Low Product Flow™

Spectra Service Bulletin

Low product flow can be caused by a number of different issues relating to the Spectra System. As with any troubleshooting procedure you must first check your facts! Don't rely on the product flow meter for accurate information. Perform a flow rate check by diverting the product into a measured container.

1. The product flow is directly related to feed flow, so look for restrictions in the flow path such as the strainer and filters. Do not make assumptions that your filters are clean by the way they look. Make sure any three way valves are in the proper position.
    
2. Check the voltage at the feed pump or pumps. This is imperative, as there may be a voltage drop between the distribution panel and the feed pump due to a poor connection, breaker or fuse. A 10% voltage drop will cause the product to drop 10% as well. We have seen a few cases of voltage drop across the pumps’pressure switch. If you are electrically handy you can check to see if this is your issue. It would be an acceptable field repair to bypass this switch as long as the pump is properly fused.
    
3. Next we often see 380-C systems that one or both of the feed pumps pressure switches are out of adjustment. This will cause one of the feed pumps to cycle on and off during operation impeding the system flow which affects product flow. To see if this is an issue you need to block off the brine discharge and then check the pressure cut off point of each pump individually. Cut off pressure should be set between 120 and 125 PSI. This can be readjusted with the small Allen screw on the pressure switch end of the pump.
    
4. We also see customers that have pumps that are worn due to long operational hours. The most reliable way to determine this is to check the flow of the pump by measureing the rate of flow into a bucket or known container. The easiest way to perform this check is to run the system, discharging both the brine and the product flow into your measuring bucket. The total flow under pressure for the 200-C system should be between 1.4-1.5 GPM and the 380-C should be 2.4-2.5 GPM.
    
5. If the system flow is correct and product flow is not then there is a leakage in the Clark-pump.
    

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