Hired-Hand Mega-Cool rev 4-08 - Manual (Page 63)

Part No. 4801-5093 Rev 4-08 Unitized System Page 63
more water to escape. If you see scale beginning to form on the pads, you
will need to increase your bleed off rate.
The best method of determining the bleed off rate is to first find out how
much evaporation is occurring. To calculate a rough estimate of your
evaporation, multiply the area of pad by the air speed through the pad, by
the temperature drop from one side to the other, then divide the final
number by 500,000.
For example, if your pad is five feet tall and 60 feet long, an your air speed
is 300 feet per minute, and the outside temperature is 95 degrees, and inside
temperature is 75 degrees, then you would give 3.6 gallons per minute.
If water is extremely hard-large amounts of minerals, etc. – the bleed off
rate should equal evaporation.
If minerals are a small problem, make the bleed off rate from ¼ to ½ the
evaporation rate.
For areas with little or no dissolved solids, make the bleed off rate
anywhere from 1/10 to 1/4 the evaporation rate.
These values are estimates, so individual rates will vary. Try to keep your
water as clean as possible to minimize scale formation on the pads.
Water Distribution
Maintaining even water distribution to the pads is the most important way
of extending pad life. If an area of pad does not receive enough water, it
will clog or soften.
By raising the water plate on the top of the pads, while the pump is running,
you will see the jets of water shooting up into the air. If any of the jets look
weaker than the others, it needs to be cleaned out. If at any time you see
dry spots or streaks, investigate to see why. Most problems associated with
water distribution may be fixed with a good cleaning of the distribution
pipe.
Algae Treatment
If algae develops on pipes or on the pipes, it may be necessary to add a
water treatment compound to control algae growth. Consult your local
agricultural distributor for a recommended water treatment compound.
Cleaning The Pads
1. Shut off pump and clean filter.
2. Completely empty the reservoir of water and silt.
3. Refill reservoir with clean water.
4. If possible, turn off fans. (If this is not possible, run fans at minimum
levels).
5. Manually turn on the pumps to run fresh water over the pads for about
30 minutes. Use as much water as possible.
6. Open the ends of the water distribution pipes to flush out debris that
could clog the holes. Replace the covers when done. When using silt
collection, remove plug and drain the system.
7. Gently hose stubborn deposits from the face of the pads.
8. Completely empty the reservoir to remove all the old algae and dirt
that will rinse off the pads.
9. Refill with clean water.
10. Check to make sure that the bleed off is still functioning properly.
Winterizing the System
1. Shut off pump.
2. Close ball valve between strainer and reservoir.
3. Remove strainer cover.
4. Open ball valve between strainer and reservoir. Drain water from
system. NOTE: Expect about 70 gallons of standing water per 50 feet
of reservoir pipe.
5. Do not replace strainer cover until recharging the system for normal
operation.
Hired-Hand Unitized Checklist
H
ave the right amount of water running over the pad.
I dentify and correct leaks in the system.
R educe the amount of On-Off cycles.
E xcessive dust, fumes, and harsh cleaners should be avoided.
D
isinfect the whole system once per quarter.
H ave the reservoir and pad in the shade if possible.
A llow the pads to dry completely every 24 hours.
N
ever use phosphate based water treatment chemicals.
D rain the system during extended shutdowns.