OM-HY-3E
5
The optional second water connection can reduce
treated water requirements.
New models have a fuse box mounted on
the rear.
Water Conditioning
It is essential to supply the steam generator with water
that will not form scale. Even though the steam
generator is engineered to minimize scale formation,
scale development depends on water hardness and
the number of hours per day you operate the
equipment. In some areas, water is low enough in
mineral content to avoid scale formation. But most
water supplies are full of minerals which form scale. It
is this scale which could lead to an early component
failure.
Your water utility can tell you about the minerals in your
water. For the steam generator's water level sensing
system to function properly, the water must conduct
electrical current. This typically requires it to have a
minimum of 40 parts per million (ppm) total dissolved
solids (TDS) as measured with a Groen Test Kit (P/N
110889). At high TDS concentrations, however,
serious scaling problems may occur. Consult your local
water utility for information and referral regarding
effective water treatment in your area. Please follow
these simple precautions:
1. Do not rely on unproven water treatments
which are sold for scale prevention or scale
removal. The best way to prevent scale is to
supply water with minimum levels of dissolved
solids (but at least 40 ppm TDS).
2. If your water contains scale-forming minerals, as
most water does, use a well-maintained water
softener. Whether an exchangeable softener
cartridge or a regenerating system is chosen, a
regular replacement or regeneration program is
essential.
IMPORTANT: ENSURE ANY WATER TREATMENT
SYSTEM DELIVERS SUFFICIENT WATER VOLUME
AND FLOW RATE.
3. Installing a water meter between the softener and
the steamer will provide an accurate gauge of
water use, and will help determine when to
exchange cartridges or regenerate the softener.
Using a water softener will provide longer
generator life, higher steam capacity, and reduce
maintenance requirements.
4. If you notice a slowdown in steam production, have
the unit checked for scale build-up. Heavy scale
reduces the unit’s ability to boil water, and can
even cause heating elements in the steam
generator to overheat and burn out.
Groen Steamers are also available with an option for
two separate water intakes — one for the steam
generator (soft water), the other for the spray
condenser (untreated water). The steam generator
only uses 14 to 31% of a steamer’s water.
Since softener systems are typically sized by total
GPH (gallons per hour), the second intake could
reduce treatment requirements by up to 80%,
resulting in significant savings.
On the HY-3E, the twin water connections are side
by side on the rear of the unit. When facing the back
of the unit, the treated (softened) water intake is on
the right.
