Franklin Water Treatment PKLX Series Quick start guide

Franklin Water Treatment, LLC
12630 US Highway 33 N
Churubusco, IN 46723
Phone [phone] Fax [phone]
PKLXInstruction Manual231109.docx
PKLX Series
Catalytic Filter System
Installation Instructions and Owner’s Manual

1
Copyright ©2023, Franklin Water Treatment,LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Pre-installation Instructions
Page 2
General Installation
Page 4
Bypass Valve
Page 5
Installation Instructions
Page 6
General Operation
Page 10
Maintenance
Page 11
Troubleshooting Guide
Page 13
Specifications
Page 16
Component Parts Breakdown
Page 17
Component Parts List
Page 18
Control Valve Breakdown
Page 19
Control Valve Parts List
Page 20
Installation Fittings
Page 21
Ten Year Limited Warranty
Page 24
Table of Contents

2
Copyright ©2023, Franklin Water Treatment,LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Description of the iron filtration system
The PKLX catalytic filtration system includes a single filtration tank with a pocket of air and a backwashing control
valve. Incoming water flows into thecontrol valve and is directed into the filtration tank. Exposure to the air inthis
tank will start oxidizing the iron which is then trapped by the media. The iron/sulfur-free water then returns to the
control valve where it is directed into the service lines.
Periodically thecontrolvalve will go through a backwashcycle. This cycle will typically begin at 1:00 A.M. flushing
theaccumulatedirontothedrain. Partofthisbackwashingprocessincludesanairdraw cyclewhichwillreplenish
the pocket of air in the filter tank and prepare the unit for the next period of service.
Water Quality
While the PKLX filter will perform under a variety of water qualities there are a few things that need to be
considered to ensure satisfactory performance. The water should be tested to determine the concentration, or
levels of the items listed below.
pH - A measurement of the acidity of the water. pH is reported on a scale from 0 to 14. Neutral water has a pH
of 7.0, lower values indicate acidic water. The PKLX catalytic filter performs best when the pH is 7.0, or higher.
The catalytic media is typically able to elevate the pH of the water to the level needed for oxidation to occur.
Iron - A naturally occurring metallic element. Iron concentrations in excess of 0.3 milligrams/liter (mg/l) combine
with oxygen causing orange or red (rust) stains on plumbing fixtures. Iron naturally exists in some water sources
in either clear water (ferrous) state, red water (ferric) state or bacterial form. The PKLX catalytic filter can reduce
any of these forms of iron.
Manganese - A naturally occurring metallic element. Manganese concentrations as low as 0.05 milligrams/liter
(mg/l) can combine with oxygen to cause dark brown or black staining on fixtures. Additionally, manganese can
cause an odor in the water similar to a “rotten egg” smell. The PKLX catalytic filter reduces manganese as well
as iron. Manganese oxidation requires the pH of the water to be elevated to 8.2 or higher.
Tannin - A naturally occurring humic acid. Tannin is an acid caused by water passing through decaying
vegetation. Coffee and Tea are prime examples of tannin in water. As hot water passes over the coffee beans,
or tea leaves, the tannin is extracted causing color and flavor in the water. Tannin concentrations as low as 0.3
milligrams per liter can cause a yellow discoloration inthe water and may interferewith the PKLXfilter’s long-term
ability to function properly as the media becomes coated with the tannic acid.
Hydrogen Sulfide - A naturally occurring gas. Hydrogen sulfide, more commonly referred to as sulfur gas,
causes a distinct odor similar to “rotten eggs.” Due to its gaseous nature, hydrogen sulfide must be tested at the
well site within 1 minute of drawing the sample. If a water sample has been sitting for a while the sulfur gas will
dissipate and cause the hydrogen sulfide test to be lower than the actual concentration. If sulfur is present, the
filter should be set to backwash more frequently to prevent the gas from building up.
Pre-installation Instructions

