Difference between to different "clack valves"

[Clydesdale6]

Hi everyone,
I just had a neurtralizer and a softener installed. The softener has what appears to be a c-series valve and the neutralizer has an Nelsen water systems valve with a blue button for regen. I believe both are clack valves. Does anybody know the difference and why one is chosen for softener and the other for neutralizer? Thanks.

 

[Bannerman]

It seems Nelson refer to the Clack WS-1 as 'C' series. This likely is to differentiate their systems equipped with a 'Clack' control valve from those they offer with 'Fleck' or 'Erie' control valves.

Most filter applications will utilize a 3-cycle time clock filter valve whereas a water softener will utilize a 5 or 6-cycle meter activated control valve. Even with the differences, most Clack valves and controllers appear very similar.

Suggest posting photos of each to compare.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Clydesdale6]

The white tank is the softener and the black tank is the neutralizer. The two valves are different, but very similar. Does anybody know what is different about these? Thanks.

 

[ditttohead]

Silly. Not sure why they used two different valve... no problem.

 

[Clydesdale6]

I think one is metered and works by gallons and the other just by time.

 

[Bannerman]

Whether for a metered softener or for a backwashing filter that backwashes on a time schedule, no reason why two different model valves would be supplied as each model is offered for either purpose. They likely supplied you with whatever they had in-stock and ready to ship.

Because a neutralizer uses media that is consumed, the tank will be typically equipped with a removable fill plug on the dome to permit media to be easily added without needing to remove the control valve. Perhaps there is a removable plug on the backside which is not apparent in your photo?

 

[Clydesdale6]

Nope, no fill plug. Looks like I have to remove the valve to re-fill it with calcite.

 

[ditttohead]

Who ever did that is a total goof. Why not use the same valve? Why use a black tank for the neutralizer and an almond for the softener. Typical is using a natural for the neutralizer so you can see the level of calcite in the tank with a flashlight. Any color for the softener is fine. No fill plug for the neutralizer? Not sure who you used but they are in need of some training.

 

[Ĝan Ŭesli Starling]

I am given to understand Nelson Water Treatment System's proprietary variant of the Clack 5-button valve provides a good many more options in its programming. I have only yesterday obtained a manual for the Clack NTWS 5-button variant and intend to compare it against a similar manual for the Clack WS1EE. Not done that yet though.

Here is a link to said NWTS Dealer Manual as a PDF for you all to peruse ... and hopefully provide professional insight on.

NTWS is wholesale-only, and does not sell direct. Thus I have not seen the Clack NTWS listed anywhere on-line. Nelson looks to be quite a large company, in business for a long time. A quote which I got just only yesterday from a dealer shows the Clack NTWS 5-button valve to be notably more expensive than prices I've got in quotes from other dealers listing comparable non-NTWS Clack WS1 series valves.

Know that, while an engineer myself, water treatment is considerably outside my own field. Thus I am still debating variables before making my own purchase decision.