Sterling IFS10, Installation Instructions And Owner'S Manual

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Water Supply
Unlike other iron filters that do not use chemicals to oxidize the iron, the IFS iron filter portion does not require
additional plumbing such as solenoid valves, pressure switches or pressure tanks. This filter will function
properly when the water supply is furnished by a jet pump, submersible pump, variable speed (constant
pressure) pump or community water supply. As with all other filter systems, however, it is imperative that the
well pump provides enough flow rate (7.5 gpm minimum) for the filter to adequately backwash. In order to
ensure sufficient backwash flow rate the following pumping rate test should be performed prior to installing the
IFS.
1. Make certain no water is being drawn in the house.
2. Open spigot nearest pressure tank.
3. When well pump starts, close spigot and measure time (in seconds) to refill pressure tank (well pump
turns back off). This is Cycle Time .
4. Using a container of known volume, draw water from pressure tank and measure how many gallons
until the pump turns back on again. This is Draw Down .
5. Calculate pumping rate by dividing draw down by cycle time and multiplying by 60.
Draw Down (gallons)
X 60 = Pumping Rate (gallons per minute)
Cycle Time (seconds)
Example: Draw down is 8 gallons
Cycle time is 65 seconds
Location Considerations
The proper location to install the IFS will ensure optimum filter performance and satisfactory water
quality. The following factors should be considered in selecting the location of this system.
1. The system should be installed after the pressure tank (private well system only).
2. The system should be installed as close as possible
(preferably within 15’) to an adequate floor or
laundry drain capable of handling the backwash cycle volume and flow rate (refer to unit
specifications).
3. All water conditioning equipment should be installed prior to the water heater
with a minimum of 10’
of piping or an expansion between the IFS and the water heater. Water temperatures exceeding
100°F can damage the internal components of the control valve and filter tank.
4. The system should not be subject to freezing temperatures.
5. Never install a cartridge type filter prior to the IFS. Any cartridge or in-line filter (if desired) should
be installed after the IFS system. This will prevent restricting the water flow and pressure available
for backwash.
6. Appliances requiring extended periods of continuous or high flow water use (i.e. geothermal heat
pumps, swimming pools, lawn irrigation, outside hose bibs, etc.) should bypass the filter and a
spring check valve should be installed on the IFS inlet to prevent backflow from the filter (see
installation diagram Fig. 1).
8 gallons
X 60 = 7.4 gpm (gallons per minute)
65 seconds