Hydro Action AP Series User manual

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Hydro-Action AP Series Wastewater Treatment Plant
The AP Series Aerobic Treatment Units
(ATUs) are now available through Hydro-
Action®. Please read this introduction before
reviewing this manual.
Earth’s environment has purified water
through natural processes since the
beginning of time. Only recently, beginning in
the Twentieth Century, has man developed a
system to accelerate the processes that
Mother Nature uses. Hydro-Action®AP
Series ATUs are just such systems.
In 1916, the City of Houston, Texas, was the
first to use the activated sludge wastewater
treatment process as an accepted, full-scale
system process to purify domestic
wastewater. Since that time, the United
States and many other nations have utilized
this process and variations to properly treat
sewage. Federal Law 92-500 supports our
nation’s commitment to provide secondary
treatment for all domestic wastewater.
This commitment is presently being extended
to on-site sewage treatment facilities. Hydro-
Action®has been a visible part of this effort
since 1989. We have manufactured
numerous products to provide individuals with
a means of proper, effective, efficient, and
affordable on-site wastewater treatment. Our
professional commitment to market needs
and customer service have enabled us to
reach our goal of providing effective products
that assure a safe, reusable effluent. We are
helping Mother Nature protect our
environment and our most valuable natural
resource: water.
Our continuing mission is to develop and
manufacture individual on-site wastewater
treatment facilities that meet society’s needs
in the field. This manual is a part of that
dedication to customer service.
Hydro-Action®AP Series Aerobic Treatment
Units are among the most advanced on-site
products available today. They are state-of-
the-art extended aeration, activated sludge
wastewater treatment facilities. The
improvements in these units make them not
only extremely efficient operational units but
also the most easily maintainable system in
the industry.
By following the instructions in this manual,
you will be providing yourself with the best on-
site wastewater treatment and service. We
invite you to share in our pride of the AP
Series Treatment Units.
This manual includes information on the
Class 1 NSF/ANSI Std. 40; AP-500, AP-600,
AP-750, AP-1000 & AP-1500 wastewater
treatment plants. These units may be installed
with either a platform mounted OPS®
(operations/control center) or a Remotely
Located OPS®. Installation needs vary, so
your on-site wastewater system may contain
some of the following auxiliary components
along with the treatment plant:
• Pretreatment tank
• Pump/holding tank
• Alarm systems
• Equipment for chosen effluent disposal
method (drip irrigation, spray irrigation,
gravel-filled drain field, pressure dosing,
etc.)
• Chlorinator / UV Disinfection Unit
The certified Hydro-Action®dealer or
installer of your Hydro-Action®AP Series
wastewater treatment plant is responsible for
completing and submitting to us the
Installation Warranty Information to properly
activate your Hydro-Action®Product
Warranty.
We are eager to assist you with any questions
or problems. Please contact Hydro-Action®
at 800.370.3749 to request assistance from
our Customer Service or Engineering
Departments.

