Osmo Check valves Fail.

[neelix]

Just got 2 of these from Tunze USA and a metering pump. Both failed immediately. I am using them on the fresh water supply side and elevated above the reactor. At my wits ends with these things. I even tried a 13.00 one from Marine Depot and it failed. Can't use it if the backflow valves fail.

Please advise....

Rob

 

[rvitko]

I am at a loss as to why you are having so many problems, any chance of a photo of the installation?

 

[neelix]

I can send you some. You can blow air in both directions on these valves also is that normal?

Do you want me to try and upload here or can I email them to you.

 

[neelix]

First pick shows elevated valve which feeds the bottom of reactor.

Second kind of shows the elevated fill line which is above the sump water lever, it also show the water container on the right.

 

[rvitko]

That would be the reason they aren't working but the cause is a mystery,they should only open one way.
This would honestly be the first new check valve complaint I have recieved since we changed to this check valve a few years back. It is a US made industrial part and has been very reliable. The only logical cause as it seems you have been through 4 check valves, is that somehow kalk powder is flowing back into the valve before closes and jamming it open. Inside the valve is a stainless steel ball and stainless steel spring and the ball pushes against a nitrile seal with .5psi of pressure, any small obstacle between the ball and seal would hold it open.

 

[neelix]

Possible to clear this contamination if this is indeed the case? Maybe a long fresh water flush? I can't comprehend how they could have become contaminated...

 

[rvitko]

I am at a loss as to how it is installed, it should be installed inside your reservoir of freshwater and the check valve is on the freshwater feedline and should be just above the height of the bottle, usually it is installed so the inline is ziptied to the outline with the small check valve installed right by the outlet nipple on the bottle. My guess is due to the head height and length of hose a siphon is being generated or the pressure is equal on both sides of the valve long enough for powder to get to the valve and jam it open. If the valves are being jammed open by kalk powder you could purge them with vinegar and a syringe and they should then work again, but I think the installation is the root issue, the dispenser bottle should be right with the osmo pump in the top off bucket.