Grunbeck softliQ:PA User manual

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Water softener | softliQ:PA
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. Without the written consent of Grünbeck
Wasseraufbereitung GmbH, no part of this manual is allowed to be reproduced in any way, nor is
any part allowed be processed, duplicated or distributed using electronic systems.
Contraventions of the aforementioned requirements shall be subject to compensation in damages.
We reserve the right to modifications.
© by Grünbeck Wasseraufbereitung GmbH
Translation of the original operation manual
Edition of the operation manual: June 2017
Order no.: TD3-BP000en_014

Table of contents
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Table of contents
1About this manual............................................... 4
1.1Other applicable documents................................4
1.2Intended audience...............................................4
1.3Storage of the 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For your safety.................................................... 8
2.1Safety measures..................................................8
2.2Technical safety instructions................................ 8
2.3Regulations..........................................................9
2.4Responsibilities of the specialist installer............. 9
2.5Responsibilities of the owner/user..................... 10
2.6Admissible regenerant.......................................10
3Product description..........................................11
3.1Intended use......................................................11
3.2Product components..........................................12
3.3Functional description........................................13
3.4Features............................................................. 15
3.5Product registration............................................15
3.6Accessories.......................................................16
4Control unit........................................................ 18
4.1Overview............................................................18
4.2Displays.............................................................18
4.3Navigating the control unit.................................20
4.4Menu structure...................................................21
4.5Code-protected levels........................................23
4.6"myGrünbeck" app.............................................25
4.7Peer-to-peer connection....................................26
4.8Connection via Wi-Fi router............................... 27
4.9Sending an e-mail if there is a malfunction........ 31
5Installation......................................................... 34
5.1Requirements at the installation site..................34
5.2Check the scope of supply.................................36
5.3Installing the product..........................................36
6Commissioning................................................. 41
6.1How to start up the product................................ 41
6.2Handing over the product to the owner/user......44
7Operation............................................................45
7.1Request information ...........................................45
7.2Starting a manual regeneration..........................47
7.3Settings...............................................................47
7.4Select regeneration time.....................................48
7.5Setting the current date and time .......................48
7.6Set 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...........................................................52
8.3Maintenance.......................................................53
8.4Consumables......................................................55
8.5Spare parts.........................................................55
8.6Wearing parts.....................................................56
9Fault....................................................................57
9.1Display messages ..............................................57
9.2Other observations.............................................60
10Shut-down and recommissioning....................61
10.1Shut-down ..........................................................61
10.2Recommissioning...............................................61
11Dismantling and disposal.................................62
11.1Dismantling.........................................................62
11.2Disposal..............................................................62
12Technical specifications...................................63
13Other information...............................................65
13.1Explanation of terminology.................................65
13.2Sodium content in the water...............................65
13.3Hardness ranges................................................66
14Operation log......................................................67
EC Declaration of Conformity....................................73
Index.............................................................................74
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About this manual
4 | 76
1 About this manual
1.1 Other applicable documents
The following documents also apply in the case of the softliQ:PA:
● For Grünbeck's technical customer service/authorised service company:
Customer service instructions of softliQ:PA water softener, order no.: TD4-
BP000de
● Also, the manuals for all accessories apply.
1.2 Intended audience
The intended audience for this manual is comprised of tradespersons and owner-users.
1.3 Storage of the documents
This manual and all other applicable documents must be kept so as to be available if
required. Make sure that your specialist installer enters the proper commissioning and
annual maintenance in chapter 14 of the operation log.
1.4 Symbols used
This symbol identifies information and instructions that you must comply with for your
personal safety as well as to avoid damage to property.
This symbol identifies 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
company acc. to §12(2) AVB Wasser V (German Ordinance on General Conditions for the
Supply of Water).
Tasks with this symbol are only allowed to be performed by Grünbeck's technical
service/authorised service company or by tradespersons trained by Grünbeck.
This symbol identifies work that is only allowed to be carried out by qualified electrical
experts according to the VDE guidelines or according to the guidelines of a similar local
institution.

About this manual
5 | 76
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 doted 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 handling step (level 1)
a - First subdivision in handling step (level 2)
b - Second subdivision in handling step (level 2)
2. Second handling step (level 1)
Results of an instruction are shown as follows:
» Result

About this manual
6 | 76
1.5.5 Lists
Bullet symbols used:
● First list point (level 1)
• First bullet point (level 2)
• Second bullet point (level 2)
● Second list point (level 1)
1.6 Validity of the manual
This manual applies to the following products:
● Water softener softliQ:PA20

About this manual
7 | 76
1.7 Type plate
The type designation plate is located under the lid of the brine tank.
Please specify the data shown on the type designation plate in order to speed up the
processing of your enquiries or orders. Therefore enter the necessary information in the
table below to have it readily available whenever necessary.
Item Designation Item Designation
1 Lid of brine tank 9 Power input
2 Pre-alarm salt supply 10 Index of protection
3 Observe the operation manual 11 Product designation
4 DVGW test mark 12 QR code
5 CE mark 13 Data matrix code
6 Nominal pressure 14 Order no.
7 Ambient temperature 15 Serial no.
8 Power supply
● Product designation: Water softener softliQ:PA20
● Order no.: 525 450
● Serial no.: ________________
2
3 4 5
6
13
11
10
12
7
8
15
14
1
9

