Aquion Micro Budget User manual

© 2012 Aquion, Inc. OM-EN-MicroBudget-Rev2012.03
O
OW WN NE ER R' 'S S
M
MA AN NU UA AL L
Micro
Budget
WATER SOFTENER SYSTEM

TABLE OF CONTENT & INSTALLATION RECORD
Page 2
Table of content & Installation record ............................................................................ Page 2
Warning & Safety instructions ........................................................................................ Page 3
Operating conditions & Requirements............................................................................ Page 4
Installation...................................................................................................................... Page 5
Start-up .......................................................................................................................... Page 7
Electromechanical control panel..................................................................................... Page 8
Maintenance .................................................................................................................. Page 10
Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................. Page 12
Technical specifications .................................................................................................. Page 14
For future reference, fill in the following data
INSTALLATION RECORD
Serial Number: ______________________________________________
Model: _______________________________________________________
Water Hardness inlet: ______________________________________
Water Hardness outlet: _____________________________________
Water Pressure inlet: _______________________________________
Date of Installation: _________________________________________
Company Name: ____________________________________________
Installer Name: ______________________________________________
Phone Number: _____________________________________________
REGEN. FREQUENCY : _______ days

WARNING & SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Page 3
Before you begin the installation of the water softener, we advise
you read and carefully follow the instructions contained in this
manual. It contains important information about safety, installation,
use and maintenance of the product. The actual system that you
have received, may differ from the pictures/illustrations in this
Owner's Manual.
Failure to follow the instructions could cause personal injury or
damage to the appliance or property. Only when installed,
commissioned and serviced correctly, the water softener will offer
you many years of trouble-free operation.
The water softener is intended to 'soften' the water, meaning it will
remove hardness minerals; it will not necessarily remove other
contaminants present in the water. The water softener will not purify
polluted water or make it safe to drink!
Installation of the water softener should only be undertaken by a
competent person, aware of the local codes in force. All plumbing
and electrical connections must be done in accordance with local
codes.
Before setting up the water softener, make sure to check it for any
externally visible damage; do not install or use when damaged.
To prevent accident or injury, do not hoist the water softener over
your shoulder. Do not lay the water softener on its side.
Keep this Owner's Manual in a safe place and ensure that new users
are familiar with the content.
The water softener is designed and manufactured in accordance with
current safety requirements and regulations. Incorrect repairs can
result in unforeseen danger for the user, for which the manufacturer
cannot be held responsible. Therefore repairs should only be
undertaken by a competent technician, familiar and trained for this
product.
In respect of the environment, this water softener should be
disposed of in accordance with Waste Electrical and Electronic
Equipment requirements. Refer to national/local laws and codes for
correct recycling of this water softener.

OPERATING CONDITIONS & REQUIREMENTS
Page 4
OPERATING PRESSURE: min. 1,4 / max. 8,3 bar
this system is configured to perform optimally at an
operating pressure of 3 bar (±½ bar); in case of a lower or
higher operating pressure the performance may be
affected negatively!
check water pressure regularly.
take into account that night time water pressure may be
considerably higher than day time water pressure.
install a pressure reducer ahead of the water softener if
necessary.
OPERATING TEMPERATURE: min. 2 / max. 48 °C
do not install the water softener in an environment where
high ambient temperatures (e.g. unvented boiler house) or
freezing temperatures can occur.
the water softener cannot be exposed to outdoor
elements, such as direct sunlight or atmospheric
precipitation.
do not install the water softener too close to a water
heater; keep at least 3 m of piping between the outlet of
the water softener and the inlet of the water heater; water
heaters can sometimes transmit heat back down the cold
pipe into the control valve; always install a check valve at
the outlet of the water softener.
ELECTRICAL CONNECTION: 230V-50Hz
this water softener only works on 24VAC; it is equipped
with a 230/24V-50Hz transformer; always use it in
combination with the supplied transformer.
make sure to plug the transformer into a power outlet,
which is installed in a dry location, with the proper rating
and over-current protection.

