Filtrex, Inc. · Automated Controls · Variable frequency drives
Filtrex Trex-Flow Variable Frequency Drive Packages
Pre-programmed pump VFD packages with 3-contactor bypass that plug into the Filtrex MOD I controller.
Overview
Filtrex's VFD product page describes a variable frequency drive as a device that converts fixed-frequency, fixed-voltage line power to variable frequency and voltage to control pump speed. In a pool equipment room its primary purpose is energy savings by controlling pump speed instead of throttling flow with valves, along with reduced pressure swings, less wear on pumps, bearings and seals, and a soft-start ramp that limits inrush current. Filtrex's 'Why Use VFD' brochure states, as an example, that a 20 percent speed reduction can yield 50 percent energy savings.
Filtrex's Trex-Flow engineering specification calls for a Yaskawa E7B drive with full three-contactor bypass and value-added manufacturing by Filtrex: interface electronics, user terminals and hardware are installed and the drive is pre-programmed for direct interface to the regenerative filter control panel. The specification lists pump-specific control logic (constant pressure, constant flow or level), simplex, duplex or triplex operation from one master controller, a code-compliant service disconnect, a rapid-trip motor protection breaker, NEMA-rated secondary enclosure, RS-422/485 communications, and English-language pump alarms such as no flow, loss of prime and pump over-cycling.
The brochure describes Filtrex's fully integrated approach: the flow meter is mounted inside the MOD I controller cabinet, low-flow alarms route to the controller for system shutdown, and the controller communicates with the drive to monitor faults and settings. Filtrex states that a single 3-pair cable connects the drive to the MOD I, that the installing electrician only needs to check pump rotation, and that the package carries a 5-year warranty on the drive unit (excluding cooling fans) with single-source technical support.
Is this a fit for your facility?
Usually a fit when
- New Filtrex EC filter installations where the owner wants the drive, flow sensor and controller delivered as one pre-programmed package.
- Equipment rooms that need bypass capability so the pump can run across the line if the drive faults.
- Facilities pursuing pump energy savings by matching flow to demand rather than throttling.
Look elsewhere when
- Filtrex's brochure cautions that basic 'shoebox' drives without a secondary enclosure may not suit harsh filter-room environments; this package is specified with a NEMA 1 or 12 enclosure for that reason.
Ideal facilities and conditions: Commercial pool recirculation pump control; Flow-controlled filtration with Filtrex EC filters; Multi-pump (duplex/triplex) recirculation systems.
Problems it addresses
Key capabilities and benefits
Capabilities
- Yaskawa E7B drive with full 3-contactor bypass, value-added manufacturing and pre-programming by Filtrex.
- Code-compliant service disconnect, rapid-trip motor protection breaker and NEMA 1 or 12 secondary enclosure.
- Magnetic flow sensor, mounting saddle and pre-programmed flow display/transmitter included and mounted in the MOD I enclosure.
- Single 3-pair cable interconnection to the MOD I controller; 1 A 24 VDC supply for external loop devices.
- Pump-specific software: PI setpoint control in engineering units (PSI, GPM), pre-charge, sleep, no-flow/dead-head and loss-of-prime protection, up to three pumps from one master.
- RS-422/485 communications with optional network protocols; UL and cUL approved for single- and three-phase input.
Operational and buyer benefits
- Filtrex states that a 20 percent pump speed reduction can yield 50 percent energy savings.
- Filtrex states the package is true plug-and-play with no additional engineering or startup cost and free single-source technical support for the life of the product.
