Klargester Bioficient (Error Code 23)

[Ralph]

Hello, I could really use some help with my Klargester Bioficient 1.
 

During a recent snowstorm the cover over the control panel blew off. When I went to refit it, I noticed that the air pump was not running. I’m not sure if this is related or just a coincidence, it may actually have been off for a few days before I noticed.
 

The system has not tripped the consumer unit and power is still reaching the control box. However, the display is blank. If I press the reset button, the display briefly flashes the number “23” a few times, then goes blank again with just a small red dot showing at the bottom of the display.
 

Things I have already checked:

• Fuses appear to be fine
• The unit is still receiving power
• I replaced the Secoh JDK 80 pump with another pump, but it still doesn’t run and the error remains
• I had a look in the chamber and there is nothing obvious like it's backed up or anything.

Does anyone know what error code 23 indicates or have any suggestions on what else I should check?

Also, how long can the system run without the blower before it starts causing problems with the treatment process?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

 

[Nickfromwales]

Looks like you’re going to need a new PCB (the main control board). You could try removing it and putting it over a small heater for 24hrs to see if it drives the moisture out.

 

If the pump is 230v you can hook it up to a standard plug in timer for now and just run it manually, whilst trying to dry the PCB out. 

[saveasteading]

48 minutes ago, Ralph said:

how long can the system run without the blower before it starts causing problems with the treatment process?

Forever. There are still the 3 chambers separating and breaking down the contents.

These aerators were only introduced about 20 years ago and do make it more efficient, but it works regardless.

The caveat would be if you are using at capacity, or there is rainwater connecting into it.

Most domestic situations have a tank sized for thee maximum occupancy.

 

This ,might not apply to the klargesters with a wheel going round.. that might get quite gungy.

[Ralph]

Thanks Nick, 

I used to have RA Dalton service it but seemed a bit steep at £300+ a year to have someone basically change the pump filter and diaphragm. 

The first time they came out they put the blower on constant, they said they had found this gave the best performance. 

 

Do you think I could just fit an outside socket with a timer under the cover, plug the blower as a permanent fix? I don't really see what else the control panel is doing if it's on all the time anyway. I don't think it has alarms or anything.

 

[Ralph]

42 minutes ago, saveasteading said:

Forever. There are still the 3 chambers separating and breaking down the contents.

These aerators were only introduced about 20 years ago and do make it more efficient, but it works regardless.

The caveat would be if you are using at capacity, or there is rainwater connecting into it.

Most domestic situations have a tank sized for thee maximum occupancy.

 

This ,might not apply to the klargesters with a wheel going round.. that might get quite gungy.

Thanks that's good to know. I don't think the Bioficient has the moving parts, just the blower.

[Nickfromwales]

18 minutes ago, Ralph said:

Thanks Nick, 

I used to have RA Dalton service it but seemed a bit steep at £300+ a year to have someone basically change the pump filter and diaphragm. 

The first time they came out they put the blower on constant, they said they had found this gave the best performance. 

 

Do you think I could just fit an outside socket with a timer under the cover, plug the blower as a permanent fix? I don't really see what else the control panel is doing if it's on all the time anyway. I don't think it has alarms or anything.

 

There’s a piezo buzzer / sounder on the PCB, the white circular gadget, so it’s defo got alarm indication for some sort of warning when something goes wrong, the manufacturers literature will tell you what this is and then you decide your appetite for risk if you delete it. 
 

I doubt if it being on constant makes any sense whatsoever, and personally I think that would decrease longevity.

 

@Russell griffiths, how often does yours go on / off and how long is the pump running each time? Do you know what the alarm indicates? 

[SteamyTea]

Is the error code in here, I think it is a multi unit board.

1496_1011026-dtp-control-panel-en-gb---issue-02.pdf

[Nestor]

We have a WTE Vortex treatment pant using the same Secoh pump, in use last 6 years.

Pump runs 24/7.

Emptied every 2/3 years as we have an existing septic tank in use from another building.

Simple timer operation with no PCB.

I would simplify the operation.

[saveasteading]

3 hours ago, Nickfromwales said:

I doubt if it being on constant makes any sense whatsoever

Agreed. Just my hunch, but allowing it to settle may give other, less aerobic,  bugs an opportunity to prosper.

[Nickfromwales]

7 hours ago, Nestor said:

We have a WTE Vortex treatment pant using the same Secoh pump, in use last 6 years.

Pump runs 24/7.

Emptied every 2/3 years as we have an existing septic tank in use from another building.

Simple timer operation with no PCB.

I would simplify the operation.

Why not run for 15 mins every hour or 30 mins every other hour etc?

[Nestor]

1 hour ago, Nickfromwales said:

Why not run for 15 mins every hour or 30 mins every other hour etc?

Do most treatment plants run at intervals?

A bit quirky these Vortex, they have a settled sludge return which operates for 5 minutes every hour hence the timer.

Will have a read of the original manual.

[saveasteading]

10 hours ago, Nestor said:

Will have a read of the original manual.

Last resort.. read the instructions if you can find them.

 

[Ralph]

20 hours ago, SteamyTea said:

Is the error code in here, I think it is a multi unit board.

1496_1011026-dtp-control-panel-en-gb---issue-02.pdf 2.94 MB · 2 downloads

Thanks for this unfortunately I have the older discontinued control panel and can't find any manual online.  

[Ralph]

21 hours ago, Nickfromwales said:

There’s a piezo buzzer / sounder on the PCB, the white circular gadget, so it’s defo got alarm indication for some sort of warning when something goes wrong, the manufacturers literature will tell you what this is and then you decide your appetite for risk if you delete it. 
 

I doubt if it being on constant makes any sense whatsoever, and personally I think that would decrease longevity.

 

@Russell griffiths, how often does yours go on / off and how long is the pump running each time? Do you know what the alarm indicates? 

That round white thing seems to be a pressure switch but it's not connected. Presumably it detects a blockage and switches off the pump. I'm trying to remember exactly what RA Dalton said about having the pump going all the time but other than they found it gave better results I can't recall.  I think they have it set up so there is effectively air going to the sludge return and the aeration at the same time.

 

Edited 23 hours ago by Ralph

[Nickfromwales]

47 minutes ago, Ralph said:

That round white thing seems to be a pressure switch but it's not connected. Presumably it detects a blockage and switches off the pump. I'm trying to remember exactly what RA Dalton said about having the pump going all the time but other than they found it gave better results I can't recall.  I think they have it set up so there is effectively air going to the sludge return and the aeration at the same time.

 

@Nestor fyi
 

I’ve asked, and the aeration is defo 34/7/365, and the IPS pumps out effluent based on the levels in the tank.

 

So the question is, does the PCB control the effluent pumping to keep the levels properly managed. If so, this can’t be bypassed and needs fixing asap.

 

If it’s been full of snow which then melted then I assume the PCB is a write off.

 

Time to fit a new PCB and screw the cover on properly / provide better cover from the weather, and let it do its thing. 

[Nestor]

2 hours ago, saveasteading said:

Last resort.. read the instructions if you can find them.

 

@Nickfromwales

Just reread RTFM and it does run continuously.

It has a course, fine and settled sludge running for 50 minutes, then a solenoid switches to a floating sludge for 10 minutes every hour.

Will give the filter a clean in the pump now!

Happy International Woman's Day!

[Nickfromwales]

12 hours ago, Nestor said:

Just reread RTFM and it does run continuously

Deliciously simple, but this has to always be the absolute last resort.

 

I don't make the man-rules, but I do wish I made headache tablets.