Ca reactor feed question

mark · #1 12-09-2006, 04:39 AM

Just bought a MJ400 to feed my reactor but now wondering if there would be any problem in just tapping into the output of my return pump (Iwaki70RLT)?

Have some couplings on the 1" line on the output of the pump, thinking drilling into one then tap in a 1/8" MPT/John Guess type fitting. No plans for the 1" valve on the tee, but don't want to use it.

Effluent rate would be controlled from a valve on the outline of the reactor.

Dyspnea · #2 12-09-2006, 05:35 AM

On a previous Ca reactor i ran it off the main pump. Worked great, less clutter than using an additional pump. I put in a Tee at some point on a run, then i used a quick connect for the 1/4" line.

kari · #3 12-09-2006, 05:52 AM

Risky with pressure buildup if a line gets clogged.

mark · #4 12-09-2006, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kari

Risky with pressure buildup if a line gets clogged.

don't need water on the floor, can you explain

i2ik · #5 12-09-2006, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kari

Risky with pressure buildup if a line gets clogged.

I dont get it, would not it pass by to the return anyways if the line get clogged? Where ca nthe pressure build up?

kari · #6 12-09-2006, 04:59 PM

I think it was Tony's reactor that popped this way. Looks like that pump can do something like 21psi and also looks like your outlet into the tank is on the next floor. I'll take back my comment and call myself a liar. I guess it depends on what pressure the reactor can handle. Ask the manufacturer of the reactor and do the math on the plumbing assuming the reactor outlet is completely clogged.

Pescador · #7 12-09-2006, 05:51 PM

I have my reactor plumbed off the main return pump and it's been working great, it also feeds the phosban and ozone reactors.

kari · #8 12-09-2006, 06:00 PM

I'll try that again.

If I wanted a warm fuzzy feeling that nothing will go wrong and didn't like playing around with math I would,

-find out the pressure capability of the reactor from the manufacturer
-attach the planned plumbing fitting to the line with a pressure gauge
-then add say 1.2 factor of safety to the pressure

That is approx. what the pressure in the reactor would be in a worst case scenario. The outlet on a reactor can get clogged. Hope that makes more sense.

Pescador · #9 12-09-2006, 07:12 PM

If you do end up using the MJ400 to feed your reactor it's important to put a bypass hole in the line just after the pump (under water) to allow back pressure to bleed off. This will keep you from destroying the pump.
(From my reactor manual).

It doesn't take a lot to feed the reactor, my valve to it is barely open. You have a recirc pump in the reactor, so you only have to set the input flow a little higher than the output. It makes the output easier to adjust and you don't need a ton of pressure in it.

mark · #10 12-10-2006, 01:27 AM

Tapped a 1/8"NPT/JC fitting for 1/4" OD tubing into the 45° elbow.

After I drilled it thinking, hope it doesn't turn into a venturi port, but works okay.

Flow is slow, 20 seconds to fill 500ml and not much pressure, I can easily block it off with my finger.

BTW, I asked the pressure rating from the manufacturer, and I wasn't much help to myself (DIY reactor

).