WATTS OF817-8H OneFlow Anti-Scale Systems for Hot Water Instruction Manual

Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Manual
Model OF817-8H
OF817-12H OF1019-20H OneFlow®
Anti-Scale Systems for Hot Water Chemical-Free, Salt-Free Scale Prevention

OF817-8H OneFlow Anti-Scale Systems for Hot Water

WARNING
Read this Manual BEFORE using this equipment. Failure to read and follow all safety and use information can result in death, serious personal injury, property damage, or damage to the equipment. Keep this Manual for future reference.

Introduction

The OneFlow ® Anti-Scale System for hot water provides protection from scale formation on internal plumbing surfaces where the hot water feed line is being further heated, such as a booster heater. These OneFlow systems use specially designed components to work in applications where the incoming water is heated between 100°F – 140°F (38°C – 60°C) but has not yet been treated for scale control. These types of applications typically involve protecting and extending the life of equipment and instruments from the damaging effects of hard water scale.
OneFlow prevents scale by transforming dissolved hardness minerals into harmless, inactive microscopic crystal particles. These crystals stay suspended in the water, have a greatly reduced ability to react negatively like dissolved hardness does, and eventually find their way to the drain. OneFlow is particularly useful in higher temperature applications where scale formation is accelerated. The system requires very little maintenance, no backwashing, no salt, and no electricity. Typical hardness problems, especially build-up of scale in boilers and steamers is greatly reduced.
OneFlow is not a water softener or a chemical additive (like anti-scalants or sequestrants). It is a scale prevention device with proven third-party laboratory test data and years of successful residential and commercial installations. OneFlow is the one water treatment device that effectively provides scale protection and is a great salt-free alternative to water softening (ion exchange) or scale sequestering chemicals. Laundry and warewashing chemistry will likewise require adjustments.

WARNING
You are required to consult the local building and plumbing codes prior to installation. If the information in this manual is not consistent with a local building or plumbing codes, the local codes should be followed. Inquire with governing authorities for additional local requirements.

OneFlow Benefits

• Chemical-free scale prevention and protection – converts hardness minerals to harmless, inactive microscopic crystals making OneFlow an effective alternative technology to a water softener for the prevention of scale due to water hardness
• Virtually maintenance-free – no control valve
• System and components designed to work specifically with hot water applications
• Uses environmentally friendly technology by using no salt or other chemicals to constantly add, no electricity, and no wastewater
• Improves efficiency of water using appliances and equipment
• Simple sizing and installation – all you need to know is pipe size and flow rate
• Built-in bypass valve provides flexibility for off-line service or media replacement
• OneFlow does not remove minerals or add sodium to the water supply
• Long life media requires replacement once every three years
• Effective retro-fit technology where scale control was not previously considered

OneFlow media is certified by WQA to NSF/ANSI/CAN Standard 61 and NSF/ANSI 372 for Lead Free compliance.

WARNING
Do not use water that is microbiologically unsafe or of unknown quality without adequate disinfection before or after the system.

Specifications

A OneFlow scale prevention system for hot water shall be installed on the hot water feed line just prior to the equipment it is intended to protect. The temperature of the feed water should consistently range between 100°F – 140°F (38°C – 60°C) as all of the components are designed to work in this elevated temperature condition. The OneFlow system shall effectively reduce water hardness scale concerns thereby protecting heat transfer and other surfaces from the negative effects of scale. The system shall be furnished with a factory-supplied bypass valve to allow isolation of tank(s) and to allow the bypass of untreated hot water in the event that service or media replacement be necessary. The installation area should be suitable in size for the tank(s) to be serviced without encumbrance and allow the tank to sit upright on a flat-level surface. The system must operate in an upflow manner and does not require additional water to backwash, flush, or regenerate once put into service. The system does not require any chemical additives and does not require electricity for operation.

NOTICE
Not for use on closed-loop systems.
Standards
Independent scientific testing has confirmed Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC) technology provides scale reduction of over 95+%. Testing was conducted under protocol based on DVGW W512 test to access control of scale formation.

