Intelliflo VSF

[Jangus]

Hi everyone,
My pool has been running four seasons and I have just realized my filter pump is capable of flow control, an Intelliflo VSF. I have an EastTouch controlling the pump, all setup by the pool contractor. This controller does not support "flow" (gpm) control, only "speed" (rpm). If I wanted to control the "flow" I can do it through the pump interface panel and just disconnect the comms to the EasyTouch. No problem, I can handle that. I will be installing a Circupool SWCG soon and want to know what you guys think of controlling it. The easiest, by far, would be to leave the pump control to the EasyTouch and just power the SWCG from the contactor in the EasyTouch panel. Would "flow" control benefit me in any appreciable way? Other than being kinda neat. I may be way overthinking things, but a closed loop control system is better than an open loop, especially if the equipment is already there. Any ideas on a good method to control this system with the above mentioned equipment?

 

[Katodude]

I think the easiest thing is to just get over it. Make sure whatever RPM you set is enough to keep the flow for the SWG.

Removing the pump from automation just seems counterintuitive.

 

[Lake Placid]

I agree with @Katodude. The juice really isn’t worth the squeeze trying to implement flow control on an automation system that isn’t configured for it. Find the minimum RPM you need to trigger the SWG and set the pump a few hundred RPM above that speed.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Would "flow" control benefit me in any appreciable way?

J,

I can't think of any reason you need 'flow control'...

Why do you think you need it?

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[ajw22]

Your IntelliFlo VSF pump does not have a flow sensor and does not directly measure GPM to give you the "close loop" system you expect.

The IntelliFlo VSF uses an algorithm or table lookup to derive GPM from a pressure sensor, RPM, and amperage. The pump in GPM often artificially limits itself to less flow than it can produce with RPM settings.

In addition, running in GPM mode will mask problems that you would see with flow dropping in RPM mode.

In general GPM mode does not work well for many people.

 

[Jangus]

Your IntelliFlo VSF pump does not have a flow sensor and does not directly measure GPM to give you the "close loop" system you expect.

The IntelliFlo VSF uses an algorithm or table lookup to derive GPM from a pressure sensor, RPM, and amperage. The pump in GPM often artificially limits itself to less flow than it can produce with RPM settings.

In addition, running in GPM mode will mask problems that you would see with flow dropping in RPM mode.

In general GPM mode does not work well for many people.

Thanks for the description! I cant access my pump right now, but masking problems is exactly why I was interested in flow. On the Yaskawa and ABB inverters I work with, I am able to program the display to a number of different parameters, will the VSF display flow?

 

[Jangus]

J,

I can't think of any reason you need 'flow control'...

Why do you think you need it?

Thanks,

Jim R.

Jim,
I dont NEED it, but it is available, so I thought I would check here and see if any more experienced operators had suggestions

 

[Jangus]

I think the easiest thing is to just get over it. Make sure whatever RPM you set is enough to keep the flow for the SWG.

Removing the pump from automation just seems counterintuitive.

The automation provided by the pump is sufficient. My pool setup only has the pump and lights, so the Easytouch basically is doing less than the automation provided by the VSF, but I get what you are saying and will probably do just that, get over it!

 

[ajw22]

, will the VSF display flow?

The EasyTouch will display the pumps calculated flow when it is running.

The pump control pabnel is not active when under EasyTouch control.

 

[HermanTX]

The automation provided by the pump is sufficient. My pool setup only has the pump and lights, so the Easytouch basically is doing less than the automation provided by the VSF, but I get what you are saying and will probably do just that, get over it!

If you are putting in a SWCG then the automation provides a place for the SWCG power unit to be connected. This way, if the pump is scheduled to be turned off, then the SWCG is also turned off. This is a safety feature you want and need.
If you remove the pump from the automation control then you have to devise some other method to ensure the SWCG is powered off when the pump is off.