I get that it likely does a better job etc etc, but I dont understand how you can get to all the windows, particularly on domestic? Like for instance if a customer has an flat-roof extension on the back of the house, how can you get to the windows above. Normally, I'd just climb up the ladder and walk on the roof, but you cant do that with a wfp?
I worried about that, but if you have a long enough pole, its usually quite easy to get at the windows over a flat roof. The angle of the brush can be adjusted so that it still hits the window flat-on. Also, sometimes you can stand to one side of the roof/conservatory/extension and get the window by holding the pole at an angle. (though this is more difficult)
There will be windows you simply can't do with the pole, and its your choice whether you want to carry some ladders with you in case you need them, or just to tell the customer they can't be done. When using ladders, we've all told customers that some windows cant be done, for example over steep rooves, and the same principle works with poles. Some you just
cant do, but on the whole, you can do
more windows than you can with a ladder.
I have also wondered how the WFP guys would clean windows from the ground where there is a small wall surrounding the balcony, on flats. With a squeegee and ladders like you I would climb up to the wall hop over onto the balcony and clean the windows behind.
The solution to this problem is below:
No, just kidding! Again theres a choice to make, either carry ladders or stop doing them. I sometimes carry ladders for access (not to work from though) but I'm trying to avoid it whenever possible.
Also, theres an estate i do where the upstairs flats have got french doors, with railings in front up to waist height so people dont fall out. On the ladders I put the squeegee between the bars, you wouldnt get your wfp brush between would you?
Houses like this are getting more and more common, and I have about 6 of them. The brush adjusts to fit under these railings, the only problem is that you have to stand directly underneath and you do get a bit wet. Other than that, they are just as easy to do as any others.
RE filteration, do you pump the water from your tank through your RO & DI units, then up the pole, or do you purify the water before you pump it into the tank before you set off for the day? Either/or, can both be done? Just thinking about those backpack systems, im guessing you wouldnt be carrying round the RO unit
Using the RO membranes uses a LOT of water, sometimes 2/3 of the water is rejected and goes to drain. Also RO membranes produce water slowly and not at high pressure. So no system uses water that comes directly from the RO membranes. However, DI resin tanks can produce water fast, at pressure and with no waste, so here some possible set-ups:
Note: A purity of Zero TDS is needed for window cleaningThe Pictures used here are pure2o systems, and are by the permission of pure2oCase 1 : A 1000ltr van-mounted system using RO and DI
[size=0.5]
The vertical white cylinder you see here is the RO membrane, the blue cylinder is the tank containing the DI resin. The small grey and blue cylinders are smaller pre-filters (RO membranes are delicate and can be ruined by particulates. These filters remove them)[/size]
The system is connected to a tap, and using the RO membranes only, fills the tank. The water is now approx 9ppm TDS. When the pump is switched on, the water goes through the DI resin tanks BEFORE being delivered to the pole, bringing it down to Zero TDS. (I think this is the way Ionic's and pure2o systems work, but Reuben or Carl could put me right?) Now, there's no reason why you couldn't fill the tank using both membranes and DI, and have the water delivered to the pole with no further treatment, but this way you can be absolutley certain that the water at the pole is ZERO even if the water in the tank has been there for a long time and the TDS has crept up. Also, if on-site filling is required quickly, the tank can be filled with ordinary water, and still be used as the DI resin will bring the TDS down to zero.
Case 2 : a portable trolley or backpack systemThe RO membranes and DI tanks are used together to produce a quantity of pure water
before it needs to be used. This is then transported to the work site in tanks or barrels, which is then used in the system. (as you see justin using his omnitrolley in his post above) No water treatment takes place on site.
Case 3 : On site De-ionization
A DI tank is connected to a an on-site water supply. The pole then connects directly to the DI tank and the water is purified as it is used. This method is not used very often, as it requires a water supply, and as only DI is being used the resin will be exhausted fairly quickly.
-Philip