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Process Description
The Hydro-Action®AP Series individual
wastewater treatment plant is a self-
contained, extended aeration, aerobic
treatment facility utilizing the activated sludge
process. The plant consists of a cylindrically
shaped aeration tank with an offset service
access, a unique cone shaped clarification
compartment, and an outlet tee-assembly.
Two fine-bubble air diffuser assemblies with
ceramic stone diffusers and Hydro-Action® s’
efficient air pump are combined to provide
effective, efficient, and economical aeration.
Domestic wastewater enters the aeration
compartment and is mixed thoroughly with the
already present mixed liquor suspended
solids (MLSS) activated sludge. The injection
of air through the porous teflon air diffusers
placed near the bottom of the aeration
chamber is responsible for this complete
mixing. The fine bubble air diffusers and the
vortex area between diffuser assemblies
produce a generous quantity of dissolved
oxygen and ample mixing that maintain a
desirable aerobic environment even under
extreme conditions.
Hydraulic displacement causes the mixed
liquor to enter the clarification compartment
and move upward toward the outlet tee-
assembly. Due to the calm conditions in the
clarifier, suspended solids settle to the bottom
where they are remixed with the MLSS for
additional biological treatment. The remaining
clarified effluent leaves the plant via the outlet
tee-assembly and discharge line.
The AP Series ATUs are operated by the
OPS®. The OPS®integrates the electrical
controls, visible and audible alarms and air
pump in a protective polyethylene enclosure.
The OPS®can be either platform mounted on
the plant or remotely located. These features
plus; the offset access, air hose, and teflon
diffuser assemblies make the plant extremely
reliable and easy to service. An optional
visible and audible alarm may be added to
remotely locate to an area of your choice.
The technology used in the Hydro-Action®
plant allows it to produce excellent effluent
quality, which thereby meets all ANSI\NSF
International Standard 40 class I and the
Environmental Protection Agency’s
requirements of a secondary treatment
process. NSF requires that a Class I plant
shall be shown to meet EPA secondary
treatment guidelines for CBOD5, TSS, and
pH. The Hydro-Action®AP Series ATUs
satisfy all these requirements.
Operating Instructions
Your Hydro-Action®ATU has been designed
and built to provide efficient, dependable and
reliable service. However, as with any
individual wastewater treatment plant, routine
periodic service is required. When proper
preventive maintenance is performed, the
ATU will operate at designed performance
levels giving years of satisfactory treatment of
domestic wastewater.
The local dealer from whom you purchased
your Hydro-Action®plant will perform all
routine inspections for the first two (2) years
from the original date of installation. At the
time of inspection the plant will be checked for
proper operation. If a problem exists, service
will be performed at no charge to the owner if
the required maintenance is warranty related.
At the end of the two (2) year initial service
period, your local dealer will make available a
continuing service policy. This extended
service is available for a nominal fee.
The Hydro-Action®ATU’s electrical controls
are located within the OPS®of the plant. The
OPS®may be either remotely located or
platform mounted. The OPS®enclosure is
equipped with an alarm beacon and an
audible alarm. Also on the enclosure will be
the name, address and telephone number of
your local servicing dealer. It is this local
service provider you should contact regarding
any problems with your Hydro-Action®ATU.
An optional remote alarm with audible and
visible alarms may also be present. If the
alarm beacon or audible alarm sounds simply
switch the OPS®switch to silent and call the
service provider mentioned above. After a
power failure, if an alarm remains on for more
than 30 minutes you should call the local
dealer immediately.

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The Hydro-Action®plant will handle all
domestic wastewater from your home. By the
term wastewater we are referring to rapidly
biodegradable material. To keep maintenance
at a minimum level and to prevent the plant
from malfunctioning, the following guidelines
must be followed:
Since aerobic bacteria are responsible for
treating the wastewater, inorganic or non-
rapidly biodegradable materials should not be
put into the plant. Examples of improper items
are: included in the “Homeowner Care
Precautions” section of this manual.
Other than for the mechanical and structural
working of the plant itself, Hydro-Action® is
not responsible for the in-field operation of a
plant. The proper operation of this or any
other individual wastewater plant depends
upon proper organic and hydraulic loading of
the plant. We cannot control the loading and
thereby control the amount of harmful
substances that may be discharged into the
plant. Only the users of a plant can control
what enters the unit. Therefore, we provide
this comprehensive user manual to outline
just what substances to keep out of the plant.
Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance is to be performed by an
authorized Hydro-Action®service provider
only! Normal maintenance of your Hydro-
Action®plant every six (6) months will
include:
a. Service check of aeration system and
air diffusers.
b. Service check of air pump.
c. Removal of scum from clarifier.
d. Inspect and test plant alarms.
e. Sludge check and pump excess
sludge from plant every two (2) to six
(6) years.
Note 1: Replacement parts can be obtained
from your installing or servicing
representative. Visit www.hydro-action.com
for a list of certified representatives.
Note 2: Pumping the plant is usually
necessary every two (2) to six (6) years;
however, there is no set time because
loadings vary from household to household.
Access to the plant is accomplished through
the 24-inch access opening, which is at
surface grade. When a Hydro-Action®plant
is being pumped, a qualified service
technician should oversee the job. Care
should be taken not to damage internal
components and the plant should be washed
and cleaned while it is being pumped. All
waste from the plant must be disposed of in
compliance with all federal, state and local
laws.
Compliance With Law
All permits and approvals from the local
regulatory body should first be obtained
before the Hydro-Action® plant is installed.
All state and federal laws should be obeyed in
areas that do not have local control over
environmental activities. It is important to
remember that each state has independent
regulations and guidelines for the installation
of this treatment plant and any auxiliary
equipment that may accompany the plant.
You are responsible for installing this plant
and associated ancillary items in accordance
with all regulations and guidelines as they are
issued in your respective state. If such items
as pretreatment tanks, storage or equalization
tanks, chlorination facilities, pump tanks,
Ultra-violet, etc. are required by law, then it is
the intent of this company to comply to the
letter of the law.
Hydro-Action®, through its years of
experience, recognizes the advantages of
every component of the wastewater treatment
system. Because of this experience we can
recommend to you those parts of a system
that are beneficial to the overall system and
those that are also compliant with the laws in
your state. Please call our Customer Service
Department for assistance or inquiries at
800.370.3749.
Plant Start-Up
Upon ATU start-up, no additional procedures
are required. The system has been filled with
water, and the air pump, electrical controls,

