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S-Drive™
S-Drive™ Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the S-Drive from Goulds Pumps?
What sizes and voltages are available?
Can I mount the S-Drive outdoors?
What are the temperature limits for the S-Drive?
Do I need to install a LOAD REACTOR/FILTER for my long motor cables?
Can I use single phase 208-230volt input for the S-Drive?
Should I oversize my drive based on the submersible motor service factor amps?
What does the S-Drive controller protect on the motor and pump?
What is the maximum speed for the S-Drive?
What additional programming or set-up is required for the S-Drive?
How do I set the constant system pressure with the S-Drive?
Can I adjust my ramp up and ramp down times?
Can I adjust my restart times for the DRY WELL protection?
Can I allow a pressure drop before the drive starts the pump?
My motor rotates backwards. How do I change rotation?
What size tank should I use for the S-Drive constant pressure system?
Can I use the S-Drive in a multi-pump duplex, triplex or Quad system?
Do I need other equipment or a PLC (programmable logic controller) for use in the Multi-Pump configuration?
Is the pressure transducer included with my S-Drive controller?
What is the maximum pressure set point for the S-Drive?
Do I need to ground my pressure transducer/sensor?
Can I run my S-Drive controller when I have a pressure transducer failure?
Can I stop and start my drive with an external switch?
Can I allow a pressure drop before the drive starts the pump?
Can I operate the S-Drive in “hand” mode?
Can I set two different pressure settings for my irrigation or municipal constant pressure system?
How do I size the S-Drive for my pump and submersible motor?
Can I use the service factor amps to size my pump?
Can I use a phase converter with the S-Drive?
Can I use a back up generator with the S-Drive?
Will the S-Drive provide automatic back up during power outages?
What are the standard warranty terms for the S-Drive?
Is there a repair option for the S-Drive?
Can you use the S-Drive on a 230Volt “Open Delta” 3 wire power system?
Can I connect the S-Drive to a SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition) system for monitoring and control?
Can I control a metering or injection pump with the S-Drive?
Can I allow a pressure drop before the drive starts the pump?
Can I connect other style Aquavar units in multi-control to the S-Drive?
Do I need a bladder tank in my system? If so, what size?
What pressure do I charge my tank?
Can I use my existing tank size or multiple tanks on retro-fit jobs?
Is there any maintenance required for the S-Drive?
Where are the units stocked and supported?
Will the S-Drive auto reset on all faults?
After a fault, how do I reset my drive?
What are most problems caused by?
Answers
What is the S-Drive from Goulds Pumps?
The S-Drive is a commercial simplex, variable speed, constant pressure submersible pump controller. It has a built in motor LOAD FILTER for long motor leads and is rated for outdoor mounting.
What sizes and voltages are available?
The S-Drive is offered from 5HP through 30HP, 230 and 460 volt input.
Can I mount the S-Drive outdoors?
Yes. The S-Drive is rated for NEMA 3R, rain proof when proper conduit connections and liquid tight fitting are used for the cables. A sun shield is recommended for direct sunlight or mount on Northern facing walls.
What are the temperature limits for the S-Drive?
-22 degrees F to 122 degrees F.
Do I need to install a LOAD REACTOR/FILTER for my long motor cables?
No. The S-Drive has an integrated LOAD FILTER which protects the motor insulation up to 1000 ft from the controller.
Can I use single phase 208-230volt input for the S-Drive?
Yes. Single phase input can be used providing that you connect your line voltage to L1 and L3 and set the overload switch to 50% of the motor current rating. In essence you are de-rating the drives current rating by 50%. Therefore, if you have a 10HP, 230volt motor you should size a 20HP, 230volt S-Drive for single phase input power.
Should I oversize my drive based on the submersible motor service factor amps?
No. All S-Drive controllers are sized for the MAX AMPS of any commercially available submersible three phase motor. Therefore, if you have a 10HP, 230volt three phase sub motor and have three phase input power you can use a 10HP, 230volt S-Drive.
What does the S-Drive controller protect on the motor and pump?
The S-Drive provides protection on motor current overload, low and high voltage input, short circuit equipment protection, loss of suction or dry well, ground leaks, phase loss.
What is the maximum speed for the S-Drive?
