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Pg1 SPRING BOX MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS GENERAL INFORMATION: Pg1
SPRING BOX
MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Spring Box mimics the turbulent emergence of spring water in a
sandy bottomed pool. Visitors can change the flow of water, which is
pumped through a column of sand, controlling a burbling head of sand
and water.
General Cleaning:
The finished or painted surfaces of the exhibit may be cleaned
with a mild soap solution or general purpose cleaner. The acrylic tube
and graphic cover should be cleaned with a plastic cleaner and a soft
wipe that will not leave scratches, (we suggest Wype-All). Many of
the maintenance operations on Spring Box are potentially wet: be sure
to have towels and/or a wet vacuum on hand!
General Operation:
This exhibit use a silent running 10 GPM pump. The user valve
controls the flow in the tube. An adjustable bypass across the visitor
valve limits the minimum flow through the tube, making it easier to
operate for the optimum effects, as well as eliminates settling of the
sand. In this configuration, the bypass is adjusted so the exhibit
produces a subtle burbling when the visitor valve is closed.
Initial Set-up:
The exhibit is shipped drained of water, although the sand will
probably be moist still. Be sure the exhibit is in its final position before
filling the tube with water. This will avoid certain spillage if the exhibit
is moved after filling. Fill the glass tube to a level 1" below the rim of
the glass with clean filtered water. Add 1/4 cup of bleach to the
water to kill any organisms in the sand. DO NOT plug in the exhibit until
the pump has been primed! Pg2
Access the top of the cabinet by lifting the iron grates out. A
purge valve is teed into the suction line between the filter and pump.
Open this valve and apply suction with a wet-vacuum cleaner to start
the siphon in the return water line from the tank. Hold the valve and
its hose up so that any air bubbles in the suction line migrate towards
the tee fitting and out the purge valve. As the water begins to fill to
the purging valve, close it. Turn the valve at the top of the filter to
the off position, then open and close the purge valve. Again, open and
close the filter valve, followed with opening and closing the purge valve.
Repeat this until the filter is purged of air. The tube will need refilling
as water fills the hoses and the siphon will need to be re-initiated if the
water in the tube is allowed to drop below the end of the return hose.
If the pressure gage jiggles more than ±1/2 psi, there is still air
trapped in the pump, and more purging is required.
After the pump and hoses have been purged free of air, and the
glass tube filled, the exhibit should be observed running for a few
minutes. Check for leaks.
Adjusting the Bypass Valve:
The two iron grates rest on the frame and can be lifted out.
Remove one of the iron grates to expose the right rear section of the
exhibit. The bypass valve and gage are centrally located on the right
hand side of the exhibit. Adjust this valve with the exhibit running, by
closing the visitor valve, and adjusting the bypass valve so the exhibit
produces a subtle burbling when the visitor valve is closed;
approximately 9-1/2 psi on the gage.
Adding Water:
A float switch in the top of the tube shuts down the pump when
the water level is low. To fill the exhibit with clean water, remove the
round acrylic window from the top of the exhibit and fill to
approximately 1" below rim of the tube. Make sure the water level is
high enough to lift the bob of the float switch which will activate the
exhibit. It is important that the pump not be run dry, or with the water
level below the suction hose, as this will eventually damage the pump. Pg3
Turning Spring Box On and Off:
Spring Box has a circuit breaker to turn the exhibit on and off as
well as to protect it from drawing too much current. The breaker
switch is accessible through a hole in the wood paneling on the lower
right side of the cabinet. After plugging the power cord into a 110 volt
wall outlet, reach through the hole with a finger and flip the switch on
if it isn't already running. To turn Spring Box off, either unplug it from
the wall outlet, or flip the circuit breaker switch off.
If the exhibit doesn't run even when plugged in and with the
circuit breaker switched on (pump doesn't start and the light is out),
check the water level as described above.
Unplugging a Clogged Water Supply Tube:
The sand in the tank may occasionally clog the water supply line
and prevent the exhibit from functioning properly. If the supply tube
becomes clogged, the light will continue to shine, the pump will pump,
but the sand will not churn in the tank. Verify that the tube is clogged
by opening the cabinet and looking at the supply line which leads into
the bottom of the tank. (Access the exhibit cabinet by removing the
fasteners with finishing washers.) If the line is clogged, you will see
sand packing the tube.
Switch the exhibit off to close the solenoid valve. Remove the
hose from the solenoid valve hose barb and drain the contents of the
hose into a pan. Clear water should eventually begin draining from the
hose. Then, push the hose back onto its barb and replace the hose
clamp.
Wiping Condensation from Top Window:
Condensed water will bead on the round window on the tank lid
and should be wiped off whenever it blocks the view of the phenomenon
through the mirror. Lift the lid and wipe away the water. Use an anti-
fog solution to reduce the frequency of wiping. Pg4
Light Bulb Replacement:
The light bulb is a 12 volt, 20 watt halogen bulb: Ushio BAB 12V
20W. To access the bulb, remove the single allen screw at the base of
the light cover. Pull the bulb out of the housing and separate from the
socket. Installation is the reverse of removal. Do not use any bulb
over 35 watts because the heat generated will burn visitors.
Filter cleaning & replacement:
The exhibit is equipped with a 5 micron filter cartridge to keep
sand out of the pump and to clean the water. Eventually, the filter will
fill with dirt and sand and will need to be cleaned or replaced. The filter
housing fills with sand and should be checked and emptied regularly.
Access the filter by removing the rear grill from the top of the
cabinet. BE SURE to turn the filter housing valve to "OFF" during
removal to avoid excessive spillage and draining the tube.
Valve Seal and Packing Gland Replacement:
After extended use, the visitor valve may leak, indicating that it
is time to replace the seals, gland, bearings, and packing. Replacement
parts are included in the exhibition spares chest. Refer to the detailed
manufacturer's instructions included in the manual and with the
spares. Be sure to unplug the exhibit and isolate the valve from the
exhibit plumbing by clamping shut the hoses to the valve before
loosening the valve bolts.
Cleaning / Changing the Sand:
If the sand becomes discolored, it will need to be replaced. To
replace the sand, first turn off the exhibit and unplug it from the wall
outlet. Note the height of the sand with a piece of tape on the outside
of the tank so that you'll know how much sand to add later. Next,
remove the round window, lid, and mirror from on top of the tank. Use
a wet-vacuum to suck the water and sand from the tank. You will need
to empty the vacuum a few times to clear the tank entirely. It may
also be necessary to raise the vacuum on a suitable stool or box, to
allow the hose to reach the bottom of the tank. Rinse the inside of the
tank and clean it if necessary. Vacuum any additional water and of
course the horrendous mess you've just made. Pg5
Once the tank is clean, add about seven gallons of water first,
then add sand to a level of 16 inches above the bottom. Fill the tank
the rest of the way with clean water. The sand will need to be cleaned
as described above.