Grunbeck softliQ:MD Series User manual

We understand water.
Water softener |softliQ:MD
Operation manual

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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 operation manual. Without the written consent of
Grünbeck Wasseraufbereitung GmbH, no part of this manual may be reproduced in any way, nor
may any part be processed, duplicated or distributed using electronic systems.
Non-compliance of the aforementioned requirements shall be subject to compensation.
Subject to technical modifications.
© by Grünbeck Wasseraufbereitung GmbH
Translation of the original operation manual
Edition of the operation manual: May 2019
Order-no.: TD3-BM002en_004

Table of contents
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Table of contents
Table of contents................................................................ 3
1About this instruction............................................... 4
1.1 Other applicable documents ...................................... 4
1.2 Target group .............................................................. 4
1.3 Storage of the documents.......................................... 4
1.4 Symbols used ............................................................ 4
1.5 Typographical conventions ........................................ 5
1.6 Validity of the instruction............................................ 5
1.7 Type plate .................................................................. 6
2Safety ......................................................................... 7
2.1 Safety measures........................................................ 7
2.2 Technical safety instructions...................................... 8
2.3 Regulations................................................................ 8
2.4 Responsibilities of the specialist installer................... 8
2.5 Responsibilities of the owner / user ........................... 9
2.6 Permitted regenerant ................................................. 9
3Product description ................................................ 10
3.1 Intended use ............................................................ 10
3.2 Product components................................................ 11
3.3 Functional description.............................................. 12
3.4 Function ................................................................... 13
3.5 Features................................................................... 13
3.6 Product registration.................................................. 15
3.7 Accessories ............................................................. 15
3.8 Inputs and outputs of the control unit....................... 17
4Installation ............................................................... 19
4.1 Requirements for the installation site....................... 20
4.2 Check the scope of supply....................................... 21
4.3 Installing the product................................................ 22
5Start-up .................................................................... 25
5.1 How to start up the product...................................... 25
5.2 Handing over the product to the owner / user.......... 31
6Operation ................................................................. 32
6.1 Touch display........................................................... 32
6.2 Menu structure......................................................... 36
6.3 Connection to Grünbeck Cloud................................ 39
6.4 Refilling salt tablets.................................................. 46
6.5 Starting a manual regeneration ............................... 47
6.6 Determining and entering the water hardness......... 47
6.7 Select regeneration time.......................................... 49
6.8 Installer level (code 005) ..........................................49
6.9 Sending an email if there is a malfunction ................52
7Cleaning, inspection, maintenance........................53
7.1 Cleaning ...................................................................53
7.2 Inspection .................................................................54
7.3 Intervals ....................................................................54
7.4 Maintenance .............................................................55
7.5 Consumables............................................................57
7.6 Spare parts ...............................................................57
7.7 Wearing parts ...........................................................58
8Malfunction...............................................................59
8.1 Display messages ....................................................59
8.2 Other observations ...................................................63
9Shut-down and restart.............................................64
9.1 Shut-down ................................................................64
9.2 Restart ......................................................................64
10 Dismantling and disposal .......................................65
10.1 Dismantling...............................................................65
10.2 Disposal....................................................................66
11 Technical specifications .........................................67
12 Other information.....................................................69
12.1 Sodium content in the water .....................................69
12.2 Hardness ranges ......................................................69
13 Operation log............................................................70
1st maintenance ................................................................71
2nd maintenance...............................................................72
3rd maintenance................................................................73
4th maintenance................................................................74
5th maintenance................................................................75
6th maintenance................................................................76
EC Declaration of Conformity ..........................................77
Index...................................................................................78

About this instruction
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1 About this instruction
1.1 Other applicable documents
The following documents also apply in the case of the softliQ:MD:
●For Grünbeck's technical service / authorised service company:
Technical service manual of water softener softliQ:MD,
order-no.: TD4-BM001
●The manuals of all accessories used.
1.2 Target group
The intended audience for this manual is comprised of specialist installers and owner-users.
1.3 Storage of the documents
Keep this instruction and all other applicable documents, so that they are available when
needed.
1.4 Symbols used
This symbol identifies instructions 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 is only allowed to 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 carried out by qualified electrical experts
according to 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 instruction:
Description
Depiction
Handling instruction
One-step or chronological sequence of
steps does not matter
Action
Handling instruction
multi-step and chronological sequence of
action steps important
1. First action
a first step
b second step
2. Second action
Result after a handling instruction
» Result
Lists
●List item
•List sub-item
Menu paths
Status level>Menu level>Submenu
Display texts
Display text
Operating elements
Button / key
1.6 Validity of the instruction
This instruction applies to the following products:
●Water softener softliQ:MD32
●Water softener softliQ:MD38

