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15/01/13 T.P V1.

15/01/13 T.P V1.0

15/01/13 T.P V1.0

15/01/13 T.P V1.0

15/01/13 T.P V1.0

Operating and Maintenance Instructions


FLOWSTOW Passive Rainwater Harvesting

Doc Ref. PX-FS-12-2012-V2

15/01/13 T.P V1.0

Contents
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

FLOWSTOW System Overview


Installation Guidance Notes
Principle of Operation
FLOWSTOW Tank Component Identification
FLOWSTOW Filtered Rain Water Outlet
FLOWSTOW Multiflow
Maintenance to FLOWSTOW Rain Water Storage Tank
FLOWSTOW Control panel
Recommended spares/Maintenance Agreement

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1. FLOWS
STOW Sy
ystem Ove
erview
FLOW
WSTOW is
s a passive rainwater
r
harvesting sysstem, rainwa
ater is conveyed by grav ity through a filtered raiin
wate
er outlet loca
ated on the roof via a ra
ainwater dow
wnpipe directly into the FLOWSTOW
F
flushing ta
anks.
The rainwater outlet incorpo
orates a glas
ss medium fiilter which re
educes the flow
f
rate thro
rough the outlet utilizing the
rooff for rain watter attenuatiion.
The designer is responsible for calculating the amou
unt of annua
al rain water to be stored
d on the roof combined with
the storage volu
ume within FLOWSTOW
F
tanks to m
meet BREEAM
M requirements if applica
able to the project.
p
The
designer is also responsible for sizing th
he mains wa ter top up supply pipework system tto provide adequate flow
w
rate of water to replenish th
he flushing water
w
during dry spells of
o no rain and simultaneo
ous flushing of the WCs
s.
If re
equired a FLO
OWSTOW Multiflow rain water outtlet can be in
nstalled to diivert the rain
nwater to se
everal tanks.. The
insta
aller must en
nsure that th
he Multiflow is installed w
with top leve
el to ensure even distrib
bution of the
e rainwater.
The FLOWSTOW
W flushing tanks
t
are av
vailable for ssingle, twin and
a
triple WC
C arrangeme
ents.
They
y are manuffactured from
m beige grey
y polypropyle
ene (PP-H) Din
D 8077 & 8078.
8
Refe
er to section 4 for compo
onent identiffication and also PX-FS-S
SPEC for sys
stem overvie
ew.
If re
equired optio
onal stands are
a supplied factory asse
embled to th
he tanks for floor mountiing.

2. Installation Guid
dance Notes
The method for supporting the
t
tanks ne
eeds to be co
onsidered, th
he weights of
o the FLOWS
STOW tanks vary
depe
endent on siize of tanks contact Pipe
ex px for s pecific weigh
hts.
Anch
hor bolt fixin
ngs to suit th
he type of wall e.g. conccrete/therma
alite block arre not suppliied by Pipex px but can be
obta
ained from H
Hilti or simila
ar to suit walll type. The F
FLOWSTOW tanks are pre drilled ffor wall mou
unting.
For light duty walls e.g. stud
d partition Pipex
P
px ca
an supply op
ptional suppo
ort system b olted to the tanks for flo
oor
mou
unting.
Duriing installation it is recommended th
hat the overfflow connecttion is installed and the drain valve remains ope
en to allow
the rainwater to
o flush through the syste
em, the drain
n valve is the closed when the syste
em is ready for
f operation
n. To avoid
pote
ential build u
up of debris within
w
the ta
anks during installation it
i is recomm
mended that tthe filtered rainwater
r
ou
utlet is not
used
d to drain rainwater into
o the tanks until
u
the systtem is completely installed and operrational.
Packing and Handling
The FLOWSTOW
W tanks will be delivere
ed on the tra
ansport vehic
cle in the ho
orizontal possition. The ta
anks will
be stacked
s
in an
n orderly ma
anor with tim
mber spacerss and nylon strapping
s
securing the ta
anks togethe
er.
(See
e Photo 1)
Photo 1

Stan
ndard Size Tank Weig
ghts Empty
FLOW
WSTOW Triple 122k
kg
FLOW
WSTOW Twin 82kg
FLOW
WSTOW S
Single 52kg
g

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Unloading
Incoming shipments will be inspected by the customer to ensure no damage has
occurred during transit. It is the responsibility of the customer to report any damages as a result of
transit prior to unloading the tanks.
The tanks are removed from the delivery vehicle with a Fork-Lift by suitable qualified personnel, care
is required when positioning for forks beneath the tanks ensuring the
forks are flat to avoid the tanks slipping. (Photo 2)
Alternatively strops can be used and placed beneath the tanks taking care to avoid pipe connections.
Care must be taken during the unloading operation that the tanks are not dropped or that impact with
other goods does not occur. Slots are provided to assist with handling (Photo 3)