Technical specifications
| Drive | Yaskawa Electric America model E7B, full 3-contactor bypass, with interface electronics installed by FiltrexSource: https://filtrexnj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/09/trexflowvfdspecs.pdf |
|---|---|
| Pump configurations | Simplex, duplex or triplex from one master VFD controllerSource: https://filtrexnj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/09/trexflowvfdspecs.pdf |
| Listings | UL and cUL approved for single- and three-phase input; conforms to NEMA ICS 3.1Source: https://filtrexnj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/09/trexflowvfdspecs.pdf |
| Displacement power factor | 0.98 over the operating rangeSource: https://filtrexnj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/09/trexflowvfdspecs.pdf |
| Efficiency | 96% minimum at half speed; 98% at full speedSource: https://filtrexnj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/09/trexflowvfdspecs.pdf |
| Overload | 110% of rated FLA for 60 seconds; 180% instantaneousSource: https://filtrexnj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/09/trexflowvfdspecs.pdf |
| Ambient | -10 to 40 C (14 to 104 F); 0 to 95% humidity non-condensing; to 3,300 ft without deratingSource: https://filtrexnj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/09/trexflowvfdspecs.pdf |
| Input tolerance | +10% / -15% voltage; +/-5% frequencySource: https://filtrexnj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/09/trexflowvfdspecs.pdf |
| Communications | RS-422/485 port with optional network protocolsSource: https://filtrexnj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/09/trexflowvfdspecs.pdf |
| Analog I/O | Two analog inputs (0-10 VDC; 0-10 VDC or 4-20 mA) and two analog outputsSource: https://filtrexnj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/09/trexflowvfdspecs.pdf |
| Included flow instrumentation | Magnetic flow sensor, mounting saddle, flow display/transmitter pre-mounted in MOD I enclosureSource: https://filtrexnj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/09/variablefrequencydrives.pdf |
| Controller interconnect | Single 3-pair cable to MOD I controllerSource: https://filtrexnj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/09/variablefrequencydrives.pdf |
| Warranty | 5-year warranty on drive unit, excluding cooling fans (manufacturer statement)Source: https://filtrexnj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/09/variablefrequencydrives.pdf |
| Minimum MTBF (specified) | 10 years (87,600 hours)Source: https://filtrexnj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/09/trexflowvfdspecs.pdf |
Specifications are summarized from manufacturer literature and depend on configuration. Confirm current values with FreyTech before design.
Installation requirements and retrofit considerations
Prerequisites
- Motors should be inverter-duty rated above 240 V per NEMA MG1 parts 30 and 31.
- Three-phase supply at the voltage and horsepower on the equipment schedule; voltage and Hz are project-specified in the Filtrex specification.
- A Filtrex MOD I SSC filter controller for the integrated flow-control configuration (2 pairs of 22/4 or 18/4 shielded wire per the MOD 1 diagram).
Retrofit and replacement notes
- Filtrex's history page states VFDs were integrated with the filter controller 'when needed' and that MOD I SSC retrofits have been done on older Filtrex filters; contact Filtrex for a VFD retrofit on an existing EC filter.
Integration with other equipment
No equipment integrations are documented for this product. Coordination happens through the design team.
FreyTech's role: design, installation, commissioning, training, support
Project services
- Evaluation of fit for your facility
- Supply, lead time and pricing confirmed on request
- Installation and support coordination where the product calls for it
Ongoing service and support
- Parts, consumables and warranty coordination through FreyTech
Brochures, manuals, warranties and specifications
- Product pageVariable Frequency Drives product page (opens manufacturer site)Web · Manufacturer-hosted
- Specification sheetTrex-Flow Variable Frequency Drives engineering specification (opens manufacturer site)PDF · Manufacturer-hosted
- BrochureWhy Use Variable Frequency Drive? (brochure) (opens manufacturer site)PDF · Manufacturer-hosted
- Installation manualMOD 1 Electrical Diagram (opens manufacturer site)PDF · Manufacturer-hosted
All resources for Filtrex Trex-Flow Variable Frequency Drive Packages · Request documents
Filtrex Trex-Flow Variable Frequency Drive Packages: frequently asked questions
Can the pump still run if the drive fails?
Yes. The package is specified with a full three-contactor bypass, which Filtrex's brochure says completely isolates the drive so the pump can run across the line in bypass mode.
Does the VFD package include a flow meter?
Filtrex's brochure lists a magnetic flow sensor, sensor mounting saddle and pre-programmed flow display/transmitter as included, mounted and wired in the MOD I enclosure.
Next step
Is Filtrex Trex-Flow Variable Frequency Drive Packages right for your facility?
Send us your pool volumes, current equipment, and what is not working. A specialist will review fit honestly and recommend next steps.
Serving commercial aquatic facilities across New York State.