The controller will limit speed to 60HZ output frequency to the motor.
What additional programming or set-up is required for the S-Drive?
Nothing. The S-Drive is factory pre-set for 50 psi pressure boost and comes with the motor overload, ramp settings and pressure transducer pre-set.
How do I set the constant system pressure with the S-Drive?
Similar to the Goulds AquaBoost II product, you would open a fixture and start the pump, then PRESS and HOLD the INC or DEC button to set your system pressure. Once the system maintains the system pressure and turns off, the controller saves this setting and will continue to maintain this pressure even during power outages.
Can I adjust my ramp up and ramp down times?
Yes. Using the ACCEL and DECEL switch setting you can adjust your ramp times.
Can I adjust my restart times for the DRY WELL protection?
Yes. Use the switch setting labeled “no water restart time” to adjust protection for low yielding wells with slow recovery. From 10 mins up to 2 hours between restarts on loss of prime or dry well protection.
Can I allow a pressure drop before the drive starts the pump?
Yes. Connect terminals # 12 and #9 and the drive will allow a 20psi pressure drop before starting the motor. Then the drive will ramp up and maintain pre-set system pressure.
My motor rotates backwards. How do I change rotation?
Motor rotation can only be changed by switching any 2 wires on the output side of the controller, T1, T2 or T3. Changing wires on the Input side of the controller will have no affect on motor rotation.
What size tank should I use for the S-Drive constant pressure system?
Use the 20% total system gallon per minute rule. If your system is 100 GPM max, then use a 20 gallon total volume tank. Pre-charge your empty tank to 10-15 psi below your system pressure.
Can I use the S-Drive in a multi-pump duplex, triplex or Quad system?
No. The S-Drive is designed and programmed specifically for single pump applications that require a smoother constant pressure and pump/motor protection. For easy multi-pump systems, use the Aquavar series of controllers.
Do I need other equipment or a PLC (programmable logic controller) for use in the Multi-Pump configuration?
Yes. It is possible to connect each S-Drive using a PLC to enable the run and stop commands on the drive based on main system pressure.
Is the pressure transducer included with my S-Drive controller?
Yes. Each drive, similar to other Goulds variable speed controllers includes a pre-wired pressure transducer and shielded cable.
What is the maximum pressure set point for the S-Drive?
300 psi. Please ensure your system can withstand higher pressures and pump is capable of generating this type of pressure.
Do I need to ground my pressure transducer/sensor?
No. The S-Drive pressure transducer has an internal ground wire that connects the sensor electronics back to the chassis of the controller for a common system ground.
Can I run my S-Drive controller when I have a pressure transducer failure?
Yes. Connect terminals #4 and #3 to a standard pressure switch (no power) and the drive will ramp up to full speed when the switch is closed. When the switch is open the drive will ramp down and stop. This will provide a soft start ON/OFF system until a new pressure transducer is provided.
Can I stop and start my drive with an external switch?
Yes. Connect terminals #2 and #1 with your non-powered switch. When the contact is OPEN the drive will be in the STOP mode, when the switch is CLOSED the drive will be in the RUN mode.
Can I allow a pressure drop before the drive starts the pump?
Yes. Connect terminals # 12 and #9 and the drive will allow a 20psi pressure drop before starting the motor. Then the drive will ramp up and maintain pre-set system pressure. After the unit has achieved set pressure it will stop, then repeat this cycle as long as the jumper wire is in between 12 and 9 on the terminal board.
Can I operate the S-Drive in “hand” mode?
Yes. Connect terminals # 3 and #4 with a jumper wire and the drive will run the pump and motor up to FULL SPEED.
Can I set two different pressure settings for my irrigation or municipal constant pressure system?
Yes. Connect terminals # 11 and #9 and the drive will allow another pressure set point by pressing and holding the INC button. When the contact is OPEN, the drive will change back to your original pressure setting. Can be used with a timer or non-powered switch.
How do I size the S-Drive for my pump and submersible motor?
Size based on HP and voltage. The S-Drive is specifically sized in amperage to run submersible pumps and motors to their maximum allowable amperage as noted by the manufacturer. The motor overload switch should be set for the specific HP.
Can I use the service factor amps to size my pump?