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and alarms are functional per installation
checkout. Turning on the electrical power is
all that is required for you to start using your
facilities.
Even after a short or extended vacation, your
system will begin to operate as designed
once use is initiated and maintained. In just a
few days the system should return to normal
operation and you should see a clear, clean
discharge having very little or no odor. If not,
call your service provider for assistance and a
plant inspection.
Safety
Safety is an important issue in our business
since we deal with one of the more potentially
health hazardous materials known: raw
sewage. Domestic wastewater carries in it
members of a specialized group of life known
as microorganisms. Such microorganisms are
bacteria, viruses, algae, actinomycetes,
protozoa, fungi, rotifers, crustaceans, and
other members of both the plant and animal
worlds. The function of a wastewater
treatment plant is to treat the water to a
degree that the effluent is relatively free of
pathogenic bacteria and nuisance
microorganisms. Until the wastewater
entering the plant has had sufficient time for
treatment and disinfection, it may contain any
number of the harmful organisms that cause
disease.
As raw wastewater may and usually does
contain some level of unsafe microorganisms,
proper respect and care must be given to
safety. Whenever you come into contact with
raw sewage, do not fear the contact, but do
take proper precautions to avoid potential
danger. Follow these simple safety
precautions whenever exposed to
wastewater:
• Wear disposable rubber gloves when
handling wastewater contaminated items
or chlorine tablets.
• Always wash with soap and water after
handling any contaminated item. The use
of good bactericide soap is strongly
recommended.
• Always dispose of scum, rags, trash,
debris, or soiled material in a proper
waste container.
• If a wastewater spill or leak occurs in a
yard, flush area with plenty of clean
water and disinfect. If a spill or leak
occurs in the house, clean with a dilute
solution of bleach.
• Treated effluent from a Hydro-
Action®or other treatment unit may still
contain harmful microorganisms. Careful
attention must be used when dealing with
any form of wastewater or effluent.
• If an illness or disease is suspected to
have come from exposure to sewage,
get proper medical attention immediately.
When proper treatment is given the remedy
and cure will be rapid and less of a problem.
There are some serious diseases that could
be transmitted by contact with raw sewage
-take the proper precautions and be safe!
Homeowner Care Precautions
All Aerobic Wastewater Treatment Systems
are suspended growth floating bio-mass
systems designed to treat common household
sewage only.
In plain language, this means that the
systems contain and depend on an aerobic
(oxygen-requiring) bacterial colony which,
when well cared for, digests and treats
household sewage just as aerobic bacteria
clean groundwater in nature. This is why
aerobic systems have an air pump and air
distribution piping –for supplying the aerobic
bacteria with oxygen. Bacteria, however, can't
eat just anything and everything. For a listing
of things to avoid feeding to an aerobic
bacterial system, see below.
Normal maintenance is required on all aerobic
treatment units, as they are activated sludge
sewage treatment systems just like large
municipal water treatment plants. Our factory-
trained Hydro-Action®installers or service
technicians regularly service our installations,
checking to be sure that these systems are in
proper working order.

