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PCV Flow Inspection (Qualitative)

Untreated problems within the valve can lead to an increase in energy consumption, generate sludge, create pollution, and ultimately decrease your engine's performance.

Hardware

01/16/2024

PCV Flow Inspection (Qualitative)

Untreated problems within the valve can lead to an increase in energy consumption, generate sludge, create pollution, and ultimately decrease your engine's performance.

While overriding irrigation and rack specific solenoids to ON, inspect the flow out of the PCV's union. Ensure only one solenoid is open at a time, and override the pump ON ONLY AFTER A SOLENOID HAS ALREADY BEEN VERIFIED OPENED.

The flow stream should look laminar and consistent (the stream should not break). Every PCV should look uniform in flow.

If you are unfamiliar with how an underperforming PCV looks, perform a quantitative check following this procedure.

PCV Flow Inspection (Quantitative)

Obtain a graduated container that can hold at least 500 mL, and can be easily manipulable (jug, cylinder, etc).

Override a solenoid ON, and override irrigation ON.

Let irrigation run for at least 1 minute to let the circulation loop fill up.

For each of the PCVs, follow these steps to measure the PCV's flow.

Set up a stopwatch app on your smartphone.

Simultaneously hit start on your stopwatch and place the jug directly under the PCV's union.

As the stopwatch hits 10 seconds, immediately remove the container and stop collecting water.

Below are fields to input the amount of water collected in mL. If your container is graduated with a different unit, use a converter to convert them to mL.

NOTE: The following are grading criteria for each value.

Pass: 303 mL is the minimum amount for a rack to operate within safe guidelines, and it corresponds to 0.8 GPM, this accounts for predictable pressure losses. The "perfect", lossless value would be 379 mL for a PCV to be working in perfect condition, which corresponds to 1 GPM, though this is rarely the case.

Flag: Between 303 mL and 265 mL (0.8-0.7 GPM) the PCV is notably underperforming, but the flow is still within the safety margin and no immediate action is required at this time (trays will still flood). The issue should be flagged and addressed with moderate priority.

Fail: Lower than 265 mL (0.7 GPM) means the PCV is in need of cleaning, and if necessary, replacement. Follow these two procedures in order to address the issue.

PCV Cleaning

Using two hands (or possibly aiding yourself with an appropriate hand tool), untighten the union that holds the PCV (pressure compensating valve) in place.

Remove the pressure compensating valve is free of debris or biofilm by lightly brushing both sides and subjecting it to a moderate pressure hose.

If debris cannot be removed or the device is visibly damaged, follow the PCV Replacement procedure.

PCV Replacement

Using two hands (or possibly aiding yourself with an appropriate hand tool), untighten the union that holds the PCV (pressure compensating valve) in place.

Dispose of the used PCV and install a new PCV in its place, in the same orientation as the removed one. After ensuring the union's male side still has the O-ring installed, tighten the union.

If this replacement was warranted by flow issues, perform a quantitative PCV flow assessment following this procedure to ensure flow is restored to specifications.

PCV Replacement

Using two hands (or possibly aiding yourself with an appropriate hand tool), untighten the union that holds the PCV (pressure compensating valve) in place.

Dispose of the used PCV and install a new PCV in its place, in the same orientation as the removed one. After ensuring the union's male side still has the O-ring installed, tighten the union.

If this replacement was warranted by flow issues, perform a quantitative PCV flow assessment following this procedure to ensure flow is restored to specifications.

TOP LEVEL, LEFT - Captured Water (mL)

TOP LEVEL, LEFT - Assessment

Pass
Flag
Fail

TOP LEVEL, RIGHT - Captured Water (mL)

TOP LEVEL, RIGHT - Assessment

Pass
Flag
Fail

MIDDLE LEVEL, LEFT - Captured Water (mL)

MIDDLE LEVEL, LEFT - Assessment

Pass
Flag
Fail

MIDDLE LEVEL, RIGHT - Captured Water (mL)

MIDDLE LEVEL, RIGHT - Assessment

Pass
Flag
Fail

BOTTOM LEVEL, LEFT - Captured Water (mL)

MIDDLE LEVEL, LEFT - Assessment

Pass
Flag
Fail

BOTTOM LEVEL, RIGHT - Captured Water (mL)

MIDDLE LEVEL, RIGHT - Assessment

Pass
Flag
Fail

If all PCVs are visibly underperforming, the issue is related to the zone's main irrigation pump or upstream areas of filtration restricting flow.

If any of the previous conditions are false, follow the PCV Cleaning procedure.

PCV Cleaning

Using two hands (or possibly aiding yourself with an appropriate hand tool), untighten the union that holds the PCV (pressure compensating valve) in place.

Remove the pressure compensating valve is free of debris or biofilm by lightly brushing both sides and subjecting it to a moderate pressure hose.

If debris cannot be removed or the device is visibly damaged, follow the PCV Replacement procedure.

PCV Replacement

Using two hands (or possibly aiding yourself with an appropriate hand tool), untighten the union that holds the PCV (pressure compensating valve) in place.

Dispose of the used PCV and install a new PCV in its place, in the same orientation as the removed one. After ensuring the union's male side still has the O-ring installed, tighten the union.

If this replacement was warranted by flow issues, perform a quantitative PCV flow assessment following this procedure to ensure flow is restored to specifications.

PCV Flow Inspection (Quantitative)

Obtain a graduated container that can hold at least 500 mL, and can be easily manipulable (jug, cylinder, etc).

Override a solenoid ON, and override irrigation ON.

Let irrigation run for at least 1 minute to let the circulation loop fill up.