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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
enquiries or orders.
►Enter the necessary information in the table below to have it readily available
whenever necessary.
Item
Designation
Item
Designation
1
Observe operation manual
2
Disposal information
3
SVGW test mark
4
DVGW test mark
5
CE mark
6
Nominal pressure
7
Operating pressure
8
Ambient temperature
9
Water temperature
10
Rated voltage range / frequency
11
Rated load
12
Protection / protection class
13
Product designation
14
QR code
15
Data matrix code
16
Order no.
17
Serial no.
Overview
●Product designation: Water softener softliQ:MD___________
●Order no.: 187_____________
●Serial no.: BM_____________

Safety
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2 Safety
WARNING: Contamination of drinking water due to incorrect handling.
●Risk of infectious diseases.
►Have the installation, commissioning and annual maintenance carried out by
specialist installers.
2.1 Safety measures
●Carefully read this manual before operating your product.
●Only operate the product if all components are installed properly.
●Only have persons working on your product who have read and understood
this manual and that are qualified to do such work on account of their vocational
training.
●Keep your product permanently connected to the power and water supply.
●Safety devices must never be removed, bridged or otherwise tampered with.
●Do not operate any 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.
●Observe the maintenance intervals (refer to chapter 7). Failure to comply can result
in microbiological contamination of your drinking water installation.
●Children are not allowed to play with the product.
●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 understand the resulting hazards.
●Cleaning and maintenance must not be carried out by children.

Safety
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2.2 Technical safety instructions
This manual contains 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
►Measures for avoidance
The following signal words are defined depending on the degree of danger, and can be used
in this manual:
●DANGER means that death or serious injury will result.
●WARNING means that death or serious injury can result.
●CAUTION means that minor bodily injuries can occur.
●NOTE (without warning triangle) means that property damage can occur.
2.3 Regulations
Comply with the following regulations and directives, amongst others, during installation,
start-up and maintenance:
●Statutory regulations on environmental protection
●Provisions of the employers' liability insurance companies
●DIN EN 806 Specifications for installations inside buildings conveying water for
human consumption
●VDI 6023 Part 5 –7 Specifications for installations inside buildings conveying water
for human consumption
2.4 Responsibilities of the specialist installer
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.
●Instruct the owner-user about possible dangers that can arise during operation of
the product.
●Fill in the operation log (refer to chapter 13)

Safety
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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 instruction.
2.6 Permitted regenerant
softliQ water softeners are only allowed to be operated with the following regeneration agent:
●Salt tablets according to DIN EN 973 type A

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 water softener softliQ:MD32 is designed for the continuous supply of 1 to
8 family homes (max. 20 persons) with soft water.
●The water softener softliQ:MD38 is designed for the continuous supply of 1 to
12 family homes (max. 30 persons) with soft water.

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3.2 Product components
Item
Description
Item
Description
1
Connection block
2
Shut-off valve for raw water
3
Shut-off valve for soft water
4
Draining valve
5
Control (display)
6
Brine tank lid
7
Salt supply display sensor
8
Illuminated LED ring
9
Cover for connections (customer interface)
10
Water connection pipes
11
Housing of technical equipment, upper part
12
Housing of technical equipment, lower part
13
Brine valve
14
Brine tank
15
Sieve bottom
16
Exchanger 2
17
Exchanger tank 1
18
Control valves
19
Water test kit "total hardness“
20
Water sensor

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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.

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3.3.2 Intelligence of the water softener softliQ:MD
Based on the consumption values of the past 4 weeks, the system capacity is automatically
adjusted to the individual water consumption of the owner / user. SoftliQ water softeners
offer several selection options (= modes of operation). The factory setting is Comfort. In case
of considerable fluctuations in the water consumption, however, it is possible to switch to the
Power mode in the Settings. With low water consumption, Eco offers an energy and
resource-saving option.
The currently setting is displayed in Information menu 1.
A regeneration is triggered daily, 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 no water is
consumed. The point of regeneration can also be set at a fixed time. Should water be
required during the regeneration process, non-softened water is available.
During each regeneration, only the used-up system capacity is regenerated. and only as
much salt is used as necessary. No later than after 4 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.
3.4 Function
The water softener softliQ:MD offers 5 selections:
●Comfort (factory-setting)
Optimum use of resources and system output.
●Eco
Minimum use of resources in case of normal consumption.
●Power
Maximum performance for highest demands.
●Individual
To enter your individual user profile.
●Fix
To enter a permanently fixed capacity figure without looking at the past and
adjusting the capacity figure.
3.5 Features
3.5.1 Salt supply display
Once per regeneration, a light sensor briefly checks the filling level of the regeneration salt.
If the filling level is below the minimum, the control unit provides feedback in the form of a

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warning message. This is shown by a yellow symbol in the control unit. The control unit of
the softliQ:MD32 and softliQ:MD38 calculates how many days the salt supply is expected to
last, and shows this value in days in the warning message.
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.
3.5.2 Illuminated LED ring
The illuminated LED ring is used as a visual signal in water treatment, operation and fault. In
the standard setting, the illuminated LED ring behaves as follows:
●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
The illuminated LED ring can be set to continuous illumination or be deactivated completely
(refer to chapter 6.2).
3.5.3 Water sensor
The water sensor detects water at the installation location of the softliQ, provides
information via the softliQ control or the Grünbeck myProduct app, and triggers an audio
signal (if activated).
3.5.4 Electronically controlled blending
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.

