VFD's are Costing Too Much!

[Cary Austin]

Email from a Idaho Farmer

Sir,

I am a corporate farm manager in SE Idaho.  We have irrigation systems that use surface water (from a canal) which is pressurized ( at 40 to 80 PSI) for use in sprinkling systems ( Pivot, wheel line, hand line) usually at high volumes ( 1000 to 3000 gallons per minute) but with great fluctuations in flow demand.  We have been using Vfd controlled pumps (centrifugal and one turbine) to meet our needs.  Currently I have one Vfd that needs to be replaced, ( third time in 5 years ( I've spent thousands and thousands of $ trying to keep this one running!)) and I'm now looking at another 2 figure repair/ replace project.  On top of this, the power company now tells me that we need to filter the Vfd s that we have to keep the local pivots with corner units (RF cable guided) from driving off course.  This filtering would also be another 2 figure project.  

I perused your web sight and although I did not see any application that was the same as how I would envision using a cycle stop valve, there are enough similarities that I would like to consider the possibility of ditching the Vfd s and finding a more reliable and cost effective solution.


Farm Manager

[Cary Austin]

Hello Idaho Farmer
I came to the same conclusion about 15 years ago. The CSV was designed to replace VFD's and do exactly what you are trying to accomplish. I am a fourth generation well driller and pump installer. I have literally thousands of applications similar to yours. We replace VFD's every day.
Don't spend another dime on a VFD or filter, and lets have a talk! Your point is exactly the point I have been making for 15 years now. Pump manufacturers don't want to hear it, VFD manufacturers do not want to hear it, engineers do not want to hear it. They are making a killing replacing VFD's for millions of people just like you.
As an old pump man, I know pumps like yours (and the controls) can and should last 20, 30, even 40 years without ANY maintenance. And that is exactly why I have a hard time selling valves, they make everything last longer. Lasting longer is what gives you real savings, not a VFD.

Using a CSV will not only make your system last much longer but, will eliminate the problem of the RF interference with the guidance for the corner units.  The CSV will also eliminate other problems from VFD controls such as bearing currents, harmonics, resonance vibration, voltage spikes, etc., etc..
Thank You
Cary Austin

[Cary Austin]

Cary

Just a note to say we have the 8" cycle stop valve running now for 10 days, just like a dream; making plans for the next installation; have had one neighbor already ask what it is, how it works, and do I think it will help him on a well he irrigates with.  

thanks again,

[Cary Austin]

Cary,
See attached picture of cycle stop installation. Valve worked like a charm, no worries, no problems all season; irrigation water ends on 1 Oct.

Kirk