- The pre-filter is essential to maintaining the optimal functionality of your Ice Barrel Chiller. It captures small particles that could enter the system and disrupt water flow, which could lead to inefficiencies or malfunctions.
- The new advanced pre-filter is more robust, capable of capturing even smaller particles, thus enhancing the overall performance of your Chiller. Regular replacement of the pre-filter is crucial to keep your system running smoothly.
Important Precautions Before You Begin:
- Ensure Maintenance Mode is Activated: Always make sure the Chiller is in maintenance mode before beginning any maintenance tasks to avoid accidents or system malfunctions.
- Shut the Bottom Valve of the Ice Barrel: Once in maintenance mode, shut the bottom valve of the Ice Barrel to prevent water from flowing out during the replacement process.
- Drain Water if Necessary: For Ice Barrel 500 users, since the pre-filter is located at the bottom of the barrel, you may need to drain a small amount of water to easily access the pre-filter.
- Prevent Debris from Re-entering the System: When draining water or replacing the pre-filter, be careful not to let any captured debris re-enter the system or the bottom bulkhead.
Instructions for Replacing the Pre-Filter
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Prepare the Chiller:
- Activate Maintenance Mode: Ensure your Chiller is in maintenance mode to safely perform the replacement.
- Shut the Bottom Valve of the Ice Barrel: After entering maintenance mode, close the bottom valve of the Ice Barrel to prevent water from escaping.
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Remove the Old Pre-Filter:
- Locate the pre-filter at the bottom bulkhead of your Ice Barrel.
- Unscrew the old pre-filter from the bottom bulkhead. It should come off with a few turns.
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Install the New Advanced Pre-Filter:
- Take the new advanced pre-filter and screw it into place. Note that it only needs to be screwed in a few millimeters until it feels tight. Avoid over-tightening as you will need to remove it periodically for cleaning.
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Final Steps:
- Reopen the Bottom Valve of the Ice Barrel: After the new pre-filter is securely installed, reopen the bottom valve of the Ice Barrel to restore water flow.
- Exit Maintenance Mode: Once everything is secure, exit maintenance mode and let the system run. It may take a few moments for the system to refill with water.
Additional Notes:
- Monitor for Protection Mode: If the system triggers protection mode, it is likely due to insufficient water in the system. Simply restart the Chiller, and it should pull the rest of the water through. You will notice the return of flow to the top bulkhead.
- Disconnecting the Bottom Hose: If you believe particles have gotten beyond the pre-filter and into the waterline, follow these steps to disconnect the bottom hose:
- Close Water Valves: Shut off the top and bottom bulkhead valves to stop water flow.
- Prepare Equipment: Have a shop vac (wet/dry vacuum) and a towel ready.
- Vacuum the Water: Turn on the shop vac and place it below the quick-connect fitting. Pull on the quick-connect fitting to disconnect it from the Chiller, then quickly place the shop vac hose over the quick-connect fitting on the Chiller. This will vacuum out any water in the system, preventing it from spilling on the ground. This process should take about a minute.
- Vacuum the Hose: After disconnecting the hose from the Chiller, disconnect the hose from the Ice Barrel and vacuum out all the water from that tube. This ensures that any particles or debris potentially introduced when the pre-filter was not in place are removed from the line.
- Reconnect the Hose: Once the water has been removed, reconnect the hose to the Chiller and Ice Barrel, and reopen the water valves.
Maintenance Recommendations:
- If your Ice Barrel sees heavy use (5+ people a day), it’s recommended to check the pre-filter every few days to ensure it isn’t restricting water flow.
- Always ensure that the Chiller is in maintenance mode before performing any maintenance tasks.