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Aerobic systems are not designed for
disposal of solid waste or chemicals. If
homeowners stay within the guidelines listed
below, their systems should function properly
as sewage treatment systems and should not
require unscheduled maintenance or frequent
expensive pump-outs.
What NOT to put in an aerobic
treatment system:
• Non-biodegradable items such as cigarette
butts, match sticks, disposable diapers,
feminine hygiene products, condoms, hair,
coffee grounds, rags, paper towels, and
bandages, flushable kitty litter, wipes etc.
These are solid-waste items and should be
disposed of in regular trash service.
• Greases, fats or oils. This includes cooking
oils and meat or meat grease.
• Pesticides, herbicides, photographic
chemicals or other toxins.
• Paints, thinners or household chemicals,
including many cleaning compounds, and
mop-bucket water.
• Water softener unit backwash.
• Citrus products, oranges, lemons, grapefruit.
• Home-brewery or winemaking wastes.
• Strong medicines, particularly antibiotics.
• Antibacterial soaps and antibacterial laundry
detergents should be avoided. These are
the current marketing rage, but overuse will
only breed resistant strains of bacteria in
the home, and kill the aerobic action in the
treatment system.
• Strong disinfectants or bleaches,
particularly
products containing chlorine or ammonia.
• Commercial septic tank additives; they do
more harm than good.
• Kitchen garbage grinders (disposals) should
be used sparingly, if at all. Dispose of food
waste in a solid waste bin or compost heap.
Food waste represents additional loading
on the aerobic plant, possibly causing
organic overloading and more frequent
pump-outs of the system.
Volumetric Overload of an Aerobic
System:
Our system is rated for a maximum volume
throughput per day, ie. 500 gallons per day
(GPD) for an AP-500, 600 GPD for an AP-
600, etc., and only household wastewater
(sinks, tubs, washing machines, toilets, etc.)
should be allowed into the unit. 'Volumetric
overloading' is simply a term used to describe
putting more than the rated amount of
wastewater through the system during a 24
hour period.
To avoid volumetric overloading of our
system, which can result in incomplete
treatment conditions, observe the following:
• Avoid multiple wash loads in one day;
spread out your laundry during the week.
• Watch for leaking/flowing faucets or toilets
and repair immediately.
• Use water flow reducing devices whenever
possible.
• Be aware of any excessive water use of any
kind.
Home Cleaning Products
Guidelines:
• Recommended laundry detergents are:
Powdered, low-sudsing, low-phosphate,
non-antibacterial and bio-degradable.
• Recommended household cleaning products
are: Non-chlorine, non-ammonia, non-
antibacterial, non-toxic and bio-degradable.

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Hydro-Action®AP Series Treatment Units

