and transition to the commanded speed.

If there is still insufficient flow in the pump basket, as determined by the Priming Range setting, the pump will try to prime at the “Priming Speed” for the amount of time set in the “Maximum Priming Time” menu.

Once the pump achieves prime, it will resume normal operation after the preset priming delay.

1743370903226.png

 
Here are my settings from IntelliCenter2.com. I have not checked on the physical pump itself. However, from IC2.com,

- Priming Time is set to 0
- Max Speed is set to lowest allowed which is 1900 RPM

I will head to pump shortly and see about following the flowchart you posted previously.
 

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JamesW said:
Note: Maximum Speed will limit Priming Speed, except in one case.

If the Maximum Speed is set below the lowest available Priming Speed (2400 RPM) then the pump will exceed the Maximum Speed while the priming feature is running.

This prevents the pump from having trouble priming if the Maximum Speed is set this low.

If this is a problem, priming can be disabled in the Priming Menu (see “Priming” section on page 17).

Set Maximum Speed (RPM)
The maximum speed can be set from 1900 RPM to 3450 RPM (default is 3450).

Use this setting to set the maximum running speed of the IntelliFlo® VSF Variable Speed and Flow Pump.

Note: Maximum and minimum speed settings, and the associated alarms, remain active when in Flow mode.

1. Check that the green power LED is on.
2. Press Menu.
3. Press Select to select “Settings”.
4. Use the Up or Down arrows to scroll to “Min/Max”.
Press Select.
5. Use the Up or Down arrows to scroll to “Set Max Spd”.
6. Press Select to change. The cursor will appear in the first number column (ones).
7. Press Up or Down arrows to edit the maximum speed
setting from 1900 to 3450 RPM.
8. Press Save to save. Press Back to exit. To cancel, press the Back to exit without saving.

Pump Menu: Priming
The default setting for Priming is ENABLED.

This setting allows the pump to automatically detect if it is primed for startup.
The priming feature increases the pump speed to 1800 RPM and pauses for three (3) seconds.

If there is sufficient water flow in the pump basket, the pump will go out of priming mode and run its commanded speed.

If the water flow is not sufficient, the pump speed will increase to the “Priming Speed” setting and remain for the priming delay time (default 20 seconds).

If there is sufficient water flow in the pump basket at this time, it will exit priming mode and transition to the commanded speed.

If there is still insufficient flow in the pump basket, as determined by the Priming Range setting, the pump will try to prime at the “Priming Speed” for the amount of time set in the “Maximum Priming Time” menu.

Once the pump achieves prime, it will resume normal operation after the preset priming delay.

View attachment 635195

Click to expand...
This did the trick. I was able to disable priming, change max speed, etc on the pump itself and now it is behaving properly.

I wish IC would allow for all the settings to mirror the pump so one wouldn’t have to interface with pump directly.

Thanks!
 
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I expect it to be done by 5 pm today EST, not pacific time.

If it is not done by 5 pm today, I need someone to explain why it was not done and that person will be fired forthwith.

This type of malfeasance shall no longer be tolerated.

:goodjob:
 
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JamesW said:
I expect it to be done by 5 pm today EST, not pacific time.

If it is not done by 5 pm today, I need someone to explain why it was not done and that person will be fired forthwith.

This type of malfeasance shall no longer be tolerated.

:goodjob:
Click to expand...
BY 5PM today you will receive an email with the three best excuses I can come up with.
 
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JamesW said:
The one about the circus seemed farfetched, but it was still really good.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I had it completed and then the elephant ate it.

I know, pictures or it never happened.

Gotta get my phone that dropped in the tiger cage. BRB.
 
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