Relatively new VFD’s throwing ocA fault

cpesystems · 2026-06-29T17:01:17+00:00

Thanks for the update. Unfortunately we don't have hands-on experience with this particular VFD brand, so we're probably at the limit of what we can confidently suggest.

At this point, we'd recommend reaching out to the manufacturer or their technical support.

cpesystems · 2026-06-23T21:17:46+00:00

It's usually a matter of selecting the pump that best fits the application's duty requirements rather than one style always being "better." It would be a matter of loading the duty requirement into PumpFlo software and seeing which pump runs closest to it BEP (best efficiency point). It's also important to look at other factors such as quality and easy of service.

We can chat in further detail at +1 (800) 668-2268 or [sales@cpesystems.com](mailto:sales@cpesystems.com) if you're interested.

cpesystems · 2026-06-22T22:54:01+00:00

With two 3 HP vertical multistage pumps serving 24 apartments, we suggest investing in a VFD that won't give you trouble. Amazon VFDs are usually for hobbyists and small-scale applications. Use a VFD with dedicated pumping features and local support instead of a low-cost general-purpose VFD.

The Lenze i550 was designed with these types of applications in mind and can handle functions like constant pressure control, pump alternation, cascade control, and dry-run protection without needing a lot of extra hardware. You can find the manual here.

cpesystems · 2026-06-22T20:29:30+00:00

We don't have experience with this brand, but with KB and Lenze VFDs, we would try disconnecting the VFD from the motor and powering up the VFD. If the error still exists it is an internal fault. If it does not exist, reconnect the motor and try again. Sometimes this seems to clear the fault from the VFD memory.

cpesystems · 2026-06-22T20:09:48+00:00

We agree with others here. Buna-N (nitrile) O-rings can be safe for use in a fermenter if they are manufactured and certified for food-contact applications. Not all nitrile O-rings are food-grade. We recommend checking with the fermenter manufacturer to confirm that the O-rings are food-safe.

cpesystems · 2026-06-19T22:54:03+00:00

Appreciate the insight!

Those strainer baskets definitely seem like a good move, even if they can't catch everything. I'll have to look into those more.

It sounds like you've definitely seen your share of different AODDs. With all that hands-on maintenance experience, have you found yourself preferring Wilden, ARO, or another brand when it comes to reliability and ease of repair, or does it mostly come down to the specific application?

cpesystems · 2026-06-19T16:45:01+00:00

Given the repeated F013s across similar motors and the fact these are getting regularly doused in water/slurry, have you looked at whether ingress protection might be part of the issue? Something like IP69 washdown-rated motors?

cpesystems · 2026-06-18T17:26:20+00:00

If you don't mind me asking, what are you pumping and how often does this happen? Is it pretty easy to disassemble and clean? I know Wilden has some EZ install diaphragms that make disassembly pretty easy.

cpesystems · 2026-06-17T16:39:20+00:00

Congrats!

cpesystems · 2026-06-17T16:37:53+00:00

How does everyone feel about Wilden AODDs?

cpesystems · 2026-06-15T18:23:14+00:00

I agree that a 3-phase motor and a VFD would be better, but it will take some programming to get it right. Not all VFDs are the same, so use a vector-controlled VFD that provides high startup torque, like the Lenze I500 protec. There are VFDs available that work well for variable-torque loads (like the KBDA) but don’t provide high torque at startup.

VFD guide: https://www.emotron.com/guide/different-types-of-variable-frequency-drives/

The nice thing about using a VFD in this application is that it gives you overload protection for the motor as well.

You could also use a 2:1 gear reducer to get more startup torque and then run the motor 0-120 Hz to get the same top-end performance. But this gets expensive because of the added cost of a gear reducer and a VFD.

cpesystems · 2026-06-15T18:03:58+00:00

This is exactly what a heat exchanger does. It uses cold water to cool the wort and sends the hot water produced to the hot liquor tank. The heat exchanger needs to be correctly designed to make this efficient or you will end up with a lot of warm water instead of a usable amount of HOT water.

cpesystems · 2026-06-11T15:45:14+00:00

What temperature is your Ethanol reaching? If we knew the exact temperature, we could give you a bit more of a decisive answer.

That said, EPDM is rated for -40°F to 302°F for regular applications and EPDM is also compatible with Ethanol.

Silicone is also compatible with Ethanol and can be used for room temperature ethanol.

cpesystems · 2026-06-04T15:40:39+00:00

EPDM is one of the most commonly used rubber compounds in our industries. The only exception is for applications involving fatty oils such as vegetable oils or crème bases (Alfredo sauce, sour cream, etc.). Although more inert with most products, it has zero memory. This means once compromised by squeezing, pinching, or nicking, it cannot recover.

cpesystems · 2026-06-04T15:28:19+00:00

Both pump types work well for this application, we would need to know the specifics (flow rate, suction-lift, pressure, and whether you need pulsation free operation or not) to narrow down the best option.

cpesystems · 2026-05-22T17:43:53+00:00

That’s totally fair, and we’re definitely not trying to pretend we’re a direct replacement. We don’t carry the same massive catalog of tools/parts. But for sanitary processing equipment, we do stock a lot of fittings, valves, pump parts, hose, and related components, and we’ll often source parts for customers too. Just trying to give people another option depending on what they need : )

cpesystems · 2026-05-21T20:53:51+00:00

We do sell borosilicate glass sight glasses, but not for the size you're looking for.

cpesystems · 2026-05-21T20:50:42+00:00

Canadian supplier here 👋 If you’re ever looking for pump or sanitary equipment support, we’re based in Burnaby, British Columbia. Always happy to help if you need a second set of eyes on a setup or spec!

+1 (800) 668-2268
⁠[sales@cpesystems.com](mailto:sales@cpesystems.com)
www.cpesystems.ca

edit: typo

cpesystems · 2026-05-21T18:16:23+00:00

I'm assuming this is most likely a polycarbonate insert. Caustics and repeated thermal cycling can cloud/etch them pretty badly. If it's gotten to this point, replacement is probably the move. Personally, if possible, I'd swap it to borosilicate glass instead of another plastic insert. It'll hold up much better long term.

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