Specifications
7.10. Draining System
a) If servicing the collector or any part of the solar loop or the storage tank, the system should be drained of 
fluid.
 WARNING
Only  drain  the system  once the  solar  collector  is below 113
°
F  (45
°
C).    Draining  the system 
while the system  is hot could result in release of high pressure, hot fluid  which could cause 
serious injury. 
 WARNING
If the installer/contractor  leaves the site at any  time a clear  sign should be mounted on the 
front  of the  pump station  and/or  storage  tank  that  reads:    “This equipment is  currently 
being maintained.    Under no circumstances  should any valves be opened or closed 
or the power  supply to any equipment  be restored.”   Opening closed isolation  valves 
could release high pressure water that is potentially hot enough to cause serious scalding. 
b) DRAINING COLLECTOR LOOP:
Step 1. Cover  the solar  collector  to prevent exposure to sunlight.   At least 30 minutes  is  required to 
allow the collector temperature to drop.  Another option is  to complete the work  before sunrise, or after 
sunset. 
Step 2. Once collector temperature has  dropped to below 113
°
F (45
°
C) turn the solar controller to OFF 
mode so the pump and boosting does not turn on, but leave controller powered on. 
Step 3. Connect garden hose to drain port and run pipe to a bucket with capacity of at least 4 gallons 
for a  standard  domestic  installation.    Check the  MSDS  of  the  heat  transfer  fluid  for guidelines  of 
disposal methods  and in all  cases  dispose of fluid in accordance with relevant local, state and federal 
regulations. See Appendices 11-18 for more information on heat transfer fluids.
Step 4. Turn off the isolation valve with RED handle between the Drain and Fill valves. 
Step  5.  Connect  air  compressor  to  Fill  valve.    Open  Drain  valve  and  purge fluid  out  using  the 
compressed air. Not all fluid will be able to be purged, with some left in the piping below the level  of 
the pump station.  If removing the pump station, or  any other piping that is  likely to still contain some 
fluid, take care to avoid any spillage.  Any spillage should 
be quickly  cleaned  up  in  line with  manufacture’s MSDS 
recommendations found in Appendix 11-18
Step  6. Once  the  system  is  fully  drained  maintenance 
work  can  be  completed.    Refill  and  pressurize  in 
accordance with instructions in section 7.9. 
7.11. Controller Setup and Operation
a)  Controller  Programming: Following these steps to 
complete initial programming of the controller.
Step  1.  Plug  controller  into  protected  outlet  or 
uninterrupted power  supply  (UPS).    The  controller will 
startup in OFF mode.   Pumps  and valve will not operate 
until Operation Mode is changed to Automatic. 
Step  2.  From  the Navigation  Menu  select the  Service 
Menu. Program the controller date and time function.
Step 3.    Program  the remaining  controller  functions to accommodate your  system  design.   Sample 
system designs with suggested controller setting are presented in section 10.
Step  4.  If  more  advanced  systems  or control  functions are  needed,  refer  to  the controller  manual 
Apricus Solar Collector Installation & Operation Manual - USA
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