Question about an automatic flush valve for sediment filters like Rusco

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chasmosis1

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I'm aware that Rusco makes one, but it is $350 on the low end. According to their website it has an adjustable cycle time from 5min. To 24hrs. with a 3sec. Flush time. This got me thinking why not just run a good high quality brass electric solenoid valve such as this http://www.amazon.com/Electric-Solenoid-110-VAC-Normally-Closed/dp/B007N0J98E that is normally closed and just run it through a timer? Of coarse the minimum run time for most 7/24 timers is 1min., but by placing a delay timer in line after the 7/24 you could than make the flush time any amount in seconds. At this point you would be at less than $100, and you could adjust your flush time up to 7 days rather than a 24hr. max.

Input would be appreciated.
 

ditttohead

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I would recommend putting in a larger version of the twist 2 clean by Lakos. Is there a reason you cant manually clean it occassionally? I have never been impressed with the Rusco version. They are ok, but the filters dont really clean themselves that well.

http://www.twistiiclean.com/

And your idea for a timer initiated blowdown with a standard solenoid is fine. The Rusco is a ball valve, these are less prone to water hammer and fouling with chunks of debris that this filter is designed to take out.

 

chasmosis1

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Thanks for the reply dittohead. That Lakos unit looks like an interesting design. I already have the Rusco unit, so I will just use it. I would like to automate it as it will be in a closet that I am building in my shop where I have the water coming into before going into the house. Everything else in there will be automated, I will be installing the Rusco before the Fleck 7000sxt sediment filter than on to the fleck 9100sxt softener before entering the house. With all the automated equipment it just seems appropriate to make the Rusco automatic as well. Though the Rusco flush valve seems expensive for what it is I am not totally against it's purchase if it is my best option, just looking to save where I can.
 

Mialynette2003

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Not real sure what a Rusco is but can you adapt a sprinkler soleniod and a control box for your flush system? Shouldn't cost that much.
 

DonL

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Why would you buy a timer made to flush every 24 hours and make a 7 day timer out if it ? If it was made for that seems like it would be a built in feature.

Just curious why ?

Maybe I missed something here.


Good Luck.
 

ditttohead

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The Rusco filter has a ball valve on the bottom that is supposed to flush the filter out. It doesnt work very well so the filters are usually removed and cleaned. The automated ball valve helps to ensure that it is flushed regularly, but with the design of the Rusco, I have never been impressed even with the automated ball valves. I still had to remove the screen regularly and clean them.

Try flushing your Rusco, see if opening the ball valve helps. If it doesnt, then you may want to spend the money on the Lakos version instead of adding automation to a design that doesnt work very well anyway.
 

Mikey

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My experience with the Rusco also cautions you to be gentle when you open the ball valve, or the threaded portion of the filter housing will break off. I've got several filters of similar design on my irrigation system, and none of them flush well, even those which incorporate reverse-flow in flush mode.
 
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