Osmolator pump

blowmecius · 09/06/2017, 02:18 PM

Hi Roger - Problem with my osmolator. The pump runs for approximately one minute then slows to a stop. If I unplug it for a couple minutes, it fires up again for about a minute then slows to a stop. The control unit is well over 10 years old. I replaced the power supply with a generic one years ago and I have replaced the pump a few times. Is it time for a new pump?

Thanks,
Paul

rvitko · 09/06/2017, 02:28 PM

This is a somewhat complicated problem so the answer is not very simple.

An Osmolator made before 2009 used an 800mA PTC as a sort of circuit breaker for the pump, since 2009 it is 1200mA as in late 2008 we requested the pump manufacturer customize the Osmolator pump with a double o ring seal to increase the durability, the added drag needs more mA of power to run the pump. What you are seeing is more than 800mA is required and as a result the PTC is breaking contact. The key to solving this is to get the draw below 800mA, this means clean wiring, no corrosion, a 9V power supply, the original was switchable 9-12V and 9V will reduce the mA consumption, of course the pump also runs slower and a good working pump, the higher the head pressure the less mA draw as well. If all these are in order it should work, long term if ignored a transistor will overheat and damage the controller irreparably. If it was me, I would strongly consider just replacing it when the big black friday sales roll around as with the age, more issues are probable in time.

blowmecius · 09/06/2017, 03:01 PM

Thanks for the quick reply. I certainly got my moneys worth with this one and will take your advice for for a new one.

09/06/2017, 02:18 PM	#1
blowmecius Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Maryand Posts: 177	Osmolator pump Hi Roger - Problem with my osmolator. The pump runs for approximately one minute then slows to a stop. If I unplug it for a couple minutes, it fires up again for about a minute then slows to a stop. The control unit is well over 10 years old. I replaced the power supply with a generic one years ago and I have replaced the pump a few times. Is it time for a new pump? Thanks, Paul __________________ Homer no function beer well without.

09/06/2017, 02:28 PM	#2
rvitko RC Sponsor Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Austin Texas USA Posts: 35,785	This is a somewhat complicated problem so the answer is not very simple. An Osmolator made before 2009 used an 800mA PTC as a sort of circuit breaker for the pump, since 2009 it is 1200mA as in late 2008 we requested the pump manufacturer customize the Osmolator pump with a double o ring seal to increase the durability, the added drag needs more mA of power to run the pump. What you are seeing is more than 800mA is required and as a result the PTC is breaking contact. The key to solving this is to get the draw below 800mA, this means clean wiring, no corrosion, a 9V power supply, the original was switchable 9-12V and 9V will reduce the mA consumption, of course the pump also runs slower and a good working pump, the higher the head pressure the less mA draw as well. If all these are in order it should work, long term if ignored a transistor will overheat and damage the controller irreparably. If it was me, I would strongly consider just replacing it when the big black friday sales roll around as with the age, more issues are probable in time. __________________ Roger Vitko Tunze USA "He's for every one of us, stands for every one of us, he'll save every man, woman and child in a mighty Flash!" Current Tank Info: 210 gallon planted tank with Altum Angelfish

09/06/2017, 03:01 PM	#3
blowmecius Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Maryand Posts: 177	Thanks for the quick reply. I certainly got my moneys worth with this one and will take your advice for for a new one. __________________ Homer no function beer well without.