PCV Flow Inspection (Quantitative)

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.

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.

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.

PCV Flow Inspection (Quantitative)

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.

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.

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.

TOP LEVEL, LEFT - Captured Water (mL)

TOP LEVEL, LEFT - Assessment

TOP LEVEL, RIGHT - Captured Water (mL)

TOP LEVEL, RIGHT - Assessment

MIDDLE LEVEL, LEFT - Captured Water (mL)

MIDDLE LEVEL, LEFT - Assessment

MIDDLE LEVEL, RIGHT - Captured Water (mL)

MIDDLE LEVEL, RIGHT - Assessment

BOTTOM LEVEL, LEFT - Captured Water (mL)

MIDDLE LEVEL, LEFT - Assessment

BOTTOM LEVEL, RIGHT - Captured Water (mL)

MIDDLE LEVEL, RIGHT - Assessment