Yes. Remember, NEMA motor manufacturers allow service factor use intermittently NOT CONTINUOUS. If you need service factor amps temporarily, size it using the service factor amps. In hot environments or high elevations, it is NOT recommended to use service factor for above ground motors.
Can I use a phase converter with the S-Drive?
NO. The S-Drive acts as a balanced phase converter already. Just remember to double the size of your controller based on your motor HP.
Can I use a back up generator with the S-Drive?
Yes. Make sure you size the generator to provide at least 120% of total current and power consumption of your controller system. kVA = (Volts x Amps x 1.73)/1000. The drive has soft start which prevents sudden sags in voltage.
Will the S-Drive provide automatic back up during power outages?
Yes. The controller will automatically continue to run once full power has been restored to the input terminals and DC BUS. During “brown outs” there may only be enough voltage to power the lights on the drive, therefore, no output to the motor until full voltage is reached.
What are the standard warranty terms for the S-Drive?
All S-Drive or Aquavar products have a 24/30 month workmanship/product defect warranty. 24 months from start up OR maximum 30 months from manufacture date code located on the side label of the unit. The serial number indicates the build date.
Is there a repair option for the S-Drive?
Not at this time. We have a return and replace policy based on warranty analysis. Send units back to Seneca Falls NY for evaluation.
Can you use the S-Drive on a 230Volt “Open Delta” 3 wire power system?
Yes, however, this is sometimes referred to as a “wild leg” delta system. This is really a single phase system with two transformers to derive a third leg. This system provides POOR POWER regulation under loads. When you take a static voltage check, it may appear o.k. However, when you start the pump the third leg will vary. Treat these as SINGLE phase systems and over size your drive. Use a 20HP drive on a 10HP 230volt pump.
Can I connect the S-Drive to a SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition) system for monitoring and control?
Yes. Depending upon the level of monitoring and control, the S-Drive has 4 digital inputs, 1 analog output and 2 form C “dry” relays. Depending on how much the operator needs to monitor and control will depend on the complexity of the central system.
Can I control a metering or injection pump with the S-Drive?
Yes. Using the Analog Output 4-20mA signal provided on contact #10 and #9. This will provide a linear signal based on the speed of your main pump. Therefore at 0HZ your output would be 4mA and at full speed 60HZ, your output will be 20mA.
Can I allow a pressure drop before the drive starts the pump?
Yes. Connect terminals # 12 and #9 and the drive will allow a 20psi pressure drop before starting the motor. Then the drive will ramp up and maintain pre-set system pressure.
Can I connect other style Aquavar units in multi-control to the S-Drive?
Not at this time.
Do I need a bladder tank in my system? If so, what size?
Yes. It is recommended that a small tank is used on the discharge side of the system, after the last check valve. A tank tee or branch can be used to plumb the pressure transducer and tank. Size the tank 10-20% of total flow rate of the first pump in the system. Example: If I have a 100 GPM submersible pump, you would size a 20 gallon total volume tank.
What pressure do I charge my tank?
10-15psi below system discharge pressure. Ensure that the tank is not filled with water when charging with air.
Can I use my existing tank size or multiple tanks on retro-fit jobs?
No. Little draw down that is used during ramp up of the drive, there may develop stagnate water in larger tanks. The tank is used to cushion the system on start up and shut down. Valve off other large tanks in the system because the total draw down will not be used in drive operated pumping systems. A drive operated pump and motor can withstand many more start and stop cycles without damage.
Is there any maintenance required for the S-Drive?
No. Other than keeping free from debris, insects, and maintaining the NEMA 4 fans.
Where are the units stocked and supported?
Goulds Pumps stocks product at our various customer service centers throughout the US and Canada: Dallas TX, Lake Mary FL, Fresno CA, Auburn NY, Guelph Ontario Canada, Seneca Falls NY (main tech support).
Will the S-Drive auto reset on all faults?
No. Auto restart is not available on: Short Circuit. All other faults will auto-restart five times or until the fault goes away.
After a fault, how do I reset my drive?
Power down using the circuit breaker or fused disconnect.
What are most problems caused by?
Electrical wiring, loose wiring, transducer wiring, motor leads incorrect and programming. A good installation requires a qualified electrician and use of the instruction manual for reference. Step by step start up information is contained in the IOM.
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