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3.6 Product registration
You have the following options to register your product:
●Registration on Grünbeck's website (www.gruenbeck.com).
●Registration using the Grünbeck myProduct app (refer to chapter 6.3).
●Registration via the enclosed postcard.
Registration extends your warranty by 1 year.
3.7 Accessories
You can retrofit accessories to your product. Pleasecontact your local Grünbeck representative
or Grünbeck’s headquarters in Hoechstaedt for details.
Image
Product
Order no.
Dosing computer EXADOS EK 6
115 100
Dosing computer EXADOS ES 6
115 200
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.
Only suitable for softliQ:SD23 and softliQ:MD.

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Image
Product
Order no.
Drain connection DN 50
188 875
For professional installation acc. to DIN EN 1717.
Extension set for connection hoses DN25
(MD32)
187 860e
Extension kit for connection hoses DN32
(MD38)
187 680e
To extend the hose to 1.6 m.
90 ° connection angle - 1" (2 pieces)
(MD32)
187 865
To direct the connection hoses closer along the softliQ in case of confined installation conditions.

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3.8 Inputs and outputs of the control unit
The control unit features voltage-free inputs and outputs. The functions are described in
chapter 6.8.
3.8.1 Data board
Item
Description
Item
Description
1
LAN connection
2
iQ-Comfort 1
(for networking Grünbeck products)
3
iQ-Comfort 2
(for networking Grünbeck products)
4
Water sensor (digital input)
If another function is required for the digital input, the water sensor must be disconnected.
Cables LiYY 2x0.5 mm² or comparable should be used as connecting line. A larger line
cross-section is unsuitable.
Water sensor pin assignment (digital input):
●Terminal top + terminal middle = water sensor
●Terminal bottom + terminal middle = regeneration triggering or regeneration lock
No voltage signals are allowed to be applied to any of the 3 terminals.

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3.8.2 Power board
Warning: Fatal shock hazard.
●Contact with live parts may result in injury.
►Make sure that the product is in a voltage-free state (pull out the mains plug)
before removing the protection against accidental contact.
The power circuit board is located under the protection against accidental contact.
1. Remove the protection against accidental contact to access the power circuit board.
Item
Description
Item
Description
1
Protection against contact
2
Fault signal contact (upper two terminals)
max. 230 V/max. 1 A
(factory setting N.C.)
3
Programmable output (lower two terminals)
e.g. connection of the regeneration water deliverypump
max. 230 V/max. 1 A
(factory setting regeneration water delivery pump)
2. Use the following connection cables for connection to the fault alarm contact or the
programmable output:
●Flexible cables of quality H05xx F 2x0.75 mm² or comparable, because consumers
operated with mains voltage may be connected. A larger line cross-section is
unsuitable.
3. After the connection has been made, attach the protection against accidental
contact.

Installation
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4 Installation
The installation of a water softener represents a major intervention into the drinking water
system and only a specialist installer should install these systems.
Item
Description
Item
Description
1
Safety device protectliQ
2
Drinking water filter pureliQ:KD
3
Garden water pipe
4
Water withdrawal point
5
EXADOS dosing computer
6
Drain connection DN 50 acc. to DIN EN 1717
The connection block can be installed horizontally or vertically in the drinking water system.
No dosing can be connected in a vertical installation.

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4.1 Requirements for the installation site
Observe local installation directives, general guidelines and technical specifications.
●The installation site must be frost-proof and ensure the product is protected from
chemicals, dyes, solvents and vapours.
●If the softened water is intended for human consumption in the sense of the
German Drinking Water Ordinance, the ambient temperature must not exceed
25 °C. For applications that are purely technical, the ambient temperature must not
exceed 40 °C.
●Always install a drinking water filter and, if required, a pressure reducer (e.g. fine
filter pureliQ:KD) upstream of the product.
●A shock-proof socket is required within a distance of approx. 1.2 m of the system.
The socket requires a permanent power supply and must not be connected to light
switches, emergency heating switches or similar devices.
●A drain connection (DN 50) must be available to discharge the regeneration water.
●There must be a water withdrawal point near the product.
●A floor drain suitable for the system size must be available at the installation site
or a protection device e.g. protectliQ or a protection device with water stop of the
same quality must be installed.
●Ensure that lifting systems are resistant to salt water or use our regeneration water
delivery pump (refer to chapter 3.7).