FT-3 System Controller

The FT-3 is a PULSAIR flat bottom tank controller, capable of mixing three flat bottom tanks, one at a time. The system can be configured for remote control (RC). Three tanks is the maximum number for the FT pneumatic controllers. Building a pneumatically controlled system for more than three tanks is cost prohibitive and the installation is complicated. It is more economical to use two FT-2s instead of a single FT-4.

For the FT-3 to be effective, the tanks must be located next to one another. This is the most important factor when recommending the unit to a customer. It is not necessary that the tanks are all the same size, although it makes controller adjustments easier. For instance, the "Dwell" or pulse rate may need to be adjusted when shifting from a very large to a small tank.

Because "injection time" performance is affected by the distance between the valves and the controller, it is important that the 1/4" tubing lengths between the controller and the injection valves be of equal lengths so that they have equal volumes. Since some valves will be closer to the controller, there will be extra tubing between the controller and the valves. The extra length should be coiled, tied and placed out of the way. CALTEX in Hong Kong, ESSO at Port Jerome, France, Valvoline in College Park, GA and Castrol in Los Angeles and Port Allen, LA all have FT-3 pneumatic controllers.

The FT-3 controller has a three position selector switch located in the upper right hand corner of the face plate that selects the tank to be mixed. The remaining controls on the panel adjust settings shared by all three tanks. There are six instead of two outlet ports for the injection valves.

When the FT-3 is equipped with the RC option it is installed in a larger enclosure (12"x14" instead of 10"x12") because the solenoid valves and the extra plumbing require additional space.