Osmolator sensor issue

[Lightsluvr]

I just received a new controller for my Osmolator. Everything worked great for a few weeks...

Yesterday I awoke to air bubbles being pumped into the DT. The sump had evaporated down to the point where the return pump was sucking air.

The reason? The osmolator was not sensing that the water level in the sump had dropped: thus failing to "top off" the system.

Assuming something had gotten on the sensor, I cleaned it and returned it to the sump. It appeared to work correctly after a cleaning.

This morning it's doing the same thing: Fortunately I caught it before the sump went low, potentially screwing up my specific gravity (again.)

Even when the sensor is high and dry out of the water, the controller displays the "green" light and no water is being pumped by the osmolator.

Any suggestions on another cleaning method for the sensor? Is it defective? Something else to look for?

LL

 

[rvitko]

It is possible the replacement was defective, but I would consider it unlikely. Overall, the Osmolator is a very reliable unit. We did have a bad part we were supplied that affected some of the units made late last year, but this has been remedied by changing to a new supplier, fortunately it was caught pretty quickly and not many are affected. I did send a brand new replacement that should have been from a production series from the last few months. My guess is that perhaps the sensor is installed in such a way that a bead of water is stuck between the sensor and the mounting hardware or a trickle of water is streaming over the sensor if it is on a baffle. To the sensor, water is water and air is air, it cannot differentiate between a clinging water droplet and being submerged or a clinging air bubble and being dry.

 

[Lightsluvr]

water bead theory

water bead theory

Hi Roger -

Thanks for the reply. I'm trying the water bead theory. I removed the sensor, wiped it clean with a soft dry cloth, and so far it is working properly. I've had no problem with the replacement controller.

The sensor is located in the center compartment of the sump, where flow and splashing should be absent. Sensor is clamped to a Tunze supports with a Tunze clamp. Directly above it is the mechanical overflow sensor. The entire sensor assembly is velcroed to the inside of the sump, so it can be removed for cleaning. (Velcro is on outside of the support, with the sensors clamped on the side facing interior of the sump)

I'll keep an eye on the sensor and watch for repeats. So far, so good.

LL

 

[rvitko]

The velcro could be wicking or holding water. I would be sure the sensor is away from the velcro. Silicon glue might be preferred or one of the 3M hook fasteners like Dual Lock.

 

[Lightsluvr]

Picture this...

Picture this...

The velcro is on the opposite side of the "U-shaped" adjustable support. It sticks to the glass and the back of the support (only). It is no where near the sensors...

I know - a picture is worth 1,000 words...

LL