Grunbeck softliQ:MC User manual

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Water Softener | softliQ:MC
Operation manual

Central Contact
Germany
Sales
Phone [phone]
Technical Service
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
Availability
Monday to Thursday
7:00 am – 6:00 pm
Friday
7:00 am – 4:00 pm
Your local point of contact: see
accompanying list of
representatives
Copyright
The manufacturer reserves the copyright to this manual. No part of this manual may be reproduced
in any way without the written permission of Grünbeck Wasseraufbereitung GmbH, nor may any part
be processed, duplicated or disseminated using electronic systems.
Violations of the aforementioned requirements shall be subject to compensation.
We reserve the right to modifications.
© by Grünbeck Wasseraufbereitung GmbH
Translation of the original operation manual
Edition of the operation manual: August 2018
Order no.: TD3-BM000en_064

Table of contents
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Table of contents
1About this manual............................................... 4
1.1Other applicable documents................................4
1.2Target group........................................................4
1.3Storage of documents..........................................4
1.4Symbols used...................................................... 4
1.5Typographical conventions..................................5
1.6Validity of the manual ..........................................6
1.7Type plate............................................................7
2Safety................................................................... 8
2.1Safety measures..................................................8
2.2Technical safety instructions................................ 9
2.3Regulations..........................................................9
2.4Responsibilities of the specialist installer and/or
the specialist company ......................................10
2.5Responsibilities of the owner/user..................... 10
2.6Permitted regenerant.........................................10
3Product description..........................................11
3.1Intended use......................................................11
3.2Product components..........................................11
3.3Functional description........................................12
3.4Features............................................................. 13
3.5Product registration............................................14
3.6Accessories.......................................................15
4Control unit........................................................ 17
4.1Overview............................................................17
4.2Displays.............................................................17
4.3Navigating the control unit................................. 19
4.4Menu structure...................................................20
4.5Code-protected levels........................................22
4.6"myGrünbeck" app.............................................24
4.7Peer-to-peer connection....................................25
4.8Connection via Wi-Fi router............................... 26
4.9Sending an email if there is a malfunction......... 31
5Installation......................................................... 33
5.1Requirements in relation to the installation site.33
5.2Checking the scope of supply............................35
5.3Installing the product..........................................35
6Start-up.............................................................. 40
6.1Starting up the product ......................................40
6.2Hand over the product to the owner/user togehter
with the operation manual ..................................44
7Operation............................................................45
7.1Retrieving information.........................................45
7.2Starting a manual regeneration..........................46
7.3Settings...............................................................47
7.4Select regeneration time.....................................48
7.5Setting the current date and time .......................48
7.6Setting the time of the fixed regeneration...........48
7.7Determining and entering the water hardness....49
7.8Refilling salt tablets.............................................51
8Cleaning, inspection, maintenance..................52
8.1Cleaning .............................................................52
8.2Inspection...........................................................53
8.3Maintenance.......................................................53
8.4Consumables......................................................55
8.5Spare parts.........................................................55
8.6Wearing parts.....................................................56
9Troubleshooting.................................................57
9.1Display messages ..............................................57
9.2Other observations.............................................61
10Shut-down and restart.......................................62
10.1Shut-down ..........................................................62
10.2Restart................................................................62
11Dismantling and disposal.................................63
11.1Dismantling.........................................................63
11.2Disposal..............................................................63
12Technical specifications...................................65
13Other information...............................................67
13.1Explanation of terminology.................................67
13.2Sodium content in the water...............................67
13.3Hardness ranges................................................68
14Operation log......................................................69

About this manual
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1 About this manual
1.1 Other applicable documents
The following documents shall be deemed as applicable documents for the softliQ:MC:
● For Grünbeck's technical service/authorised service company:
Technical service manual for softliQ:MC water softener
Order no.: TD4-BM000en
● In addition, the manuals of all accessories used do apply.
1.2 Target group
This manual is intended for specialist installers and owners/users.
1.3 Storage of documents
Keep this manual and all other applicable documents, so that they are available when
needed. Make sure that your specialist installer enters the proper start-up and annual
maintenance in the operation log in chapter 14 .
1.4 Symbols used
This symbol identifies information and instructions and that you must comply with for your
personal safety as well as to avoid damage to property.
This symbol identifies information and instructions that you must comply with in order to
avoid damage to property.
This symbol identifies important information about the product or its handling.
This symbol identifies work that may only be carried out by a specialist installer. In
Germany, the installation company must be registered in an installation directory of a water
supply company acc. to §12(2) AVB Wasser V (German Ordinance on General Conditions
for the Supply of Water).
This symbol designates tasks that may only be performed by Grünbeck's technical
service/authorised service company or by specialist installers trained by Grünbeck.
This symbol identifies work that may only be performed by electronically trained personnel
in accordance with the VDE guidelines or according to the guidelines of similar local
institutions.

