[L.Doubtfire - The Blade Runner]

Right fella`s ( and gals).Can anybody help me out here perhaps with some advice.
Recently I`ve redesigned my trolley to take 2 x 25 liter plastic containers in its upright
postion.Installed the `T` pieces and elbow connectors where neccessary etc.I`m finding
when one container empties the other won`t `prime` and pump etc. because of air in the
pipe which I guess is understandable..Does anyone know how to automaticlly `switch over
to the other container when one empties? Thanks in advance for al replies.




Lewis Doubtfire, Gleem Clean ( Blade Runner )

[Ian_Giles]

Mmm, I have Peter fogwell's system, and on that one the 2 containers are not linked.
You just have the one feed, when one empties you simply unscrew the cap off the full one and swap over the feed.
I have been contemplating linking the two together, my idea was to to have the one feed and to connect the two containers together with a second hose going through the top of each cap and into the bottom of each container (not forgetting to punch in a few air holes in the top of the caps of course)
The idea being that simple capillary action should draw the water from one container to the other as the level in the main one drops.
Of course I haven't had a bash at it yet so I have no idea if it will work.

Lewis, you didn't say, but did you put air holes in the cap of the second container?
If you haven't then perhaps the vacuum is to great to be overcome.

Ian

[Philip Hanson]

One way around the problem would be to have the pump fed from only one container, but use a piece of pipe to connect the other container to the water in the first container.  Then as the water level in the first went down, the other would "syphon" into it.

Hmm, only thing is if air gets into that pipe by one of the containers running empty, it will stop working.

-Philip

[matt]

couldnt you use a "hoselock" Y section and take from both barrels at the same time ?

[paulsmith]

well said mat that was just what i was thinking

[kcc]

I use one of peters trolley systems how about
linking the 2 containers together so the pump
is fed from both containers at the same time
so you dont have to swop over then vent out air
to start again ?
keith

[L.Doubtfire - The Blade Runner]

Thanks for all replies fellas.I think I`ve got it `sussed out` ( fingers crossed)
I`ve had some appropriate sized quick release couplings with ball bearing
shut off around for some time now.I`ve placed them in the approximate
positions etc. so when one container empties I just `flick` the coupling off
being a shut off type ( no air to draw in) the other container automaticlly `kicks off`.
No leaks so far,got finished at 8 p.m.They are only small sized couplings so it
dos`nt look bulky and it does look professional wether I`m using one 25 liter
container or both together.


Lewis Doubtfire, Gleem Clean ( Blade Runner )

[kcc]

Lewis
Any chance of knowing where you got couplings and exact layout to connect , please email me  
Keith

[L.Doubtfire - The Blade Runner]

Here goes then.The couplings are only  very small in size phisiclly. You would have to go to
your nearest phnumatic air compressor stockists and order the exact type.Couplings that carry
water not compressed air,with ball bearing ( I think ) shut off when they are disconnected.
Your overall `set-up` or system in general would have a lot to do with it all.Mine is `home spun`.
The trolley is from the Argos catalouge.It goes from 25 liter `mode` to 50 liter `mode` whichever
size and type of job I`m on etc etc.A real added bonus is that it can also be converted from a 50
liter pure water trolley to a normal what the Americans call `route` cart or trolley that houses a
normal bucket,squeegees,strip washers,cloths even a couple of bolted on `bucket-on-a-belts` if
ya wanted to.It works on something similier to Sorbo`s quadro pod,or leaf cart,( If your familier
with them).There`s a little bit of perhaps welding ( nothing special) a couple of holes to drill here and
there etc. etc.To convert from 25 or 50 liter pure water trolley set-up to `route cart trolley` for doing
say town center shops,bungalows even houses,offices or whatever takes between 4 and 6 minutes.
Hope this helps and gets ya going,and sorry I hav`nt a digital camera otherwise I would send some photo`s down.It`s the couplings thats the `open secret` if ya like.( Everything disconnects and takes apart in seconds and minutes.Go to it,see what ya come up with.



Lewis  Doubtfire, Gleem Clean ( Blade Runner )