|
|
What is the Modular Hydrovar from ITT?
|
|
The Hydrovar is a motor mounted variable speed pump controller. A true VFD with integrated PLC and pump
control logic. It is designed for the TEFC motor of a centrifugal pump and is only designed for centrifugal pumps.
|
|
|
What sizes and voltages are available?
|
|
2HP through 15HP, single phase 230V (2,3HP), 460V (3-15HP) currently. Plans are to extend the product to 30HP
in the near future.
|
|
|
What does the "modular" reference mean?
|
|
Modular concept refers to the different levels of drives you can construct from the basic drive. From a basic
drive (no display or multi-control), you can add control cards, a display and harmonic filter to create a "master"
Hydrovar, which is similar to the current Aquavar. The "Master" version has a display, fully functional multi-control
for up to 8 pumps.
|
|
|
What are the three types of Hydrovar?
|
|
The basic, single and Master versions are available as models. They vary in capabilities and function. The master
version being the most powerful and capable of multi-pump connections for up to 8 drives.
|
|
|
Will the modular Hydrovar replace the existing motor mounted Aquavar?
|
|
Yes. For new installations the current Aquavar pump mounted controller will be replaced with the new Hydrovar.
See price pages for more detail.
|
|
|
Will the Hydrovar pump mounted controller be compatible or connect with existing field
installed Aquavar units?
|
|
No. The new Hydrovar currently is not compatible with the Aquavar CPC or the existing Aquavar motor mounted units
in the field.
|
|
|
Are there plans to make the Hydrovar compatible with existing Aquavar's?
|
|
Yes. Plans are for 2010. For now we will continue to provide the existing Aquavar motor mount drives for replacement
in multi-pump systems.
|
|
|
Is the Hydrovar SCADA or field bus compatible?
|
|
Yes. The Hydrovar can be connected via hard wire to various digital input, analog outputs, relays and has MODBUS
communication via RS485.
|
|
|
Can you use the MODBUS during multi-pump operation?
|
|
Yes. Via the RS485 the drive can communicate with other Hydrovar's and with outside monitoring equipment.
|
|
|
What type of pumps can I mount the Hydrovar?
|
|
Any vertical multi-stage or end-suction centrifugal pump that has a TEFC metal fan cover.
|
|
|
Can I use the Hydrovar on 1750RPM motors?
|
|
Yes. Typically booster pumps use 3450 RPM, however, if a smaller flow and pressure boost is required, a 4 pole
motor can be used.
|
|
|
Is the programming menu easy to use like the Aquavar CPC?
|
|
Yes, the programming menu is similar to the Aquavar CPC and has groups to easily navigate to the parameter that
you need. Of course, it is factory programmed to optimum default settings. Just set the pressure and start!
|
|
|
Can you connect Master Hydrovar units and Basic in multi-control?
|
|
Yes. One can use a Master Hydrovar to control up to 7 other basic drives. This provides you with a more cost
effective variable speed multi-pump system.
|
|
|
Is the pressure transducer included with the Hydrovar?
|
|
Yes. The same 0-300 psi pressure transducer that is used for the Aquavar and S-Drive is used for the Hydrovar.
|
|
|
What is the enclosure rating for the Hydrovar?
|
|
NEMA 4, washdown for indoor use. It can be used outdoors, however, a sun shield must be used to prevent direct
sunlight from the drive display.
|
|
|
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 Hydrovar 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?
|
|
No. Simply connect each Hydrovar via the RS485 terminal (GND,+SIO,-SIO) using a three wire shield communication
cable and set the Hydrovar to multi-control.
|
|
|
Is the pressure transducer included with my Hydrovar 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 Hydrovar?
|
|
300 psi is rating for the pressure transducer. Pressure set-point is set for 50psi constant pressure from the factory.
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 Hydrovar 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 Hydrovar controller when I have a pressure transducer failure?
|
|
Yes. Connect terminals X1 , SL and SL (Solo or Hand mode) to a standard pressure switch (non 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 Hydrovar with an external switch?
|
|
Yes. Take the jumper out of the terminals #7 and #8 on X3. Connect terminals X3 #7 and #8 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 X1 SL and SL 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 to X3# 9 and #10 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 Hydrovar?
|
|
NO. The Hydrovar acts as a balanced phase converter already for 2 and 3HP, 230volt units.
|
|
|
Can I use a back up generator with the Hydrovar?
|
|
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 Hydrovar?
|
|
All 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 Hydrovar?
|
|
Yes. Contact customer service for out of warranty only repairs. We have a return and replace policy based on
warranty analysis. Send units back to Seneca Falls NY for evaluation.
|
|
|
Can I connect the Hydrovar 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 digital inputs, analog outputs and 2
form C "dry" status relays. Depending on how much the operator needs to monitor and control will depend on
the complexity of the central system. The Hydrovar also offers MODBUS protocol via RS485.
|
|
|
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. Go to parameter 04 in the main menu " Start Value" and set a percentage of your set pressure for starting.
(example: 50% start value of 100psi is 50psi start).
|
|
|
Can I connect other style Aquavar units in multi-control to the Hydrovar?
|
|
Not at this time, as of June 2009.
|
|
|
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 Hydrovar?
|
|
No. Other than keeping free from debris, insects, and maintaining the NEMA 4 fans. Heat and dust are the most
common problems with electronics.
|
|
|
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 Hydrovar 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.
|
|
|
Should I install a separate circuit for my drive and equipment?
|
|
Yes, always use a dedicated branch circuit for your pump and drive equipment.
|
|
|
Should we install fuses or breakers for short circuit protection on drives?
|
|
Fast acting fuses, class J or class T provide the best short circuit protection to electronic drives.
|
|
|
After a fault, how do I reset my drive?
|
|
If the Auto-reset does not reset the Hydrovar, then power down using the circuit 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.
|
|