CAUTION

• Not for use on closed-loop systems.
• Must be used in hot water. This system is not designed for cold (<100°F) water. For cold water, operation contacts your Watts Representative for a system designed for cold water operation.
• Do not let the system freeze. Damage to the tank may result.
• System must be operated in a vertical position. Do not lay it down during the operation. The system may be placed in any position for shipping and installation but must be operated in the vertical position.
• Place the system on a smooth, level surface. Because the system operates in an upflow, fluidized bed mode, having a level the surface is more important than a softener or media filter
• A bypass valve should be installed on every system to facilitate installation and service.
• Observe all local plumbing and building codes when installing the system.

WARNING

Using OneFlow with Other Water Treatment Equipment
Due to the unique properties of OneFlow, there are some unique requirements for using OneFlow in conjunction with filtration or other forms of water treatment.

1. OneFlow must be the last stage in the treatment chain. Do not install any filters after OneFlow or before any devices for which scale prevention is required. POU filters, e.g. carbon, RO, or Ultraviolet (UV) are exempt from this requirement.
2. Do not apply any other antiscalant before or after OneFlow.
3. The addition of soaps, chemicals, or cleaners, before or after OneFlow treatment, may reverse its anti-scale treatment effects and/or create water with a heavy residue or spotting potential. Any adverse conditions caused by the addition of soaps, chemicals, or cleaners are the sole responsibility of the end user.
4. OneFlow is not a water softener and does not soften the water – Water treatment chemistry (e.g. antiscalants, sequestrants, soaps, chemicals, or cleaners, etc…) will most likely have to be changed to be compatible with OneFlow treated water. Laundry and ware-washing chemistry will likewise require adjustments.

NOTICE
Spotting May Occur on External
Plumbing Surfaces
OneFlow media systems perform best in single-pass potable water applications with NO additional chemical additives. Depending on hardness, soft-scale spotting may occur. Soft-scale spots in most cases can be easily wiped down with a damp cloth and will not form hard-scale deposits. A Point of Use (POU) Water Softener should be used on mandatory spot-free applications (e.g. glass stemware, dishware).

Hot Water System Overview
Figure 1.

Equipment Specifications

OneFlow systems are complete, self-contained, loaded with media, and ready to use. A simple inlet and outlet connection are all that is required for installation. Please review operating pressures, temperatures, and water chemistry limitations to ensure compatibility.

Feed Water Chemistry Requirements

NOTICE

• Systems using OneFlow technology are effective at controlling lime-scale formation inside the plumbing system at influent hardness levels up to 75 grains per gallon (1282 ppm) as calcium carbonate. Due to variances in water chemistry, 30 grains per gallon is a recommended hardness maximum due to potential aesthetic issues related to soft scale residue formation outside of the plumbing system. Testing should be performed to determine proper application where hardness levels exceed 30 grains per gallon.
  ** Just as with conventional water softening media, OneFlow media needs to be protected from excess levels of certain metals that can easily coat the active surface, reducing its effectiveness over time. Public water supplies rarely, if ever, present a problem, but if the water supply is from a private well, confirm that the levels of iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) are less than 0.3 mg/L and 0.05 mg/L, respectively.

WARNING
*** Pursuant to the EPA drinking water standards, the copper concentration permitted is up to 1.3 ppm. Typically originating from new copper plumbing, high levels of copper can foul OneFlow media. New Copper lines need to be passivated for a minimum of 4 weeks before placing the unit into service. For applications with copper concentrations greater than 1.3 ppm, please consult Watts Water Quality Technical Service. To further minimize any problem with excess copper, avoid applying excessive flux on the inner surfaces of the pipe and use a low-corrosivity water soluble flux listed under the ASTM B813 standard.

