Utilising Soft Start in the water industry is generally associated with the starting and stopping of pumps. The ramp up of voltage seen with a soft start closely matches the torque speed of a centrifugal pump and as such the application is ideal for electronic soft start, however the water industry not only has different type s of pumps but many other applications that can benefit from soft start. Below is a list of application areas where Softstart Direct have experience.
The additional benefit of Soft Starts in the water industry is soft stop on certain types of pumps. Control of deceleration using a pump down as opposed to a ‘Hard Stop’ allows pressure in pipelines to reduce gradually this overcomes the problem of ‘Water Hammer’ which traditionally can cause mechanical damage to pipes and equipment. Soft Stop is of no benefit to high inertia applications such as blowers and fans and the natural deceleration time may already be prolonged. Typical settings for the soft start parameters can be found by clicking here. These are typical settings and are on the assumption of a no load start. Specific calculations can be made on your particular motor and load to determine exact starting current. This may be required if the site has a restriction. Details on this are available on our calculations section.
The Softdrive 300 specifically also has a comprehensive protection package integral to the Soft Start. This eliminates the need for separate protection relays. The Softdrive 300 protection system includes, I2t overload, overcurrent, undercurrent, motor thermistor, phase imbalance and earth fault.
Please see our section of Incorporating Soft Start into Panels.
Please complete our Application Questionnaire with details on your application or call 01484 530893 and we will advise you what Soft Start to use.