Care is required to avoid any impact


Whatsoever when handling the tanks at
temperatures at 5C and
Below, if in doubt contact Pipex px

Photo 2

Slots within the tank are provided to


Assist with handling of the tanks
Into position

Photo 3

Storage
The customer is responsible for storing the tanks within a safe area, long periods of exposure to direct
sunlight should be avoided. If the tanks are going to stored for long periods exposed to direct
sunlight a tarpaulin cover will be required.

Optional Support Frames


If ordered optional support frames will be pre-assembled to the tanks. It is recommended that the tanks
remain stored flat until positioned and secured to the toilet area wall.

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Connecting the Flush Valve Assembly


The actuated valves flush valve assembly will be packed separate.
A tank connector with union end is provided on the bottom of the tank to accept the valve assembly,
the union nut is screwed hand tight (See Photo 4)
A rubber insert is provided on the flush valve assembly to accept the WC flush pipe (See Photo 5 & 6)

Photo 5 Rubber pre-installed to


accept WC Flush Pipe

Photo 4 Valve Assembly


screwed to tank connection
Photo 6 Rubber pre-installed to
accept WC Flush Pipe

Connecting the sensor hose to the tank


The FLOWSTOW Control Panel for each tank is supplied with 3.5m of 4mm I.D. clear PVC sensor hose
connected to the pressure sensor located within the control panel. DO NOT REMOVE THE SENSOR HOSE
FROM THE PANEL. (Photo 7).
The tank is provided with a compression fitting to accept the PVC sensor hose (photo 8)
Care must be taken when connecting the sensor hose to the tank to ensure it is tightened to form an air
tight seal.

Photo 7 Control Panel Sensor Hose

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Photo 8 Connecting Sensor Hose to the


Compression fitting on the tank

3.Principle of Operation

The filtered rain water enters the tank through the rain water inlet positioned on top of the tank.
In the event of the tank reaching maximum capacity an overflow within the tank will convey the excess
rain water to drain.
The FLOWSTOW flushing is operated by pushing the half or full flush button which will open the actuated
valve connected to the WC flushing pipe. The flushing volumes can be adjusted by Pipex px
commissioning engineer but are preset to meet BREEAM requirements of 4.5 litre for full flush and 3.0 litre
for half flush.
The buttons are numbered 1 for half flush and 2 for full flush.
A pressure switch located within the control panel determines the opening time of the actuated flushing
valve in relation to the static head of rain water within the tank.
In the event no rain the tanks will be filled by a 15mm mains water top up solenoid valve which discharges
into the mains water inlet tundish located on top of each tank. The mains water top up volume is set to
provide 3No flushes and will operate as a traditional WC cistern during periods with no rain.
A drain valve is located on the bottom of the tank connecting into the overflow outlet to facilitate draining
down of the tank.
A bolted inspection cover provides access into the tank for cleaning.
The operation of the system is via the FLOWSTOW control panel, refer to section 7 for Control Panel
Instructions.

4. FLOWSTOW Tank Component Identification

FLOWSTOW

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FLOWSTOW

Key.
1.FLOWSTOW Tank (Twin indicated, Single/Triple available.
2.Removable Access Cover for cleaning the inside of the tank
3. Mains water inlet tundish with air gap and spill over
4. 63(50NB) Rain Water Inlet
5. 63(50NB) Overflow
6. 40(32NB) Welded Tank Connector
7. 20(15NB) Pressure Sensor Dip Pipe
8. Drain Sump with 32(25NB) Tank Drain
9. 40(32NB) turn Isolation Valve
10. 40(32NB) 24v DC Actuated Flush Valve
11. 32(25NB) turn Drain Isolation Valve
12. Half and Full Flush push buttons with stainless face plate
13. Rubber push fit insert to accept WC Flush Pipe
14. Mains water top up level
15.Mains water top up Solenoid Valve 24v DC
16. Optional Support Frame supplied assembled to tank.
17. FLOWSTOW Control Panel 200L x 145H x 55 Deep
18. 6mm(4NB) Clear PVC Pressure Sensor Hose
19. Optional UV lamp Connection (UV not normally required)
20. Handle Slots to assist with positioning
21. Water Meter as Kent V100 Pulse Meter (Not supplied)
22. Condense Drip Channel with connection to overflow
23. Vent Hole above water line level