INSTALLATION
Page 5
INLET & OUTLET
Check the water pressure at the place of installation of
the water softener; it should never exceed 8,3 bar.
In case of high concentration of impurities in the inlet
water, we recommend the installation of a sediment filter,
ahead of the water softener.
We strongly recommend the use of flexible hoses to
connect the water softener to the water distribution
system; use hoses with a large diameter in order to limit
the pressure loss.
If the water softener is not equipped with the factory
bypass (optional), we strongly recommend to install a 3-
valve bypass system (not included with this product!) to
isolate the water softener from the water distribution
system in case of repairs. It allows to turn off the water to
the water softener, while maintaining (untreated) water
supply to the user.
WITH FACTORY BYPASS KIT (optional)

= mains water supply (untreated water)
= elbow connection-inlet (untreated water)
= inlet of water softener (treated water)
= outlet of water softener (treated water)
= elbow connection-outlet (treated water)
= house/application (treated water)
1. Screw the elbow connections onto the control valve;
the long elbow onto the inlet port (), the short elbow
onto the outlet port (); make sure to install the
gasket seals. Tighten the nuts firmly by hand.
2. Screw the factory bypass onto the elbow connections
(&); make sure to install the gasket seals. Tighten
the nuts firmly by hand.
3. Screw the brass connection kit with nuts onto the
factory bypass (&); make sure to install the
gasket seals. Tighten the nuts firmly by hand.
4. Connect the mains water supply to the brass nipple
on the inlet port of the factory bypass ().
5. Connect the house/application to the brass nipple on
the outlet port of the factory bypass ().
WITH 3-VALVE BYPASS SYSTEM (not included)
= mains water supply (untreated water)
= inlet of water softener (untreated water)
= outlet of water softener (treated water)
= house/application (treated water)
1. Install the 3-valve bypass system.
2. Screw the brass connection kit with nuts onto the
control valve (&); make sure to install the gasket
seals. Tighten the nuts firmly by hand.
3. Connect the 3-valve bypass system to the brass nipples
on the elbow connections (&).
4. Connect the mains water supply to the inlet of the 3-
valve bypass system ().
5. Connect the house/application to the outlet of the 3-
valve bypass system ().

INSTALLATION
Page 6
DRAIN
We recommend the use of a stand pipe with air trap.
To prevent backflow from the drainage system into the
water softener, always make sure to have an air gap
between the end of the drain line and the drainage system
itself; as a rule of thumb, the air gap should be minimum
2x the diameter of the drain line.
Always use separate drain lines for the control valve
(evacuation of rinse water) and the softener cabinet's
overflow.
Lay-out the drain hoses in such a way that pressure
loss is minimized; avoid kinks and unnecessary elevations.
1. Connect a 13 mm hose to the drain connection of the
control valve (); secure it by means of a clamp.
2. Run the drain hose to the drainage system and
connect it to the stand pipe assuring sufficient air gap.
This drain line operates under pressure, so it may be
installed higher than the water softener.
3. Connect a 13 mm hose to the overflow elbow, located
at the back side of the water softener (Micro-4) or at
the left side of the water softener (Micro-6); secure it
by means of a clamp.
4. Run the drain hose to the drainage system and
connect it to the stand pipe assuring sufficient air gap.
This drain line does NOT operate under pressure, so it
may NOT be installed higher than the water softener.
ELECTRICAL
1. Plug the transformer into an electrical outlet.
2. Plug the transformers output lead into the socket on
the water softeners power cord; secure it by means of
the clamp.