3
Copyright ©2023, Franklin Water Treatment,LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Water Supply
This filter will function properly when the water supply is furnished by a jet pump, submersible pump, variable
speed (constant pressure) pump or community water supply. As with all other filter systems, however, it is
imperativethatthewellpumpprovidesenoughflowratefor thefiltertoadequatelybackwash. To ensuresufficient
backwash flow rate, the following pumping rate test should be performed prior to installing the PKLX. Backwash
flow rate required may vary from the installed DLFC depending on the media used with the filter.
1. Make certain no water is being drawn in the house.
2. Open spigot nearest pressure tank.
3. When well pump starts, close spigot and measure time (in seconds) to refillpressure tank (well pump
turns back off). This is Cycle Time.
4. Using a container of known volume, draw water from pressure tank and measure how many gallons
until the pump turns back on again. This is Draw Down.
5. Calculate pumping rate by dividing draw down by cycle time and multiplying by 60.
Draw Down (gallons)
X
60
=
Pumping Rate (gallons per minute)
Cycle Time (seconds)
Example: Draw down is 8 gallons
Cycle time is 65 seconds
Location Considerations
The proper location to install the PKLX will ensure optimum filter performance and satisfactory water quality. The
following factors should be considered in selecting the location of this system.
1. The PKLX must be installed after the pressure tank (private well system only).
2. The system should be installed as close as possible (preferably within 15’) to an adequate floor or
laundry drain capable of handling the backwash cycle volume and flow rate (refer to unit
specifications). An air gap should be provided between the PKLX drain line and plumbing drain.
3. All water conditioning equipment should be installed at least 10’ prior to the water heater. Water
temperatures exceeding 100°F can damage the internal components of the control valve and filter
tank. An expansion tank may need to be installed in the line to the water heater to allow for thermal
expansion and comply with local plumbing codes.
4. Water pressure must not exceed the range of 25 - 100 psi.
5. The system must not be subject to freezing temperatures.
6. The control valve requires 115/120 V, 60 Hz electricity from an outlet that is not wired to a switch.
7. Never installa cartridge type filter prior to the PKLX. Any cartridgeor in-line filter (if desired) may be
installed after the PKLX system. This will prevent restricting the water flow and pressure available
for backwash.
8. Appliances requiring extended periods of continuous or high flow water use (i.e. geothermal heat
pumps, swimming pools, lawn irrigation, outside hose bibs, etc.) should bypass the filter.
8 gallons
X
60
=
7.4 gpm (gallons per minute)
65 seconds
Pre-installation Instructions (cont.)

4
Copyright ©2023, Franklin Water Treatment,LLC. All Rights Reserved.
GENERAL INSTALLATION & SERVICE WARNINGS
The water conditioner is not designed to support the weight of plumbing.
Do not use Vaseline, oils, other hydrocarbon lubricants or spray silicone anywhere. A silicone lubricant may be
used on black “O” Rings. This will allow ease of installation and decrease chance of rolling from the bypass and
tank connections. Avoid any type of lubricants, including silicone, on red or clear lip seals.
Do not use pipe dope or other sealants on threads. Teflon®tape may be used as required. Teflon®tape is not
used on any connection where “O” Ring seals are used
The nuts and caps are designed to be unscrewed or tightened by hand or with the special plastic Service
Wrench, (CV3193, not included). If necessary, pliers can be used to unscrew the nut or cap. Do not use a pipe
wrench to tighten nuts or caps. Do not place screwdriver in slots on caps and/or tap with a hammer.
NOTE: If the plumbing system is used as the ground leg of the electric supply, continuity should be maintained
by installing ground straps around any non-conductive plastic piping or bypass used in the installation.
Make sure the filter is not installed backwards. The filter will not function properly if installed backwards and filter
media may be forced into the service lines. Arrows molded into the valve body and red handles of the bypass
indicate the direction of flow.
The PKLX has a check valve (OV32) installed in the inlet of the control valve. This check valve will prevent hot
water expansion in the plumbing. An expansion tank must be used on the water heater supply line to
allow for thermal expansion.
All local plumbing codes must be followed.
FIGURE 1: Typical Installation
General Installation
PKLX