Welcome : Service : User Manual : Inspection

1.) Open all Inspection Ports and observe operation. Locate the Control Valves in the Aeration Chamber. These valves were preset at the factory and rarely require adjustment. Proper adjustment is determined by observing a gentle rolling of the water surface. The unit will not operate properly without sufficient air! Too much air, however, will not create any problems in the operation of your unit.

2.) Locate the Strainer Basket at the inlet just inside the Aeration Chamber. If there appears to be an abnormal collection of paper or trash in the strainer, simply lift it off the retainer pegs, clean the basket and discard the trash, and replace the Strainer Basket back on the retainer pegs. This procedure is rarely necessary if users of your new KLEEN TANK™ follow all manufacturer's recommendations.

3.) Locate the Floating Skimmers and the Skimmer Valve in the Clarifier Chamber. Locate the end of the 2" discharge from the Floating Skimmer back in the Aeration Chamber. There should be a small stream (one (1) or two (2) finger width) constantly discharging into the Aeration Chamber. Observe the Floating Skimmer in the Clarifier Chamber. Push it down lightly to be sure it is free floating with the top of the barrel just below the water surface. Observe that a small but constant flow from the surface is flowing into the barrel of the skimmer. The Skimmer Valve should be in a slightly open position to produce the desired constant small flow.

4.) Locate the Sludge Return and the Sludge Return Valve in the Clarifier Chamber. Locate the end of the 3" discharge from the Sludge Return into the Aeration Chamber. There should be a small constant flow from the Sludge Return, identical to the small steady flow from the Floating Skimmer. Like the Floating Skimmer, the Sludge Return Valve should be kept in a slightly open position to produce the desired constant small flow.

There should not be any surges of air out of either the Floating Skimmer or the Sludge Return discharges.

5.) Inspect blower inlet filter. Remove wing nut on Filter/Silencer. Remove cover to expose filter element, replace filter if evidence of excessive build up of dirt/dust/oil. Carefully read the Operation Manual (Section 3) for all operational and maintenance instructions for the blower.

6.) Locate the Chlorine Tube in the Chlorinator. Check the Chlorine Tube to ensure that partially dissolved tablets have not caked up in the cylinder (wash caked material out of Chlorine Tube if buildup has occurred). Add new tablets as necessary, insert Chlorine Tube into cylinder and replace cap. It should only be necessary to add chlorine tablets approximately every two (2) weeks of normal operation.

CAUTION: Avoid breathing chlorine vapors. Avoid contact with skin and clothing. Keep chlorine tablets in a clean, dry container. Owens strongly recommends all chemicals be stored in the original containers in which they were received. Exercise caution when opening the containers.

WARNING: Chlorine, water and hydrocarbons (oil, grease, etc) form an explosive mixture!

NOTES: When using sea-water or brackish water for flushing, it is virtually impossible to accurately determine free chlorine in the effluent using typical color-metric indicator kits. A much more sophisticated laboratory type method must be used to determine the chlorine content called for in many required periodic regulatory reports. Sea-water is frequently used for flushing and this is acceptable with all Owens KLEEN TANK™ systems.

Occasionally, systems are ordered with liquid chlorinators. Carefully read and follow all instructions furnished with these units. (Refer to Section 3 of your paper manual.)

7.) Some units are supplied with Dual Motor/Blower systems. If allowed to sit idle for a long period of time, electric motors, air compressors, blowers, etc, tend to "freeze up." This is especially true in high humidity and saltwater environments. Dual motor/blower systems should be run on, at least, an alternating weekly schedule. Some operators alternate each 12-hour tour/shift.

8.) Locate the 2" air check valve in the blower discharge piping. Occasionally, relief valves and check valves tend to "click." To correct this minor problem, turn the blower on and off, rapidly, two (2) or three (3) times until the "clicking" stops.

9.) Occasional "wash-down" with fresh water and "touch-up" of external paint surfaces will enhance the appearance and prolong the life of the unit. This is especially true around the top inspection covers and in the vicinity of the chlorinator.

10.) Efficient operation of these systems depends upon a healthy, stable population of microorganisms (primarily bacteria) and an adequate supply of available oxygen (air) in the Aeration Chamber.

CAUTION: Disinfectants, antiseptics, strong commercial floor cleaners, detergents, etc, are toxic to these microorganisms and must not be allowed to enter these units! Biologically safe cleaners are now supplied by Owens and should be used exclusively. Please refer to the Recommended Cleaners section of your paper manual, or the "Acceptable Cleaners" page of this website.

11.) Most operational problems can be straightened out with a phone call to Owens. Trained, experienced service personnel, however, are available at competitive rates. For more information, please contact Owens, or your local Authorized Owens Distributor.