Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is IC Pump Station?  IC Pump Station is a stand-alone pressure control unit that provides all of the control functions to insure proper pump operation for your particular system.  IC Pump Station also shuts off the pump (requiring operator reset) after delays (to prevent “nuisance” tripping) if there is no water in the pump to prevent damage.
  2. What kind of pumps does IC Pump Station control?  IC Pump Station comes in two (2) basic models: an on-off and a VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) control.  The on-off control provides low pressure on and high pressure off settings.  If the pressure drops below the “low pressure on” level the pump will turn on (after delays for stability).  If the pressure rises above the “high pressure off” level the pump will turn off.  Minimum on and Minimum off timers are provided for each pump to prevent rapid cycling (turning on and off rapidly).

The VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) model works with virtually any Variable Frequency Drive on the market today.  The IC Pump Station control provides a “signal” that “tells” the VFD to speed up, slow down or even stop completely to maintain the desired system “target” pressure.

  1. Where is IC Pump Station used?  IC Pump Station is used where precise,    stable pump operation is desired even in “difficult” circumstances such as “floatless” tank fill operation. 
  2. How many pumps can IC Pump Station control?  IC Pump Station can control up to two (2) on-off pumps and a VFD + on-off pump from a single pressure point.  Both operate independently reacting to different settings.  Often two pumps are set up so that if one cannot maintain the desired pressure and volume (GPM) the other pump “cuts in” or out when needed.  A two pressure point model is also available so one can use one pressure point to keep a storage tank full and the other pressure point to maintain the system pressure.
  3. What pressures can IC Pump Station measure?  With the proper pressure transducer (sensor) IC Pump Station can measure from 0.1 PSI to 250 PSI full scale.
  4. Are multiple pump systems better?  The only time we recommend multiple pump systems is if redundancy is desired.  With the variable speed it is best to get the largest capacity pump you need and simply slow it down for less than full capacity flow rates.  With more pumps come more wiring, more plumbing and considerably more parts and install labor that just adds to the system cost.
  5.  Is it possible to run the VFD from generator power?  Not only is this possible but very desirable.  The VFD smoothly accelerates the pump motor so there is no sudden “load” on the generator.  It is also possible to run a motor at part speed with limited generator power.  Pump performance won’t be that of full speed operation but it will work and will not harm the motor in any way.