NOTICE
† OneFlow media does not reduce silica scaling. While silica tends to have a less significant effect on scale formation than other minerals, it can act as a binder that makes water spots and scale residue outside the plumbing system difficult to remove. This 20 ppm limitation is for aesthetic purposes.
†† All other contaminants must meet the requirements of the USEPA Safe Drinking Water Act. Specific Mineral and Metal MCLs, identified in Watts published Feed Water Chemistry Requirements, supersede the USEPA SDWA. Water known to have heavy loads of dirt and debris may require pre-filtration prior to OneFlow®
Mechanical Specifications

kgs.

Replacement Media

Dimensions

**** in. mm
OF817-8H| 20| 508| 185⁄8| 472| 81⁄2| 216| 13⁄8| 36
OF817-12H| 20| 508| 185⁄8| 472| 81⁄2| 216| 13⁄8| 36
OF1019-20H| 22| 559| 205⁄8| 523| 101⁄2| 267| 13⁄8| 36

Weight

| E
in. mm| F
in. mm| G
in. mm| lbs. kgs
---|---|---|---|---
11| 279| 2| 51| 6| 152| 15| 6.8
11| 279| 2| 51| 6| 152| 16| 7.3
13| 330| 2| 51| 6| 152| 26| 11.8

NOTICE
The tank is only partially filled with media. The tank is much lighter than a water softener and may appear to be nearly empty. This is normal and necessary for the Upflow-fluidized bed operation of the system.

Installation
Tighten the Tank Head
NOTICE
Check the head on top of the tank. It is common for it to loosen during shipment. Tighten the head by hand until tighten.
NOTICE
System must be operated in a vertical position. Do not lay it down during operation.

1. Place the system in the desired location. Ensure adequate clearance so the bypass valve can be operated when necessary.
   NOTICE
   The OneFlow system operates in the Upflow mode which is the opposite of a conventional softener. (The arrows cast into the bypass valve are intended for a conventional softener and are, therefore, the OPPOSITE of the correct OneFlow operating flow.)

2. Connect the Hot Water supply to the inlet of the OneFlow system. We recommend the use of flexible Stainless Steel connectors (not supplied with the system but available from Watts). Include a supply valve (user supplied) in this supply line. The full weight of the piping and valves must be supported by pipe hangers or other means. Observe standard plumbing practices and local plumbing codes.

3. Place the bypass valve in the SERVICE position (as shown in Figure 1).
   

4. Place a bucket under the outlet port or run a line from the outlet port to a drain.

5. Slowly, partially open the supply valve (user supplied) to the OneFlow system. Allow the tank to fill with water. Close the supply valve when a steady stream of water comes out of the outlet port. Once the tank is full, wait 4 hours for media to “hydrate”.

6. Connect the Outlet of the OneFlow system to the line feeding the appliance that requires pre-heated water.

7. Open the supply valve to the OneFlow system.

8. Operate the fill cycle on the attached equipment to clear the line(s) of air bubbles.

9. Check for leaks. Repair as needed.

10. The system is now ready for operation.

Media Replacement Procedure

NOTICE
Your OneFlow media should be replaced every 3 years. Dispose of old media and/or containers in accordance with local, regional, national, and/or international regulations.
Close the water supply valve to the system and operate the filling cycle on the downstream equipment to relieve pressure within the plumbing system.

Place the bypass valve in the BYPASS position.

Loosen the two hex screws and remove the bypass valve from the head.

Unscrew and remove the head from the tank along with the pipe and distributor.

Dump the water and media into a bucket. Pour off the water and discard the media.

Pour the new media into the tank. Clean tank threads of any loose media.

Lube the O-ring on the underside of the tank head. Use only silicone O-ring lubricant.

Place the tank on it’s side. Install the tank head and distributor into the tank. Place the tank upright and hand tightens the head until secure.

Return the tank to the installation location. Install the bypass valve onto the tank head. Install and tighten the retaining clips.

Open the supply valve to the OneFlow system. Slowly move the bypass valve handle into the SERVICE position and wait 4 hours for the media to hydrate. Operate the fill cycle on the equipment to clear the line(s) of air bubbles. Check for leaks and repair as needed. The system is now ready for operation.