For your safety
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2 For your safety
WARNING: Contamination of drinking water due to improper handling.
● Risk of infectious diseases.
► Have the installation, commissioning and annual maintenance carried out by
specialist installers only.
2.1 Safety measures
● Install the product in a frost-free room. Otherwise, the system may suffer
irreparable damage. The consequence can be a water damage.
● 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.
● Comply with the hygiene instructions in chapter 7.7. Failure to comply can result in
microbiological contamination of your drinking water installation.
2.2 Technical safety instructions
This manual contains information and instructions that you must comply with for your own
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

For your safety
9 | 76
The following signal words were defined subject to the degree of danger and can be used in
the present 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 commissioning the system, amongst others comply with the following
regulations and guidelines:
● Statutory regulations on environmental protection
● Provisions of the employers' liability insurance associations
● DIN EN 806 Specifications for installations inside buildings conveying water for
human consumption
● VDI 6023 Part 6
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.
● Inform the owner/user about possible dangers that can arise during operation of
the product.

For your 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 indicated for a specialist installer.
● Only use this product in accordance with its designated application.
● Make sure that the required inspection and maintenance work is carried out.
● Keep this manual.
2.6 Admissible regenerant
The softliQ:PA water softener is only allowed to be operated with the following regeneration
agent:
● 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 resp. from malfunctions and damage caused by scaling.
● The water softener softliQ:PA20 is suitable for the continuous supply of soft water
in installations with a nominal flow of up to 2.0 m³/h. Apart from single and multi-
family households of max. 5 persons, this also includes kindergartens and
commercial properties.
● The water softener softliQ:PA20 features an adsorber for the reduction of germs.
The retention rate for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and legionella pneumophila is
99.999%.
● The service life of the adsorbers is 250 m³ or 2 years, whichever comes first. After
the service life of the adsorbers has expired, they must be replaced. In case of
larger water demands or continuous flows, we recommend using pre-engineered
safeliQ systems.

Product description
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3.2 Product components
No. Description No. Description
1 Connection block 10 Exchanger tank
2 Shut-off valve for raw water 11 Housing of technical equipment, upper part
3 Shut-off valve hygienically treated water 12 Water test kit "total hardness“
4 Control unit 13 Sieve bottom
5 Brine valve 14 Brine tank
6 Housing of technical equipment, lower part 15 Illuminated LED ring
7 Adsorber 16 Lid of brine tank
8 Exchanger tank 17 Control valves
9 Adsorber
2 3
1 4
5
6
7
17
11 12
13
14
16
15
98
10

Product description
13 | 76
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
14 | 76
3.3.2 Adsorption
Germs have a charge on their surface which is referred to as the cell membrane. With the
known harmful germs in drinking water, this charge is opposite to that of the adsorber. This
means bacterial growth in the water (e.g. bacteria such as pseudomonads) is fixed on the
material. This process is called adsorption.
Figure Explanation
The surface of the adsorber material is permanently
electrostatically charged.
During the operating phase, the germs are fixed on the
adsorber material due to having an opposite charge.
During regeneration of the device, the germs collected on the
adsorber are disinfected.
Legionella Pseudomonads
3.3.3 Intelligence of the softliQ:PA water softener
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 with low salt
and power consumption.

Product description
15 | 76
3.4 Features
3.4.1 Electronically controlled blending unit
The electronically controlled blending unit automatically regulates the ratio between fully
softened and at the same time hygienically treated water and only hygienically treated water.
The regulation is subject to the raw and soft water hardness programmed in the control.
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 balls
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:
● Lights up during water treatment
● Lights up 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.
The following ways are available to register your product:
● Registration on the Grünbeck website (www.gruenbeck.com).
● Registration via the myGrünbeck app (refer to chapter 4.6).

Product description
16 | 76
3.6 Accessories
You can retrofit your product with additional accessories. Please contact your local
Grünbeck representative or Grünbeck’s headquarters in Hoechstaedt for details.
Image 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.
GENO-STOP® 1" 126 875
Safety device for reliable and overall protection against water
damage.
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.
Extension set for connection hoses DN25 187 660e
To extend the hose to 1.6 m.

Product description
17 | 76
Image Product Order no.
90 ° connection angle - 1" (2 pieces) 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
No. Description No. Description
1 Display 4 ENTER key
2 HOME button 5 ▼ Down arrow key
3 ▲ Up arrow key
Keys only light up if they 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
19 | 76
The following messages are displayed in the status level:
Figure Explanation
The water softener is working properly.
Yellow symbol
Maintenance 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 WLAN connection established with a
router.
4.2.2 Menu level

Control unit
20 | 76
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).
Commissioning
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 Description
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 accept 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