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1.5 Typographical conventions
The following typographical conventions are used in this manual:
1.5.1 Menu paths
Menu paths are shown in a different font. The sequence of the menus is indicated by the ">"
sign.
Status level>Menu level>Manual regeneration
1.5.2 Menu items
Menu items, e.g. within a software menu, are highlighted in grey.
Menu item
1.5.3 Buttons
Buttons are depicted with a dotted frame.
Button
1.5.4 Instructions
Single-step instructions or instructions where the sequence of the actions is unimportant are
indicated as follows:
► Action
Multi-step instructions where the sequence of the steps must be observed are indicated as
follows:
1. First step (level 1)
a - First subdivision of the step (level 2)
b - Second subdivision of the step (level 2)
2. Second step (level 1)
Results of an instruction are indicated as follows:
» Result

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1.5.5 Lists
Bullet points used:
● First bullet point (level 1)
• First bullet point (level 2)
• Second bullet point (level 2)
● Second bullet point (level 1)
1.6 Validity of the manual
This manual applies to the following products:
● Water softener softliQ:MC32
● water softener softliQ:MC38
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1.7 Type plate
The type plate is located under the lid of the brine tank.
Please specify the data shown on the type plate in order to speed up the processing of your
inquiries or orders. Therefore enter the necessary information in the table below to have it
readily available whenever necessary.
Item Designation Item Designation
1 Brine tank lid 2 Pre-alarm salt supply
3 Observe operation manual 4 Disposal information
5 SVGW test mark 6 DVGW test mark
7 EAC mark 8 CE mark
9 Nominal pressure 10 Ambient temperature
11 Power supply 12 Power input
13 Protection class 14 Product designation
15 QR code 16 Data matrix code
17 Order no. 18 Serial no.
● Product designation: Water softener softliQ:MC__
● Order no.: 187___
● Serial no.: ________________
2
3 8
9
16
14
13
15
10
12
18
17
176
5
4
11

Safety
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2 Safety
WARNING: Contamination of drinking water due to improper handling.
● Risk of infectious diseases.
► Have the installation, start-up and annual maintenance carried out by specialist
installers only.
2.1 Safety measures
● Carefully read this manual before operating your product.
● Install the product in a frost-free room. Otherwise, the system may suffer
irreparable damage. Water damage may occur as a result.
● Only use genuine spare parts for maintenance or repair. If unsuitable spare parts
are used, the warranty for your product will be void.
● Do not use products which have a damaged power supply cable. This can lead to
injuries due to electric shock. Have damaged power supply cables replaced without
delay.
● Mains cables may only be replaced by the manufacturer or by authorised
personnel.
● Comply with the hygiene instructions in chapter 8. Failure to comply can result in
microbiological contamination of your drinking water installation.
● Only have persons working on your system that have read and understood the
present manual and that are qualified to do such work based on their vocational
training.
● Only operate the product if all components are installed properly.
● Safety devices must never be removed, bridged or otherwise tampered with.
● This product can be used by children over 8 years of age and persons with limited
abilities or lack of experience if they are supervised or instructed in the safe use of
the product and do understand the resulting hazards.
● Cleaning and maintenance must not be carried out by children.
● Keep the product away from children.

Safety
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2.2 Technical safety instructions
This manual contains information and instructions that you must comply with for your
personal safety as well as to avoid damage to property. The information and instructions are
highlighted by a warning triangle and have the following structure:
CAUTION: Type and source of danger.
● Possible consequences
► Preventive measures
The following signal words are defined according to the degree of danger, and may be used
in this document:
● DANGER means that serious or fatal injuries will occur if the corresponding
precautionary measures are not taken.
● WARNING means that serious or fatal injuries may occur if the corresponding
precautionary measures are not taken.
● CAUTION means that damage to property may occur if the corresponding
precautionary measures are not taken.
● NOTE (without a warning triangle) means that damage to property may occur if the
corresponding safety measures are not taken.
2.3 Regulations
When installing and starting up the system, amongst others, comply with the following
regulations and guidelines:
● Statutory regulations on environmental protection
● Provisions of the employers' liability insurance company
● DIN EN 806 Specifications for installations inside buildings conveying water for
human consumption
● VDI 6023 Parts 5 to 7

Safety
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2.4 Responsibilities of the specialist installer and/or the
specialist company
Comply with the following instructions to ensure the proper and safe functioning of the
product:
● Only perform activities described in this manual.
● Perform all activities in accordance with all applicable standards and regulations.
● Brief the owner/user on the function and operation of the product.
● Advise the owner/user of the maintenance of the product.
● Inform the owner/user about possible dangers that can arise during operation of
the product.
2.5 Responsibilities of the owner/user
Comply with the following instructions to ensure the proper and safe functioning of the
product:
● Arrange for a specialist installer to carry out installation, start-up and maintenance.
● Have the product explained to you by the specialist installer.
● Only perform activities described in this manual.
● Do not carry out any activities that are explicitly marked for a specialist installer.
● Only use this product as intended.
● Make sure that the required inspection and maintenance work is carried out.
● Keep this manual.
2.6 Permitted regenerant
The softliQ:MC water softener may only be operated with the following regenerant:
● Salt tablets according to EN 973 type A
Other regenerants are not allowed.