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Hydro-Action®Limited Warranty
AK/HA Manufacturing, LLC d/b/a Hydro-Action Industries (“Hydro-Action Industries”) warrants to you, the purchaser,
that each Hydro-Action Industries aerobic wastewater treatment plant (“Plant”), and its component parts, are free
from defects in material and workmanship under the terms and conditions set forth in this Limited Warranty. No
employee, dealer, agent or other person is authorized to make any warranty or representation with respect to the
Plant, other than as is expressly contained in this Limited Warranty.
COVERAGE PERIOD
This Limited Warranty is effective for an initial period of 2 years beginning on the date of purchase as evidenced by
purchaser’s proof of purchase. An additional 3 year, prorated, warranty period will run upon the expiration of the first
2 years if the Plant is maintained by an authorized distributor through a continuous maintenance program.
HOW TO MAKE A WARRANTY CLAIM
If you believe that the Plant or a component part of the Plant is defective in material or workmanship, you must return
it to an authorized Hydro-Action Industries dealer. The dealer will return the Plant or component part to Hydro-Action
Industries at 2055 Pidco Drive, Plymouth, Indiana 46563. You must also provide to Hydro-Action Industries a written
description of the nature of the defect. No claim will be processed unless you specify the nature of the defect. If a
claim is being made during years 3, 4, or 5 of this Warranty, you must also provide proof that the Plant has been
maintained by an authorized distributor through a continuous maintenance program. All claims must be made within
30 days of the discovery of the defect.
Upon receipt of the written description of the defect and Plant or component part, Hydro-Action Industries will
examine the Plant or component part. If, in Hydro-Action Industries’ reasonable judgment, the Plant or component
part shows evidence of defects in material or workmanship, Hydro-Action Industries will replace or exchange the
component part as set forth in the following schedule. Please note that Hydro-Action Industries reserves the right to
revise, change or modify the construction and design of any Plant, or any component part of such Plant, without
incurring any obligations to make changes or modifications in previously sold equipment. Hydro-Action Industries
reserves the right to furnish a replacement component part, which, in its judgment, is equivalent to the part replaced.
For claims received within 30 days of the expiration of Year 1 and Year 2 of this Warranty, Hydro-Action
Industries will replace or exchange the component part at no cost to you.
If the Plant has been maintained by an authorized distributor through a continuous maintenance program:
For component parts of the Plant manufactured by someone other than A.K. Industries, Inc., Hydro-Action
Industries will sell such parts to you under the following schedule: (1) claims received within 30 days of the
expiration of Year 3 of this Warranty, Hydro-Action Industries will replace or exchange the component part
for a cost to you of 25% of the manufacturer’s list price of such part and Hydro-Action will pay 75% of the
cost; (2) for claims received within 30 days of the expiration of Year 4, Hydro-Action will replace such part for
a cost to you of 50% of the manufacturer’s list price and Hydro-Action will pay 50% of the cost; and (3) for
claims received within 30 days of the expiration of Year 5, Hydro-Action will replace such part for a cost to
you of 75% of the manufacturer’s list price and Hydro-Action will pay 25% of the cost.
For claims received during years 3, 4, and 5 of this Limited Warranty or within 30 days of the expiration of
Year 5, Hydro-Action Industries will replace or exchange any component part manufactured by AK
Industries, Inc. at no cost to you. WHAT IS NOT COVERED
This Limited Warranty does not cover any defects resulting from damage resulting from transit, accidents, misuse,
alterations, or acts of God. This Limited Warranty does not apply to Plants or components parts that have not been
fully paid for or for which acceptable payments terms have not been arranged. No warranty is made as to the field
performance of any systems. This Limited Warranty does not include any costs of labor. This Limited Warranty does
not apply to consumables, including, but not limited to, stones, filters, etc. This Limited Warranty does not cover
Plants that have been: (1) flooded by external means; (2) disassembled by unauthorized persons; (3) improperly
installed; or (4) subjected to external damage or damage due to altered or improper wiring or overload protection.
CONDITIONS AND LEGAL REMEDIES
This Limited Warranty is governed by the laws of the State of Indiana. The sole remedy under this Limited Warranty is the
replacement or exchange of parts. Hydro-Action Industries SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS MADE IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER EXPRESS OF IMPLIED
WARRANTIES. Hydro-Action Industries DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARISING IN CONNECTION WITH THE SALE
OF THE PLANT, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE.
Some states do not allow the disclaimer of warranties or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages and so
the above limitations may not apply to you.

