Abstract:
A method for controlling circuitry (14) of a softstarter arrangement (11) to operate an electric motor (12) for driving a pump is provided, wherein the softstarter circuitry electrically connects the motor to electric mains. The method comprises: (i) controlling (32) the circuitry of the softstarter arrangement to accelerate the motor up to full speed in a forward direction; (ii) controlling (33) the circuitry of the softstarter arrangement to decelerate the motor when the motor has run at full speed in the forward direction for a first period of time; (iii) controlling (34) the circuitry of the softstarter arrangement to accelerate the motor up a specified speed in a reverse direction; (iv) controlling (35) the circuitry of the softstarter arrangement to decelerate the motor when the motor has run at the specified speed in the reverse direction for a second period of time; and (v) repeating the steps (i)-(iv) one or more times.