START-UP
Page 7
BRINE CABINET
1. Add water conditioner salt to the brine cabinet.
PRESSURIZING
2. Put the bypass system in 'bypass' position.
3. Make sure the electromechanical controller of the
water softener is 'in service'.
4. Open the mains water supply.
5. Open a cold treated water faucet nearby the water
softener and let the water run for a few minutes until
all foreign material that may have resulted from the
installation is washed out; close the tap.
6. Gently pressurize the water softener, by putting it into
service:
factory bypass:
1. open the 'outlet' valve;
2. slowly open the 'inlet' valve.
3-valve bypass:
1. close the 'bypass' valve;
2. open the 'outlet' valve;
3. slowly open the 'inlet' valve.
7. After 2-3 minutes, open a cold treated water faucet
nearby the water softener and let the water run for a
few minutes until all air is purged from the installation;
close the tap.
8. Check the water softener and all hydraulic connections
for leaks.
ELECTROMECHANICAL CONTROL PANEL
9. Program the electromechanical controller (refer to
section ‘ELECTROMECHANICAL CONTROL PANEL’).
INITIATE A REGENERATION
10. Manually initiate a regeneration (refer to section
‘ELECTROMECHANICAL CONTROL PANEL’).
ADJUSTMENT RESIDUAL HARDNESS
When the water softener has returned to the service
position, it is possible, if necessary, to adjust the residual
hardness by means of the incorporated mixing valve.
The scale on the mixing valve has no absolute
indication, but serves only as a reference point.
The residual hardness at the outlet of the softener may
fluctuate, depending on the hardness of the untreated
water and the flow rate.
Default factory setting of the mixing valve is
completely closed (= no residual hardness).
11. Open a cold treated water faucet nearby the water
softener and regulate the flow rate to a ‘normal’ flow
rate.
12. Let the water run for half a minute and measure the
water hardness.
13. Adjust the residual hardness, by turning the
incorporated mixing valve screw ():
clockwise to decrease the residual hardness;
counter clockwise to increase the residual
hardness.
14. Let the water run for half a minute and measure the
water hardness again.
15. Repeat steps 13-14 until the desired residual
hardness is obtained.

ELECTROMECHANICAL CONTROL PANEL
Page 8
A clock plate
B time of regeneration window
C day indicator
D days skipper wheel
E skipper tabs
F actuator
G drain plunger
H locking screw
I brine/slow rinse section
J timer knob
K time of day window
POWER FAILURE
In the event of a power failure, the program will remain
unchanged, while the mechanical clock will stop;
consequently, in case of a power failure, the time of day
will not be maintained and will need to be set.
When the power failure occurs during the execution of an
automatic regeneration, the control valve will remain in
the regeneration position; when the power supply is re-
established, the control valve will resume the regeneration
from the point where it was interrupted.
SERVICE / REGENERATION MODE
In service mode the drain plunger (G) will be closed. The
actuator (F) should NOT be visible.
In regeneration mode the drain plunger (G) will be pushed
down by the actuator (F). The actuator (F) will be visible.
The control valve can be reset to service mode at any time
by slowly turning the timer knob counter clockwise until
the drain plunger (K) is released again by the actuator (F).
MANUAL REGENERATION
It is possible to manually initiate a regeneration.
1. Push in the skipper tab (E) that is aligned with the day
indicator (C).
2. Turn the timer knob (K) counter clockwise, until the
time of day in the time of day window (L) equals the
time of regeneration in the time of regeneration
window (B).
3. The time of day and the skipper tab (E) must be reset,
when the regeneration is terminated.
PROGRAMMING INSTRUCTIONS
Before starting the programming sequence, make sure
that the control valve is in the service mode.
1. TIME OF REGENERATION:
Turn the clock plate (A) until the desired time of
regeneration appears in the time of regeneration
window (B).
2. TIME OF DAY:
Turn the timer knob (K) counter clockwise until the
correct time of day on the clock gear appears in
the time of day window (L).
3. REGENERATION FREQUENCY:
With all skipper tabs (E) pulled out, rotate the
skipper wheel (D) until day “1” is aligned with the
day indicator (C);
push in skipper tabs (E) which correspond with the
desired days of regeneration.
The regeneration frequency, i.e. the number of days of
service after which the system needs to be regenerated,
must be calculated, by dividing the nominal exchange
capacity of the system (see Technical Specifications) by:
1. the local water hardness,
2. the daily water usage.
Example:
Micro Budget 6
Water hardness = 19 °f
Water usage = 500 L/day = 0,5 m³/day
Regen freq. = nominal exchange capacity
water hardn. x daily water usage
= 31 m³x°f
19 °f x 0,5 m³/day
= 3,2 days
Regenerate every 2 days

ELECTROMECHANICAL CONTROL PANEL
Page 9
4. REGENERATION CYCLE:
The length of the brine/slow rinse cycle has been
preset; it should only be adjusted by a technical service
person.
Turn the timer knob (K) counter clockwise until the
regeneration cams (I) are accessible;
loosen the locking screw (H);
rotate the upper cam:
-clockwise: to extend the cycle time (max. 60
min); do NOT rotate the upper cam too far, the
outer edge of the cams should form 1
continuous section!
-counter clockwise: to shorten the cycle time
(min. 30 min);
secure the locking screw (H).