For each of the PCVs, follow these steps to measure the PCV's flow.

Set up a stopwatch app on your smartphone.

Simultaneously hit start on your stopwatch and place the jug directly under the PCV's union.

As the stopwatch hits 10 seconds, immediately remove the container and stop collecting water.

Below are fields to input the amount of water collected in mL. If your container is graduated with a different unit, use a converter to convert them to mL.

NOTE: The following are grading criteria for each value.

Pass: 303 mL is the minimum amount for a rack to operate within safe guidelines, and it corresponds to 0.8 GPM, this accounts for predictable pressure losses. The "perfect", lossless value would be 379 mL for a PCV to be working in perfect condition, which corresponds to 1 GPM, though this is rarely the case.

Flag: Between 303 mL and 265 mL (0.8-0.7 GPM) the PCV is notably underperforming, but the flow is still within the safety margin and no immediate action is required at this time (trays will still flood). The issue should be flagged and addressed with moderate priority.

Fail: Lower than 265 mL (0.7 GPM) means the PCV is in need of cleaning, and if necessary, replacement. Follow these two procedures in order to address the issue.

TOP LEVEL, LEFT - Captured Water (mL)

TOP LEVEL, LEFT - Assessment

Pass
Flag
Fail

TOP LEVEL, RIGHT - Captured Water (mL)

TOP LEVEL, RIGHT - Assessment

Pass
Flag
Fail

MIDDLE LEVEL, LEFT - Captured Water (mL)

MIDDLE LEVEL, LEFT - Assessment

Pass
Flag
Fail

MIDDLE LEVEL, RIGHT - Captured Water (mL)

MIDDLE LEVEL, RIGHT - Assessment

Pass
Flag
Fail

BOTTOM LEVEL, LEFT - Captured Water (mL)

MIDDLE LEVEL, LEFT - Assessment

Pass
Flag
Fail

BOTTOM LEVEL, RIGHT - Captured Water (mL)

MIDDLE LEVEL, RIGHT - Assessment

Pass
Flag
Fail

If the flow from the affected PCV is still underperforming, follow the PCV replacement procedure.

PCV Replacement

Using two hands (or possibly aiding yourself with an appropriate hand tool), untighten the union that holds the PCV (pressure compensating valve) in place.

Dispose of the used PCV and install a new PCV in its place, in the same orientation as the removed one. After ensuring the union's male side still has the O-ring installed, tighten the union.

If this replacement was warranted by flow issues, perform a quantitative PCV flow assessment following this procedure to ensure flow is restored to specifications.

PCV Flow Inspection (Quantitative)

Obtain a graduated container that can hold at least 500 mL, and can be easily manipulable (jug, cylinder, etc).

Override a solenoid ON, and override irrigation ON.

Let irrigation run for at least 1 minute to let the circulation loop fill up.

For each of the PCVs, follow these steps to measure the PCV's flow.

Set up a stopwatch app on your smartphone.

Simultaneously hit start on your stopwatch and place the jug directly under the PCV's union.

As the stopwatch hits 10 seconds, immediately remove the container and stop collecting water.

Below are fields to input the amount of water collected in mL. If your container is graduated with a different unit, use a converter to convert them to mL.

NOTE: The following are grading criteria for each value.

Pass: 303 mL is the minimum amount for a rack to operate within safe guidelines, and it corresponds to 0.8 GPM, this accounts for predictable pressure losses. The "perfect", lossless value would be 379 mL for a PCV to be working in perfect condition, which corresponds to 1 GPM, though this is rarely the case.

Flag: Between 303 mL and 265 mL (0.8-0.7 GPM) the PCV is notably underperforming, but the flow is still within the safety margin and no immediate action is required at this time (trays will still flood). The issue should be flagged and addressed with moderate priority.

Fail: Lower than 265 mL (0.7 GPM) means the PCV is in need of cleaning, and if necessary, replacement. Follow these two procedures in order to address the issue.

PCV Cleaning

Using two hands (or possibly aiding yourself with an appropriate hand tool), untighten the union that holds the PCV (pressure compensating valve) in place.

Remove the pressure compensating valve is free of debris or biofilm by lightly brushing both sides and subjecting it to a moderate pressure hose.

If debris cannot be removed or the device is visibly damaged, follow the PCV Replacement procedure.

TOP LEVEL, LEFT - Captured Water (mL)

TOP LEVEL, LEFT - Assessment

Pass
Flag
Fail

TOP LEVEL, RIGHT - Captured Water (mL)

TOP LEVEL, RIGHT - Assessment

Pass
Flag
Fail

MIDDLE LEVEL, LEFT - Captured Water (mL)

MIDDLE LEVEL, LEFT - Assessment

Pass
Flag
Fail

MIDDLE LEVEL, RIGHT - Captured Water (mL)

MIDDLE LEVEL, RIGHT - Assessment

Pass
Flag
Fail

BOTTOM LEVEL, LEFT - Captured Water (mL)

MIDDLE LEVEL, LEFT - Assessment

Pass
Flag
Fail

BOTTOM LEVEL, RIGHT - Captured Water (mL)

MIDDLE LEVEL, RIGHT - Assessment

Pass
Flag
Fail

Source: Hardware (Community Member)

Please note that any procedure, checklist, or other document available in the MaintainX Procedure Hub is provided for general education and information only and does not constitute legal, medical, or financial advice. MaintainX makes the materials available AS IS and AS PROVIDED, without warranties of any kind. By downloading or using any such materials, you assume the risk that they may not be appropriate for your specific situation and agree that you are solely responsible for any such use, including compliance with applicable law and with meeting any conditions of product warranties.

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