5. FLOWSTOW Filtered Rain Water Outlet

1. Leaf guard with two retaining lugs for locating


into main body item 5.
2. Polystyrene frost cap.
3. Cylinder Filter closed top open bottom
4. 500 micron mesh filter basket with glass
medium filter/flow restrictor to 0.15l/s
5. Rain water outlet. Spigot outlet 110mm
6. M6 x 16mm CSK Screws for single ply
membrane
7. M6 x 45mm CSK Screws for asphalt finish
Cleaning the outlet
In order to clean out the trap and medium filter it
is recommended to have a spare filter bag
complete with the glass media (4)
If leaf guard is blocked and rainwater has formed
a pond around the leaf guard (1) first clear debris
away from leaf guard and dispose into a refuse
bag. Surface water should now flow through leaf
guard (1) and into outlet (5)
If the rain water will not flow away then it is likely
that the filter media bag needs to be cleaned (4).
Using a twisting action remove the leaf (1) guard
away from the rain water outlet (5).
Lift out frost cap (2) and remove mesh filter (3)
Have your spare filter media bag (4) close to
hand then lift out the filter media bag to be
cleaned and immediately replace it with your
spare filter bag.
Replace filter mesh (3)and frost cap (2) then fix
leaf guard (1) any surface water will now drain
through the newly installed filter media.
Once surface water has cleared it is
recommended that the procedure is repeated but
this time remove the trap (4) and wipe clean and
wash out.
The filter media bag that was removed is now
washed through under a tap and kept as the
spare.
The number of times the outlet needs to be
cleaned is dependent on the surrounding
environment, if trees are close by then the roof
will be subject to leaf fall during the autumn
months.
As a guide clean once in beginning October then
again in Jan/Feb then again once in the summer
months, it will be up to the end user to determine
the best maintenance schedule to the rain water
outlet to suit the surrounding environmental
conditions.

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6. FLOWSTOW Multiflow
Where required an optional FLOWSTOW Multiflow rain water outlet can be installed to divert the rainwater to
several tanks. The installer must ensure that the Multiflow is installed with top level to ensure even distribution of
the rainwater.

1. FLOWSTOW Filtered rain water outlet


2. FLOWSTOW Multiflow outlet
3. 110mm push fit o ring socket
4. Predrilled holes to accept secondary support
fixings. Secondary fixings not supplied by
Pipex px
5. 63(50NB) outlet connections
6. 15mm drain valve
7. Removable access cap for cleaning.
Installation
The Multiflow outlet is supplied with an o ring socket
(3) for push fitting directly onto the filtered rain water
outlet (1). Silicone grease is applied to the o rings to
assist with sliding on to the spigot outlet.
Predrilled hole are provided (4) to allow for secondary
support fixings.
To ensure even distribution of the rain water through
the Multiflow outlet the top of the outlet (4) must be
level, it is recommended this is checked with a digital
spirit level.
Cleaning the outlet
It is recommended that cleaning the outlet is
completed when the outlet is not receiving rain water
from the roof.
The Multiflow outlet is drained using the drain valve
(6), position a bucket beneath the drain or
alternatively connect a hose to the drain valve.
To inspect inside the Multiflow either remove the trap
within the rain water outlet as previously described or
remove the access cap (7)
The filter within the roof rainwater outlet will prevent
debris entering the Multiflow but it is recommended
that the Multiflow is cleaned twice a year.

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7. Maintenance to FLOWSTOW Rain Water Storage Tank

7.1 Removing the bolted Access Cover


Access for cleaning and inspection into the tanks is via the bolted covers positioned on the front of the tanks. The
nuts are M16 stainless steel.
If the filter medium within the rainwater outlet is maintained as previously mentioned in section 4 then debris
entering the tanks will be kept to a minimum. It is recommended that cleaning of the tanks is completed once a
year, the internal wall of the tank can be hosed out with clean water and wiped with a cloth.
A 3mm EDPM gasket seals the access cover to the tank, the gasket will need to be replaced if signs of wear are
evident or as a guide every third time of removal.
When removing and replacing the cover care needs to be taken not to cross thread the stainless steel studs, use a
copper anti-seize thread lubricant to the stainless steel threads to prevent thread locking.
The access cover torque setting is 60 Nm or 44 lb/ft.
If the tank is fitted with optional viewing ports the torque settings will be the same.
The inside of the FLOWSTOW tank is wiped clean with a damp cloth avoid using solvents or abrasive pads. The
tank can be pressure jet cleaned.

