Hired-Hand Mega-Cool rev 4-08 - Manual (Page 62)

Part No. 4801-5093 Rev 4-08 Unitized System Page 62
Operation
Initial Start-UP
When the pads are new, their slick surfaces will prevent the fast soaking
that will happen with older pads. For this reason, it is important that the
first time new pads are used, allow the pump to run for one or two days
continuously. This will “soak-in” the pads, and allow faster start-up later.
This one to two days is called the “break-in” period.
At the end of the “break-in” period, inspect pads carefully. Any dry streaks
will indicate an inconsistent water distribution. If you find these dry
streaks, raise the splash guard, and run a pipe cleaner, or small dowel into
the holes in the spray line to clear any clogged holes. Since this section of
pipe should not be glued, you may re-align the spray line if needed.
Normal Operation
Under normal conditions, the pump should run constantly when air is being
drawn through the pads. If outside conditions are not warm enough to run
the Unitized System constantly, it may not be warm enough to run it at all.
While the system is operating, look for signs of scale formation. Scale is a
concentration of solids that will “plate” on the surface of the pads if the
water contains too many impurities. If scale is noticed, increase your bleed
off rate.
If you allow the water level in the reservoir to get too high, the bottom of
the pads may stand in water. If the pads are submerged, they will become
waterlogged. When this happens, they will lose their rigidity, and begin to
break down at the bottom. This will greatly reduce pad life, and should be
avoided.
Extending Pad Life
As you use the Unitized System, you will notice the need for good
preventive maintenance. Algae growth, scale (hard crusty deposits), and
dirt accumulation are typical problems associated with poor maintenance.
Maintaining the Unitized System is very simple. It takes a small amount of
time and effort. If you follow the guidelines below, your pad and gutters
will last much longer, and be much more efficient.
Limit On-Off Cycling
Many farmers have seen greater cooling effects from evaporative cooling
systems when they run the system on a ten minute timer. Although this
cooling may give short term improvement of cooling, the pad life is greatly
shortened. For this reason, you must choose for yourself which is more
important: pad life, or greater cooling.
When the system is started and stopped every ten minutes, the pads are
wetted, and dried out six times per hour (Up to 144 times per day). Each
time the pads dry, the minerals in the water remain on the pad in greater
concentration. These chemicals and minerals will weaken the pad, and limit
the cooling effectiveness.
The Unitized System has a recommended water flow rate for best
performance. If this flow rate is maintained, the water flowing down the
pad will continuously flush the pad clean. (As only a small percentage of
the water will evaporate).
Dry the pads completely each night by turning off the pump and drawing air
through the pads with your fans.
Why Bleed-Off Water From The System?
If you have ever left a pot of coffee warming on the coffee maker, you
know the two principles at work in evaporative cooling systems. First, as
the coffee sits on the warming plate, the level of water in the pot goes down.
Second, the remaining coffee gets stronger as the water evaporates.
In your cooling systems, these effects will apply. As water evaporates, no
impurities are carried along. This leaves all sorts of minerals, chemicals,
and other impurities behind. The concentration of impurities in the
reservoir and the system will quickly rise.
As the water is evaporated, the make-up water is added. Since the water
still contains impurities, make-up water contributes to the problem. The
only way to reduce the concentration is by taking water from the system.
Hired-Hand’s Unitized System is designed with a bleed off valve in the
supply line just past the pipe union on the discharge side of the pump. This
valve should be throttled to allow just enough water to escape the system.
The amount of water you should bleed off depends upon water quality in
your area. If you have a large amount of impurities, you will need to allow