MAINTENANCE
Page 10
BYPASSING THE WATER SOFTENER
Occasionally it may be necessary to put the unit
hydraulically in bypass, i.e. to isolate it from the water
distribution system; f.e.:
in case of an urgent technical problem;
when it needs to be removed for maintenance;
when it is not necessary to supply treated water to the
house/application (refill swimming pool, irrigation,...).
WITH FACTORY BYPASS (optional)
SERVICE POSITION
= inlet valve to water softener is OPEN
= outlet valve from water softener is OPEN
BYPASS POSITION
= inlet valve to water softener is CLOSED
= outlet valve from water softener is CLOSED
MAINTENANCE POSITION
= inlet valve to water softener is OPEN
= outlet valve from water softener is CLOSED
WITH 3-VALVE BYPASS SYSTEM (not included)
SERVICE POSITION
= bypass valve is CLOSED
= inlet valve to water softener is OPEN
= outlet valve to water softener is OPEN
BYPASS POSITION
= bypass valve is OPEN
= inlet valve to water softener is CLOSED
= outlet valve to water softener is CLOSED
MAINTENANCE POSITION
= bypass valve is OPEN
= inlet valve to water softener is OPEN
= outlet valve to water softener is CLOSED

MAINTENANCE
Page 11
WATER CONDITIONER SALT
The water softener needs 'brine' for its periodic
regenerations. This brine solution is made from water, that
is automatically dosed in the brine cabinet by the control
valve, and water conditioner salt.
The user should make sure that the brine cabinet is always
kept full of water conditioner salt. Therefore he should
periodically check the salt level inside the brine cabinet
and refill it if necessary. To open the salt cover:
Micro-4: flip the salt lid up. The salt lid can be removed
completely to facilitate refilling.
Micro-6: slide the salt lid forwards and remove it from
the brine cabinet.
Ideally the level of water conditioner salt inside the brine
cabinet is kept between 1/3 and 2/3. A lower level of
water conditioner salt can cause insufficient brine
saturation, resulting in a loss of softening capacity. A
higher level of water conditioner salt can cause salt
bridging (hard crust or salt bridges in the brine cabinet).
When you suspect salt bridging:
1. carefully pound on the outside of the brine cabinet to
break loose the salt bridges;
2. using a broom (or like blunt tool) carefully push the
salt to break it apart;
3. pour warm water over the top of the salt to dissolve it.
BRINE CABINET
To retain the appearance of the water softener, simply
wipe it with a damp cloth or clean it with a mild soap
solution; never use abrasive cleaners, ammonia or
solvents.
RESIN CLEANER
Other contaminants (f.e. iron) present in the feed water
can cause the resin bed to foul up, resulting in a loss of
softening capacity. An approved resin cleaner can be used
periodically to thoroughly clean the resin bed.
SANITIZING THE WATER SOFTENER
This water softener is manufactured from premium quality
material and assembled in safe conditions to assure it is
clean and sanitary. If installed and serviced correctly, this
water softener will not infect or contaminate your water
supply.
However, as in any 'device' plumbed-in in your water
distribution system, a proliferation of bacteria is possible,
especially in case of 'stagnant water'. As this is a time-
controlled water softener, it will automatically rinse the
resin bed periodically, even in case of low or absence of
water usage.
If the power supply to the water softener is disconnected
for a longer period of time, we recommend, when the
power supply is re-established, to manually initiate a
complete regeneration (refer to section
'ELECTROMECHANICAL CONTROL PANEL').