1. M16 stainless steel encapsulated stud


2. 3mm EDPM Gasket
3. Polypropylene access cover
4. Stainless steel flat washer
5. M16 stainless steel nut

7.2 Actuated Flushing Valves


In the unlikely event that there is a fault with the actuated flushing valves please contact Pipex px for
assistance.
The mechanics of the valve are protected with a tamper proof seal is this is removed the warranty of the actuated
valve is void. (See photo 9)

Photo 9 indicating tamper proof red


seal

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8. FLOWSTOW Control panel


Connections Diagram
Please connect all power, valves, buttons, sensors and commuction devices according to the diagram below.
Failure to follow these instructions could result in damage to the device and/or other connected devices.

External connections:
The control panel is powered via the IEC plug connector on the bottom right hand side of the panel. IEC plug is not
supplied by Pipex px
The pressure sensor port is found on the left hand side of the controller box and should be connected via a silicone
hose to the water tank for water level sensing.
The following I/O connections are accessible through 6 circular pin connectors:
1.
2.
3.
4.

2
3
4
5

Pin
pin
pin
pin

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connector: Optional UV lamp connection, 240V.


connector: RS485 serial connection for BMS readout.
connector: Water meter pulse counter input and top-up solenoid valve connection.
connectors (3pcs): full flush and half flush button input + WC valve connection.

V2 V3 S1 24V+

WC2

WC2

1 - V2(+)
2 - FF2
3 - 5V
4 - HF2
5 - V2(-)

WC1

WC1

1 - V1(+)
2 - FF1
3 - 5V
4 - HF1
5 - V1(-)

Valves/ power

(+) V1

V1 V2 V3 S1 24V-

Main PCB

(-)

Top View

Pipex FlowStow Internal Wiring Diagram

in
out
L

Wmeter
FF1
HF1
FF2
HF2
FF3
HF3

1 - V3(+)
2 - FF3
3 - 5V
4 - HF3
5 - V3(-)

WC3

WC3

Input/ Output

1 - S1
2 - S2
3 - 5V (Wmeter)
4 - Watermeter

Tank

Tank

5V
5V
5V
5V
B
A
GND

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1-A
2-B
3 - GND

RS485

RS485

240 V

240 V output
UV lamp

UV

UV

PSU

24 V

L
N

240 V Mains

240 V Mains

*Please solder the wires of all accessories (valves, buttons etc) to the supplied circular plugs as shown on the
diagrams below. The plugs are directional and will only mate with matching sockets on the panel.

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8.1

FLOWSTOW user interface

The front face of the control box shows an 84x48 pixel LCD display with three membrane pushbuttons for
navigation and data input on the left hand side of the display.
Home screen: By default the control panel shows the total amount of water saved. Pressing the middle selection
button displays further menu options.

To see the status and running totals of the system select Status.
To setup, commission or change parameters select Setup.
To return to the home screen select Back.

8.2 Setup Procedure


Note: The control panel is factory preset to provide a 4.5 litre full flush and a 3 litre half
flush. The preset settings do not need to be adjusted and if further commissioning is
required it is recommended that Pipex px is contacted.
After ensuring all external sensors, actuators and power are satisfactory connected to the panel, the
systems software has to be configured through a simple setup routine. Please go to the Setup>Commissioning menu.
Set Up / Commissioning
1.
Make sure the water tank is empty and the pressure sensing hose is connected to port on
the panel. The current water level is indicated by the WaterH menu item and is updated
in real-time.
2.
Press enter Set min to calibrate the system, setting its 0 water level.
3.
Move one menu item down; Press the enter button and hold to activate the Mains top up
valve override until sufficient water is in the tank for flushing.
4.
Try flushing by pushing one of the externally connected flush button

Note: Minimum offset value can be reset by clicking Set min again.

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8.3 FLOWSTOW Control Panel


Status display: Select Since January to display the logged running totals of the system since the
beginning of the year. Keep pressing the down button to activate the second screen of this menu. To go
back to the Main menu press Back at the end of the list, to view the Status for the system since
commissioning, select Since startup.

Set up menu: Allows for commisioning routines, maintanance and setting of parameters to match each
individual design or implementation of the system. To manipulate a numerical value, please select it by
pressing enter after which you can press the up or down buttons to increase or decrease a value. After
completing editting the value, press the enter button again to deactivate edit mode. Now press up or down
to select the next value.