Parts List

Limited Warranty

• The OneFlow tank system is warranted to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for 5 years from the date of original shipment.
• The OneFlow media is warranted for performance for a period of 2 years from the date of the original installation when installed and operated in accordance with the instructions in the corresponding Installation and Operation Manual. Watts Regulator Company warrants its OneFlow cartridge systems as follows:
• The OneFlow cartridge system is warranted to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for 1 year from the date of original shipment.
• OneFlow cartridges are warranted for performance for a period of one year from the date of original installation when installed and operated in accordance with the instructions in the corresponding Installation and Operation Manual.
• Carbon replacement filter cartridges are not warranted to perform for any period of time because the service life of replacement carbon filter cartridges varies significantly with local water conditions and volume.

Conditions

1. The OneFlow system must be installed in applications with municipally supplied water adhering to EPA guidelines.
2. Any component failure must not result from abuse, fire, freezing, or other acts of nature, violence, or improper installation.
3. Equipment must be installed and operated in compliance with the local plumbing codes and on an approved water supply.
4. Equipment is limited to use at water pressures and temperatures that do not exceed our published specifications.
5. Water supply must not exceed 2.0 PPM chlorine. For water supply exceeding 2.0 PPM chlorine, pretreatment is required. (Please contact your water treatment specialist.)
6. Information, including model number, serial number, and date of installation, must be provided for any claims pertaining to the equipment in warranty.
7. Defective parts are subject to inspection by either Watts Regulator Company or any authorized representative before the final commitment of warranty adjustment is made.
8. Watts Regulator Company reserves the right to make changes or substitutions in parts or equipment with material of equal quality or value and of the current production.

Limitations
Our obligation under this warranty with respect to the tank or valve is limited to furnishing a replacement for, or at our option, repairing any part or parts to our satisfaction that prove defective within the warranty period stated above. Such replacement parts will be delivered to the owner F.O.B. nearest factory, at no cost, excluding freight and local labor charges, if any.
Our obligation under this warranty with respect to the OneFlow media will be limited to furnishing a replacement for the media within two years from the date of original installation. Such replacement media will be delivered to the owner F.O.B. nearest factory, at no cost, excluding freight and local labor charges, if any. Damage to the media due to chlorine, other oxidizers, or fouling caused by local water conditions or any other operation outside of the limits shown under Specifications, is not covered by this warranty.
THE WARRANTY SET FORTH HEREIN IS GIVEN EXPRESSLY AND IS THE ONLY WARRANTY GIVEN BY WATTS REGULATOR COMPANY WITH RESPECT TO THE PRODUCT. WATTS REGULATOR COMPANY MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. WATTS REGULATOR COMPANY HEREBY SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
The remedy described under this warranty shall constitute the sole and exclusive remedy for breach of warranty, and Watts Regulator Company shall not be responsible for any incidental, special, or consequential damages, including without limitation, freight, handling, lost profits, or the cost of repairing or replacing other property which is damaged if this product does not work properly, other costs resulting from labor charges, delays, vandalism, negligence, fouling caused by foreign material, damage from adverse water conditions, chemical, or any other circumstances over which Watts Regulator Company has no control. This warranty shall be invalidated by any abuse, misuse, misapplication, or improper installation of the product.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, and some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages. Therefore the above limitations may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights that vary from state to state. You should consult applicable state laws to determine your rights.
SO FAR AS IS CONSISTENT WITH APPLICABLE STATE LAW, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES THAT MAY NOT BE DISCLAIMED, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE APPLICABLE WARRANTY PERIODS STATED ABOVE.

IOM-OF817-8H_12H_1019-20H 2130
EDP# 1915997
USA: T: 978-689-6066 • F: 978-975-8350 • Watts.com
Canada: T: 888-208-8927 • F: 905-481-2316 • Watts.ca
Latin America: T: (52) 55-4122-0138 • Watts.com
© 2021 Watts
IOM-OF817-8H_12H_1019-20H

References

• Watts | Plumbing, Heating and Water Quality Solutions

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