Product description
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3 Product description
3.1 Intended use
● The softliQ water softener may only and exclusively be used for the softening and
partial softening of cold drinking water.
● The softliQ water softener protects water pipes and connected water-carrying
systems from scaling or from malfunctions and damage caused by scaling.
● The softliQ:MC32 water softener is designed for the continuous supply of houses
of 1 up to 8 units (max. 20 persons) with soft water.
● The softliQ:MC38 water softener is designed for the continuous supply of houses
of 3 up to 12 units (max. 30 persons) with soft water.
3.2 Product components
Item Designation Item Designation
1 Connection block 2 Shut-off valve for raw water
3 Shut-off valve for soft water 4 Control unit
5 Brine valve 6 Housing of technical equipment, lower part
7 Exchanger 2 8 Exchanger 1
9 Housing of technical equipment, upper part 10 Water test kit "total hardness“
11 Sieve bottom 12 Brine tank
13 Illuminated LED ring 14 Brine tank lid
15 Control valves
2 3
1 4
5
67
15
9 10
11
12
14
13
8

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3.3 Functional description
3.3.1 Ion exchange process
The softliQ water softener works according to the ion exchange process. The exchange of
calcium and magnesium ions for sodium ions causes the water to become soft.
Figure Explanation
The exchanger contains ion exchanger resin in the form of small resin
beads.
Sodium ions adhere to each resin bead.
Hard water containing lots of calcium and magnesium ions flows through
the exchanger.
The ion exchanger resin absorbs calcium and magnesium ions from the
water in exchange for sodium ions.
This reaction is called ion exchange.
The calcium and magnesium ions are retained in the exchanger.
Soft water without calcium and magnesium ions, but containing sodium
ions, leaves the exchanger.
This process continues until no more sodium ions are available. The ion
exchanger resin is exhausted.
The exchange can be reversed if a large amount of sodium ions is
added.
The exchanger is rinsed with brine (water containing salt).
By their sheer number, sodium ions displace calcium and magnesium
ions on the ion exchanger resin.
This water containing calcium and magnesium ions is discharged to the
drain.
The initial condition is restored.
The ion exchanger resin is regenerated, and thus ready for operation.
Sodium ion Calcium ion Magnesium ion
Your dishwasher works according to the ion exchange process, too.

Product description
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3.3.2 Intelligence of the softliQ:MC water softener
Based on the consumption values of the past four weeks, the system capacity is
automatically adjusted to the individual water consumption of the owner/user.
A regeneration is released, if at least 50 % of the current system capacity is used up. The
point of regeneration automatically is placed in a time period where usually little water is
consumed. The point of regeneration can also be set at a fixed time.
During each regeneration, only the used-up system capacity is regenerated and only as
much salt is used as necessary. No later than after four days without regeneration, the
system releases a complete regeneration, as required by DIN standard 19636-100, for
hygienic reasons.
The intelligence of the softliQ water softener allows for an efficient operation at the lowest
salt and power consumption possible.
3.3.3 Function
The softliQ:MC water softener features four modes (selections):
● Eco
Minimum use of resources in case of normal consumption.
● Power
Maximum performance for highest demands.
● Comfort
Optimum use of resources and system performance.
● Individual
To enter your own user profile.
3.4 Features
3.4.1 Electronically controlled blending unit
The electronically controlled blending unit automatically regulates the ratio between fully
softened water and raw water. The regulation is subject to the raw and soft water hardness
programmed in the control unit.

Product description
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3.4.2 Pre-alarm salt supply
Once per regeneration, a light sensor checks the filling level of the regeneration salt. If the
filling level of the regeneration salt is low, the control unit provides feedback in the form of a
warning message. This is shown by a yellow symbol in the control unit. If the level falls below
the minimum filling level, the control unit calculates how many days the salt supply is
expected to last and indicates this value in days.
The days the salt supply is expected to last are calculated based on the water consumption
of the past days. In case of fluctuating water consumption, the indicated range of the salt
supply also fluctuates.
3.4.3 Illuminated LED ring
The illuminated LED ring illuminates the brine tank and is a visual signal to indicate operating
states. The illuminated LED ring may be programmed to the following functions:
● Is illuminated during water treatment
● Is illuminated during operation of the control unit
● Intermittent flashing in case malfunctions do occur
● Intermittent flashing in case of pre-alarm salt supply
If desired, the illuminated LED ring can be set to continuous illumination or be deactivated
completely (refer to chapter 4.4).
3.5 Product registration
If you register your product, the warranty for this product will be extended by one year.
You have the following options to register your product:
● Registration on Grünbeck's website (www.gruenbeck.com).
● Registration using the myGrünbeck app (refer to chapter 4.6).

