Brine Draw Failure

[jjamison]

This is a Fleck 7000 that has been operating successfully for a few years. Now, brine draw is now not functioning. I should say Pot Perm draw is not functioning to be precise as this is an iron mitigation unit with “green sand”. Instead of getting draw… when I removed the brine draw/refill tube I found water exiting the tube vigorously instead of drawing. I have a record in my blog of brine draw failure occurring back in 2010 and cleaning everything solved the problem. Today I replaced the seals and spacers, and cleaned the injector and screen, and the parts at both ends of the brine draw, and where the backwash tube exits, and the brine valve. What parts should I be focusing on when re-cleaning or considering replacing? Is the brine valve the likely culprit? Thanks

 

[Mialynette2003]

I would replace the injector assemble first. A sign that the brine valve is bad is when it allows water to fill the brine tank while in the service position. Make sure the drain is not restricted in any way.

 

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[jjamison]

Thanks for your prompt and thoughtful reply!

This valve has an “injector assembly” and a “brine valve assembly”.

Are you suggesting: a) replace “injector assembly” first b) then noting that it could be the brine valve and c) reminding me to check the drain flow?

Thanks

 

[Mialynette2003]

The brine valve has nothing to do with the draw other than opening a port for the brine to travel through. By water coming out instead of drawing in tells me the brine valve is in fact opening. The injector is could be causing a no draw or the drain is partially or fully clogged forcing water out instead of drawing. Look for sealing points in the injector. A missing o ring could cause a no draw.

 

[jjamison]

Thanks! I appreciate your reply. What function does an injector serve? If somebody just handed me one I'd say it looks like a poorly designed flow reducer. What are they really?

 

[Reach4]

The injector is partly a venturi pump. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aspirator_(pump) It also serves as a flow restrictor.

 

[jjamison]

Very interesting. I took a fluid mechanics class about 20 plus years ago, um fluid dynamics maybe, so makes a little sense. Thanks again!