TROUBLESHOOTING
Page 12
PROBLEM
CAUSE
SOLUTION
Hard (untreated) water
to service
Open or defective bypass
Close or replace bypass
Water softener in regeneration
Wait until regeneration finishes or manually
advance regeneration to end
Excessive water usage
Initiate regeneration manually
No salt in brine cabinet
Add sal
t and initiate regeneration manually
Salt bridging
Break salt bridge(s) and initiate regeneration
manually
Change in raw water hardness
Measure the
hardness
of the incoming
untreated water and adjust programming
accordingly
Water softener fails to st
art a regeneration
Refer to problem “Water softener fails to start
a regeneration”
Control valve fails to draw brine
Refer to problem “Valve fails to draw brine”
Decreasing exchange capacity of resin
Clean or replace resin bed
Loss of resin
Refer to
problem “Loss of resin”
Leak at riser tube
Verify that riser tube is seated correctly and is
not cracked
Residual hardness in
treated water
Bypass not completely closed
Close bypass
Mixing valve open
Check position of mixing valve
Water softene
r fails to
start a regeneration
Faulty electrical supply
Verify electrical service (fuse, transformer,...)
Defective timer motor
Replace timer motor
Regeneration frequency not programmed
Program regeneration frequency
Body stem assembly switches con
tinuously
Check operating pressure; must be higher than
1,4 bar
Water softener uses
too much salt
Excessive water in brine cabinet
Refer to problem “Excessive water in brine
cabinet”
Water softener regenerates too frequently
Verify regeneration freque
ncy
Excessive water in
brine cabinet
Improper setting of float on brine valve
Verify setting of float on brine valve
Defective brine valve
Verify brine valve
Salt taste in treated
water
Excessive water in brine tank
Refer to problem “Excessive water in
brine
tank”
Injector clogged or undersized
Verify injector
Improper brine/slow rinse time setting
Verify that brine/slow rinse time corresponds
to the proper salt level and amount of resin
Loss of water pressure
Mineral or iron build
-
up in resin tan
k
Clean resin bed and control valve; increase
regeneration frequency
Plugged lower and/or upper distributor
Verify that distributors are free of debris
Crushed lower and/or upper distributor
Replace distributor(s)
Drain line from control
valve flows
continuously
Water softener in regeneration
Wait until regeneration finishes or manually
advance regeneration to end
Faulty electrical supply
Verify electrical service (fuse, transformer,...)
Drain plunger stuck in open position
Clean drain plunger
Defective timer motor
Replace timer motor
Drain line from brine
cabinet overflow flows
continuously
Excessive water in brine cabinet
Refer to problem “Excessive water in brine
cabinet”
Leak between control valve and pressure tank
Verify seal between c
ontrol valve and pressure
tank
Loss of resin
Lower and/or upper distributor damaged
Replace distributor(s)
Leak between riser tube and upper distributor
Verify that riser tube is seated correctly and is
not cracked

TROUBLESHOOTING
Page 13
PROBLEM
CAUSE
SOLUTION
Valve f
ails to draw
brine
Low operating pressure
Check operating pressure; must be higher than
1,4 bar
Plugged injector and or brine restrictor
Clean injector and or brine restrictor
Plugged injector filter
Clean injector filter
Restricted drain line
Veri
fy drain line for kinks or restrictions
Restricted brine line
Verify brine line for kinks or restrictions
Leak in brine line
Verify brine line and connections for air
leakage
No water in brine tank
Verify functioning and setting of float on brine
valve

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Page 14
Technical specifications:
Model Budget
Resin 4 6
Operating pressure min/max (bar) 1,4/8,3
Operating temperature min/max (°C) 2/48
Electrical connection (V/Hz) 230/50
(2
)
Maximum power consumption (VA) 1
Hydraulic connection inlet/outlet ¾” BSP Male
(1) Supplied with 24 V transformer
Performances @ 3 bar operating pressure and brining of 125gr/Ltr of resin(2):
Model Budget
Resin 4 6
Nominal exchange capacity (m³x°f) 19 31
Nominal exchange capacity (m³x°d) 11 17
Salt usage per regeneration (kg) 0,5 0,8
Exchange capacity per kg salt (m³x°f) 41
Exchange capacity per kg salt (m³x°d) 23
Recommended maximum service flow (m³/hr) 0,4 0,6
Rinse water usage per regeneration (@ 3 bars) (Ltr)
(3)
32 33
(1) Indicative numbers, performances depending on operating conditions and water quality
(2) @ preset regeneration cycle of 30 min.
Dimensions and weights:
Model Budget
Resin 4 6
Width (mm) (W) 190 203
Width, including bypass (mm) 250 250
Height (mm) (H) 495 635
Depth (mm) (D) 350 406
Depth, including bypass (mm) 510 554
Height inlet/outlet (mm) 385 525
Height inlet/outlet, including bypass (mm) 391 531
Weight (kg) 8,5 11,5
Weight, including bypass (kg) 9,0 12,0
Maximum salt storage capacity (kg) 10 15