Product description
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3.6 Accessories
You can retrofit your product with accessories. Please contact your local Grünbeck
representative or Grünbeck’s headquarters in Hoechstaedt for details.
Figure Product Order no.
EXADOS dosing computer EK 6 softliQ:MC 115 570
EXADOS dosing computer ES 6 softliQ:MC 115 580
Electronically controlled dosing technology for corrosion protection or
to stabilise the total hardness.
Safety device protectliQ:A20 126 400
Product for protection against water damage in one- and two-family
homes.
For other sizes, please inquire.
Regeneration water delivery pump 188 800
To discharge the regeneration water into drain pipes located at a
higher level.
Drain connection DN 50 188 875
For professional installation acc. to DIN EN 1717.

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Figure Product Order no.
Extension kit for connection hoses DN25
(MC32)
187 660e
Extension kit for connection hoses DN32
(MC38)
187 680e
To extend the hose to 1.6 m.
90° connection angle – 1" (2x)
(MC32)
187 865
To direct the connection hoses closer along the softliQ in case of
confined installation conditions.

Control unit
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4 Control unit
4.1 Overview
Item Designation Item Designation
1 Display 4 ENTER key
2 HOME button 5 ▼ Down arrow key
3 ▲ Up arrow keys
Only those keys light up, which currently have a function assigned.
4.2 Displays
4.2.1 Status level
The status level is the basic display of your water softener. It provides you with information
on the current status. As standard, the display is switched off and only HOME is illuminated.
Pressing HOME briefly activates the display.
If the menu level is selected but no button is pressed for more than 2 minutes, the control
unit returns to the status level and the display turns off. Parameters that have not been
saved are discarded.
2
13
4
5

Control unit
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The following messages are displayed in the status level:
Figure Explanation
The water softener is working properly.
Yellow symbol
Service due!
Notify Grünbeck's technical service/authorised service company.
Yellow symbol
Salt supply low! Please refill! Still sufficient for xy days
Red symbol
Salt supply used up! Refill immediately!
The water softener is not working properly.
1. Refill salt.
2. Wait for 10 minutes.
3. Perform a manual regeneration (refer to chapter 7.2).
Red symbol
The water softener is not working properly. A malfunction has occurred
(refer to chapter 9.1).
Wi-Fi symbol
This is displayed when there is a Wi-Fi connection with a router.
4.2.2 Menu level

Control unit
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In the menu level, you may select the following submenus:
Figure Explanation
Information
This menu offers useful information on the water softener (refer to
chapter 7.1).
Manual regeneration
In this menu, you can manually release a regeneration (refer to
chapter 7.2).
Settings
In this menu, you can adapt your water softener individually (refer to
chapter 7.3).
Water hardness
In this menu, you can enter the values of the prevailing raw water and the
desired soft water hardness (refer to chapter 7.7).
Start-up
In this menu, you can start the automatic start-up program (refer to
chapter 6.1).
Technical service
The technical service menu is reserved for Grünbeck's technical
service/authorised service company and is protected by a code.
4.3 Navigating the control unit
Step Designation
HOME Call up the menu level from the status level
▼ or ▲ Scroll through the menu level
ENTER Select submenu
▼ or ▲ Scroll to the menu items
ENTER Activate value or selection
▼ or ▲ Change values or select setting
ENTER Accept value or setting
HOME Do not save value or setting (cancel procedure)
HOME Back to the menu level
HOME Back to the status level
HOME Call up the menu level from the status level

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4.4 Menu structure
For more information about the contents of the menu level, refer to chapter 7.
Menu level Menu items Values/settings
Information Information 1 During operation
Graphic depiction of the system capacity of each
exchanger (two blue symbols).
Indication of operating mode
Eco/Power/Comfort/Individual
During regeneration: Graphic depiction of the
operating state of each exchanger
 Grey symbol: Exchanger is being regenerated
 Blue symbol: Exchanger is in operation
Current regeneration step
Fill brine tank/salting/slow rinse/
backwash/washing out
Information 2 System flow rate
Days the salt supply is expected to last
Raw water hardness
Actual soft water hardness
Information 3 Regeneration counter
Soft water volume meter (0 °dH)
Password for app connection
Perform maintenance in xx days
(only if activated)
Information 4 Contact data,e.g. of your installer
Name/phone number/e-mail address
Manual
regeneration
- To start, press and hold ▼ and ▲ for 2 seconds.
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