Another SCWD MOD

Giovanni · #1 05/11/2006, 09:45 PM

Two days ago I noticed my SCWD was not working. I started looking for something better only to find it would cost $150-$170. I read about people fixing and even improving theirs so I gave it a shot. I post this only because I think my MOD is different than what is out there. I have not done an exhaustive search so if I step on anyones toes, I am sorry.

What I found when I cut my SCWD apart was that the drum that rotates inside was split and no longer rotating. I made a new one out of a 1 1/2 in PVC plug. Here is a photo.

and onther view

The hole in the middle has 4-20 threads.

Giovanni · #2 05/11/2006, 09:53 PM

The next problem was getting the thing in there and sealing it back up. I decided to cut the top off instead of the bottom like most do. I used a 2in abs part to make the lid. Here is a photo with the drum in place and the rim of the lid glued on.

Here is a photo of the thing ready to go.

If people like this mod, I will post more details. Please visit my Photo gallery and leave comments about these photos. Thanks to fat-tony for his original post here on RC. Also want to give Undertheradar on nano-reef credit for his work on the SCWD projects.

moriartiholmes · #3 05/11/2006, 11:26 PM

Looks pretty cool to me, I like that it can now be opened for cleaning.

jun_celis · #4 05/11/2006, 11:34 PM

that looks great mod!

mbunaman · #5 05/11/2006, 11:42 PM

I like your Idea can you post how you did it. I like the unit and so far I have it running for a year. If it stops I want to do your mod. Great Job!!!!

exmt · #6 05/12/2006, 06:50 AM

Wow, nice job on the mod!

Giovanni · #7 05/12/2006, 07:05 AM

mbunaman,

The MOD is very easy. If your drum is not bad there is only 2 pieces to buy and 3 if it is bad. It takes about 2 hours. I did not take any detailed photos as I did the mod.

I can do text instructions. Also, I can buy some new parts and cut and photo them.

If someone has a bad SCWD and would like to send it to me, I will MOD it, take more detailed photos and send it back. All they need pay is the shipping. I will even buy the parts. All 3 of them.

dwdenny · #8 05/12/2006, 08:21 AM

Wish I had a SCWD to mod. I would take you up on that offer. How does it work so far? Seems pretty easy to do and like the post above nice that you can get in there are clean as needed.

coralnut99 · #9 05/12/2006, 09:11 AM

Did you ream out the inlet and outlets as in the other mods to increase flow?

Great job! The removable top really makes the scwd a lot more "user friendly" instead of just a sealed black box that most would throw out if it stops.

Have you put it to work yet?

Giovanni · #10 05/12/2006, 09:32 AM

It has been on the tank for a little over 24hrs. Works just like new. I did have to take the lid off and put some teflon tap on it to stop a drip. I did not open up the input and outputs at this time as I do not need the extra flow. For some reason it seems to flow better anyway. My CPR overflow has more water in the back than before. I have plans for a larger tank and will remove the original I/Os and replace with some that have threads. I will also be adding a 3rd or 4th output.

I purchased the parts to do another one this morning. It cost me a grand total of $3.50 tax included. I will be modding the parts and posting the details and photos while I track down another SCWD.

I also have an idea on how to adjust the switching time for any given flow. If I find a used SCWD for myself, I will try this mod on it.

I work 13 hr shifts the next 5 midnights so progress may be a little slow after today. I also have a baby due on the 23rd.

Stay tuned!!

rottface4 · #11 05/12/2006, 09:56 AM

That is an interesting fix you have there. I would be interested in some more details on how you assembled this.

pvtschultz · #12 05/12/2006, 10:33 AM

As an engineer I have to tip my hat to you and your fix. Quite creative and well thought out idea!

Congrats!

Giovanni · #13 05/12/2006, 01:44 PM

rottface4,

I have purchased another SCWD from another RC member and will do a detailed how to when it gets here. I have already purchased the parts from Lowes ($3.50) and will start documenting their mods soon. I will first add photos to my gallery then add it to this thread.

pvtschultz,

Thanks for the compliment.

psst · #14 05/12/2006, 02:23 PM

what was the one piece originally ... pvc plug, cap end ... also need the size of the pvc item
thanks

Giovanni · #15 05/12/2006, 03:34 PM

Billy,

The Parts are:

one 2in. ABS cleanout adaptor for the top.
one 2in. ABS threaded plug for the lid.
one 1 1/2in. PVC plug, for the drum.

And the photos for your viewing pleasure.

HybridFish · #16 05/12/2006, 03:45 PM

What did you use as an adhesive?

Giovanni · #17 05/12/2006, 03:52 PM

HybridFish,

I used "Oatey All Purpose Cement for PVC, ABS, CPVC" in the red labeled can. You get it in the plumbing section of Lowes, Home Depot, etc. The SCWD is ABS so thay is why I used an ABS Cleanout adaptor. The drum is not glued in but screwed on to the gear drive in the center so I used PVC there.

horkn · #18 05/12/2006, 04:41 PM

awesome work ICURN!!!

btw, undertheradar was/is hahnmeister here on RC.

and he is a part of my local reef society.

keep us updated on the developments with the 3 or 4 outlet scwd.

Giovanni · #19 05/12/2006, 05:04 PM

horkn,

Thanks for the compliment. After I get this MOD properly documented, I will start with on the 3 or 4 outlet work.

d.can82 · #20 05/12/2006, 07:03 PM

That is engineering at its finest! Now how about adapting the inlet/outlet to 1" while your at it? Thought about it?
Keep up the great work!

ejmeier · #21 05/12/2006, 07:32 PM

I already cut my SCWD open at the bottom, but I think this might be even better. My drum thing was snapped in half too, but I just super glued it back together. But, it seems like this is a very common problem, and it might be just another accident waiting to happen.

I have been thinking about completely re-doing the SCWD in an all PVC/ABS housing. I'm still wondering if its doable. A lot of stuff has all ready been swapped out and DIYed on the SCWD, so why not build one entirely from scratch? Only the gears and what holds the gear-compartment in place are the items that would be taken from the SCWD.

Maybe if I'm bored someday.

That might be a long way off though.

Giovanni · #22 05/12/2006, 07:44 PM

d.can82,

I have thought about the 1" MOD. I am not sure how big you can go. If You go that big, the drum will have to be made taller to shut it off, not a big problem though as there is room in the top. Also if there are 3 -4 outlputs, this would incease the flow anyhow. Only the bottom would need to be made bigger to accomidate the increased output. I already have a MOD in mind that will alow for better in flow and adjustment for switching frequency. Stay tuned over the next week or so and you will see what I have in mind.

I am off to work tonight and for the next five nights so things will slow down for a few days.

kenny77 · #23 05/13/2006, 02:41 AM

nice work.
I always wanted to know how the SCWD work. ANd now that I see it from inside I understand less.

Can somebody explain me how the drum work. And why the drum have those holes. What is the purpose and how does it inprove it?

Giovanni · #24 05/13/2006, 08:10 AM

kenny77,

I just got home from working all night and am very tired, but here is goes. The holes in the drum alow the water entering from the bottom to pass to the top. At the inlet there is a little turbin that turns a set of gears which turn the drum. The drum is a half circle and as it turns it blocks off one of the outputs. Stay tuned and you will see the complete workings. Heck I may even make a video. We will call it Mystery of the Black SCWD revieled. Forever will be gone the days of seeing this thing as a magic black box of great mystery. HEHE. I have been up way to long.

ejmeier · #25 05/13/2006, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ICURN
The hole in the middle has 4-20 threads.

Do you mean 4-40 threads?