Programming the Automatic Backwash Controller
General Information
The controller comes with its own manual which provides good detail. The information below is
abbreviated, and explains some terms found in the controller manual.
The general function of the backwash controller is to sense the need for the filters to be
backwashed, and to manage a backwash cycle in which each filter is individually flushed.
As the filters become dirty and need to be flushed, the pressure loss through filters increases.
The controller senses the need for the filters to be backwashed by tracking the pressure of the
system both upstream, and downstream of the filters. The controller is physically connected by
hydraulic tube to a point upstream of the filters, and also downstream of the filters. This
difference in the upstream and downstream pressure is called the pressure differential
(sometimes abbreviated PD, or DP). The controller can be instructed to initiate a backwash
sequence when the PD hits a specified limit (typically 5-7 psi).
The controller will also initiate a backwash sequence after a specified period of time has
elapsed, whether the PD sensor has called for a backwash or not. This is typically operated as
a backup trigger to the PD actuation, in case of a sensor failure.
The controller also keeps track of the number of backwashes that have occurred between
resets, enabling the operator to evaluate the operation of the system over time.
Getting Started
There are two stages to programming. Steps 1-4 of this section assign values to commonly
manipulated settings: how long, when, and how frequently to backwash, as well as some
readouts from the controller on how many times the filter has backwashed.
Steps 5-13 of this section are sometimes referred to as 'configuration'. You will be instructing
the controller what values to use for the various functions it can perform, and some information
about the system being controlled. Typically the system is configured once at the initial
assembly stage, however, it can be re-configured at any time.
Basic Program
To perform steps 1-4, briefly press the ENTER key. After entering the
desired value for a function, press the ENTER key to move to the
next function to be programmed. For each function, the + and – keys
will scroll through the available selections for that function. See the
steps which follow for explanation of function and typical settings.
Initial Configuration
After performing the Basic Program entry, press and hold the enter key for 3 seconds, and you
will enter the configuration stage, steps 5-13. . After entering the desired value for a function,
press the ENTER key to move to the next function to be programmed. For each function, the +
and – keys will scroll through the available selections for that function. See the steps which
follow for explanation of function and typical settings.
Aqua-Clear Automatic Backwash (ENG/SPA)
Figure 9 Enter
Key
pg. 12