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Hydro-Action®
Warranty Registration
2055 Pidco Dr. / P.O. Box 640
Plymouth, IN. 46563
800.370.3749
This form must be filed with Hydro-Action®by the dealer within 30
calendar days after installation or all warranties are void.
Owner/User ___________________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________________
City/County/State/Zip ____________________________________________________
Phone ________________________________________________________________
Best time to be reached __________________________________________________
Dealer/Installer _________________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________________
City/County/State/Zip ____________________________________________________
Phone ________________________________________________________________
Distributor (if applicable) __________________________________________________
Service will be performed by:_________________________________________ _____
Name ________________________________________________________________
City/County/State/Zip ____________________________________________________
Phone________________________________________________________________
Type of Installation: Residential ________________Commercial __________________
Number of residents or occupants ______ Garbage Disposal? Yes ______ No ______
Date Installed __________________________________________________________
Plant Model # _______________________ OPS®Model # _______________________
Plant Serial # _______________________ Air Pump Serial # ______________________
Effluent disposal method & equipment used __________________________________
Controlling Regulatory Agency: ____________________________________________
Agency _______________________________________________________________
Sanitarian _____________________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________________
City/County/State/Zip ____________________________________________________
Phone ________________________________________________________________

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Hydro-Action®
Complaint Procedure & Form
Procedure
Homeowners must make every effort to direct complaints with the appropriate service
agent. For example, if the complaint is related to the initial install the Certified Installer should be
contacted. Likewise, if the condition is a service issue the Certified Service Technician should
be notified. The appropriate chain should be utilized to best accommodate the customer. The
order of contact should be Certified Service Technician, Certified Installer, Certified Dealer,
Certified Distributor, and lastly the Manufacturer. Hydro-Action being the manufacturer is glad to
be of assistance in aiding the contact of these different agents.
If all efforts to verbally resolve a situation have been made and the customer is
unsatisfied then a written complaint may be necessary. Below consists of a complaint form that
may be sent to the manufacturer to file a formal grievance. The manufacturer will then begin an
internal inquiry to investigate the situation on a case-by-case basis. A Hydro-Action Sales
Associate will be assigned to the matter and begin to resolve the situation. Hydro-Action will
make every effort in customer satisfaction, and assist the homeowner/customer to investigate
the situation. A final finding will be reported to the customer either verbally or in writing. Hydro-
Action will discuss the matter with the customer to make a fair effort to resolve the situation.
Form
Please fill out this form and send to Hydro-Action®at P.O. Box 640 Plymouth, IN. 46563. A
copy should also be sent to the Local Health Department, and the State Health Department or
Wastewater Governing Body.
Date: _______________
Person Filing Complaint:
Distributor/Dealer/Installer/Service Tech/Home-owner (circle one)
Name: ______________________________________
Address: ____________________________________
Phone: ______________________________________
Complaint About:
Distributor/Dealer/Installer/Service Tech/Home-owner (circle one)
Name: ______________________________________
Address: ____________________________________
Phone: ______________________________________
Please describe the problem in detail: (use additional pages if necessary)
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

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Hydro-Action®
Initial Service Policy
Our company, _______________________________________ will provide a two-year initial
service policy, which will provide for inspection and service of your Hydro-Action®plant. The
policy will include the following:
• Four inspection/service calls (at least one every six (6) months) over the two (2) year period
including inspection, adjustment and servicing of the mechanical electrical and other applicable
component parts to ensure proper function. This includes inspecting OPS®, air pump, air filter,
diffuser operation, and cleaning and replacing or repairing any component not found to be
functioning correctly.
• An effluent quality inspection consisting of a visual check for color, turbidity, scum overflow
and examination for odors.
If any improper operation is observed that cannot be corrected at that time you shall be notified
immediately in writing of the conditions and the estimated date of correction.
At the conclusion of the initial service policy, our company will make available, for purchase on
an annual basis, a continuing service policy to cover labor for normal inspection, maintenance
and repair.
Owner/user operation instructions must be strictly followed or warranties are subject to
invalidation.
Pumping of sludge build-up from the plant, if necessary, is not included in these services.
Owner:
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
Date:_______________________________
Service Dealer:
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
Date:_______________________________

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AK/HA Manufacturing LLC.
2055 Pidco Dr. / P.O. Box 640
Plymouth, IN. 46563
Toll Free: 800.370.3749
Phone:[phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.hydro-action.com
rev. 01/14