Commissioning; allows to see the current pressure sensor reading and set a zero/minimum for when the
tank is empty. After completing this step the user moves one meny item down to control the Mains
override feature. By pressing and holding the enter button the mains top-up valve will open and fill the
tank until the user sees no further increase of the value shown on the line below. (hearing the water
overflow is the second clue).
Offset shows the offset value of the pressure sensor, as specified by the manufacturer.
Mains Top Up shows settings of the mains. Mains Top Up TriggeropenstheMainssolenoidvalve,iftheheightof
waterislowerorequalthesetvalue.Reservedisplaystheheightofwatertofillupthetankuntilthemainsisopened.

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Parameters: This menu allows setting up the basic parameters such as delay between sequential flushes,
volume of full and half flushes etc. The parameters that make up the algorithm for calculation flush time
for a set flush volume are also editable to allow for future system changes.
The system can be customized to any specific installation by selecting volume of Full flush (Fflush),
volume of Half flush (Hflush), flow resistance due to shape alterations and friction (Flow R.), height of
the tube, between the tank outlet and the flush outlet (Tube h), tube diameter in mm (Tube d).
A reset function of flushing records and system parameters is available at the bottom of the Parameters
setup page. Note: System Reset restores default parameters as well as logged data records.

Optional UV lamp: Frequency and On-time of the UV lamp can be set from this menu. Interval is the
time between each period the lamp being on. Period is the duration of the On-time for the lamp. The end
user can determine the frequency for the UV lamp operation to suit seasonal rainfall.

Time/Date: DD/MM/YYYY is editable in the same way to the Parameter setup menu: press the up or
down buttons to select the parameter that you wish to change, press the enter button to activate editing.
The selected part can be set by pressing the up and down buttons. To deactivate editing, press the enter
button again.

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8.4 BMS ModBus RS485

1. To test reading the variables from the Flow Stow control remotely, please,
follow the following steps:
2. Connect the USB-to-RS485 converters A, B & GND connections to the
corresponding connections on the panel. Connect the converter to a
computer through the USB connection.
3. Install USB to RS485 converter drivers as provided on CD-ROM
4. Install QModBus as provided on CD-ROM.
5. Launch QModBus.
6. Select Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm port in Serial port drop-down menu.
7. Choose Read Holding Registers for Function code.
8. Set number of coils to 17.
9. Press Send and current value will be displayed in the Registers below.
10. Press Send again to refresh data view

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The following readings are displayed in the registers:


0.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.

8.5

Height of water in the tank, centimeters - Register 0


Volume of full flush, millilitre - Register 1
Volume of half flush, millilitre - Register 2
Water consumed from the mains, litre - Register 3
Total volume of water, flushed through the system, litre Register 4
Total volume of all full flushes, litre Register 5
Total volume of half flushes, litre Register 6
Total number of full flushes Register 7
Total number of half flushes Register 8
Total water saved, litre - Register 9
Volume of mains water, consumed since January, litre Register 10
Total volume of water, flushed since January, litre Register 11
Volume of full flushes since January, litre Register 12
Volume of half flushes since January, litre Register 13
Number of full flushes since January Register 14
Number of half flushes since January Register 15
Total number of flushes since January Register 16
Total water saved since January, littre - Register 17

Firmware upgrade

In case any changes are required or software upgrades need to be performed, the special programming device is
provided. Below are the steps on how to update the software. In the unlikely event of software upgrades Pipex
px will contact the end user and assist with technical support to complete the operation.
i. Install AVR Studio program.
ii. Open the box and connect the programming device to the header as shown on the picture. Note: Please,
pay attention to the direction the programming device is connected.
iii. Connect the programming device to computer with USB cable.
iv. Open AVR Studio, click on Tools in the menu. Then click on Program tag, select source file with .hex file
extension from your hardware and click Program.

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After updating the firmware, go to the Set up -> Parameters -> Reset Parameters (on the panels LCD screen)
to reset the panel to default start up values.

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9. Recommended Spares

The list below is a guide of spare components which can be obtained through Pipex px.
It will be up to the end user to determine quantities required to suit the installed FLOWSTOW system.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Actuated Flushing Valve 24v DC


Push Buttons for flush control
Access Cover 3mm EDPM Gasket
Mains water solenoid valve 24v DC
Rain water outlet glass medium filter
Optional UV lamp, data sheet available if applicable

9. 1. Pipex px Maintenance Agreement


Contact Pipex px for details of maintenance agreement for FLOWSTOW
Tel +44 (0)1752 581 200
Fax +44 (0) 1752 581 209
sales@pipexpx.com

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