[Plankton]

Another cowboy at work using an xjet and hypo mix...Yehaa! 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtLmlWrUnyo

At least the PPE is better.

[Mike Halliday]

Can you run biocide 20:1 through your standard pressure washer?

I would think so

[Ben Marriott]

Please do not run ANY chemical though your pumps, Biocide is thicker than water, TFR is thicker than water, increased viscosity will increase heat and the chemicals will attack the pump seals, valves and pistons.

[Smurf]

For a test I've just got myself an atv 55 litre spot sprayer from quad bike wales to throw in the van to try out with some small benz blackwash jobbies instead of trying to run it through a standard shurflo wfp pump. Not sure how long that 60 psi 8 lpm pump will last using a weak hypo based softwash mix though but was cheap as chips so I'm not realy that bothered.

The pump that came with the tank was the following spec.
Fimco 60 PSI 2.1 GPM Gold Series High-Flo Duplex Diaphragm Pump 12 Volt 5277981

Fimco offers the only FAN COOLED and FUSE PROTECTED pump in the industry

FEATURES:
• 12 Volts
• Max. flow: 2.1 GPM
• Max. pressure: 60 PSI
• 8 Amps
• Demand Switch Model – Operates only when liquid flow is required
• Pump and motor stop instantly when discharge is closed
• Diaphragm: Santoprene
• Check Valve: Viton
• Ports: Quick attach, with 3 polypropylene fittings supplied
• Fittings: 1/2” NPT, 3/8” Male Hose Barb, 1/2” Male Hose Barb
• Max. fluid temperature: 110°F
• Pump can run indefinitely without damage
• Ball bearing drive – assures longer pump life
• Excellent self-priming capability
• Permanent magnetic motor – long life brushes
• Fuse protected
• Built-In cooling fan
• Diaphragm design eliminates troublesome shaft seal
• Fimco Pump Model: 5277981
• “Roundup™ Ready”
• Weight: 3.0 lbs

Yehaa! Job done 

[Smurf]

Just a quick update chaps I've now added a digi flow controller to that new atv spot sprayer 12v pump. That way I now have complete control of the speed of the pump/flow rate and dead end detection instead of running it flat out all the time.. I also did not like the idea of running off the pressure switch that was set to cut the pump out at 60 psi. In my opinioun 60 psi is way too high as puts undue strain on the pump, hoses and couplings especially when using chems.

Having a flow controller fitted to a pump I think is a must as can help reduce runoff, chem wastage and spray drift. Being able to reduce the flow is especially helpful when using brush method. Not only that will help with the life of the pump.

Do any of you chaps use a dedicated chemical 12 v pump for softwashing?

[Mike Halliday]

Shurflo and flojet 12v pumps are used extensively by carpet cleaners in thier electric pre-spray machines, most run in the 60-100psi range. They either have a flow switch to turn them of when you release the trigger or a bypass mode  so the motor keeps running but no pressure is produced, these are thought to be better as the motor is not constantly cycling on & off so stop wear and tear.

I would think the pump you mention is of the same design, carpet cleaners use mixes of 6-1 upto 100-1  so these pumps can handle quite concentrated solutions. They all  prespray from Ph2-14 so also can handle both acid and strong alkalis.

If it is of the same design then using it for softwashing will not be a problem

[nathankaye]

Just a quick update chaps I've now added a digi flow controller to that new atv spot sprayer 12v pump. That way I now have complete control of the speed of the pump/flow rate and dead end detection instead of running it flat out all the time.. I also did not like the idea of running off the pressure switch that was set to cut the pump out at 60 psi. In my opinioun 60 psi is way too high as puts undue strain on the pump, hoses and couplings especially when using chems.

Having a flow controller fitted to a pump I think is a must as can help reduce runoff, chem wastage and spray drift. Being able to reduce the flow is especially helpful when using brush method. Not only that will help with the life of the pump.

Do any of you chaps use a dedicated chemical 12 v pump for softwashing?

Just googled an  atv spot sprayer in images, looks quite a good idea for softwashing esp holding more liquid than a 25ltr backpack.
If u dont mind me asking where did you purchase it from? Do you have a link to their web site if they have one?
Cheers smurf

[Smurf]

Have a look on fleebay for quad bike wales atv spot sprayers.
Like I said before I just throw it in the van as the tank is tiny. It's way too small really for my needs but will do for now as I wanted the option either static or mobile. However I do find it a pain in the arse to keep stopping to refill that small 55 litre tank though.

I will probably bin that 55 litre tank at some point and permanently mount the pump and controller in the van connected to a say 250 tank. After saying that ideally I would like two extra van tanks. One for blackwash and the other for Benz biocide and might eventually get a petrol driven pump for each tank.

This is the one that I ordered http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/55-Litre-Quad-ATV-Spot-Sprayer-System-60psi-SHURFLO-/141393008062?hash=item20ebae15be:m:m-1urVaza-FNNziItFGnXJg

However the pump was not as described as was not a shurflo pump that I wanted. Also the tank was white so if you are thinking of getting one best phone first as you may get stiched up ike I did. Anyway I was not bothered about the colour of the tank nor the pump that came with it as could not be arsed to send the pump back as works ok for my needs.  Not to mention the pump is fitted to the back not the top of the tank as pic which is no big deal either.

Anyway cost wise it was about 30 squid more than a gardiner v3 backpack not including a lesuire battery nor a digi controller that I already had spare so was a no brainer all the same.

Hope this helps?

[Smurf]

Regards to an ultimate softwash system if anyone is thinking of building one here is a new and very simple idea how to do away with a batch blend tank altogether, change % ratio on the fly and does away with having to manually batch blend altogether.  http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=204865.0

[ascjim]

Mark 1 and 2

They look great!

[ascjim]

Next year we are setting up a van dedicated to pressure washing and soft washing.

I was thinking of having a separate chemical tank on board, but I like the look of the pumps that mix the chemical for you.

Where can I get these from? Anyone have one?

[Smurf]

I've only seen them so far on tinternet ready made for sale which are the pro-portioner or ac locker’s blend module sold in the USA . Therefore I'm sure it will not be long before the likes of Ben from Rutland pumps will be selling his own version knowing Ben as he don't seem to miss a trick.

[chris scott]

Ultimate softwash pump.

[chris scott]

For sale softwash pumps

[Smurf]

Ultimate softwash pump.

Chris so what is different to that pump than any other?

[chris scott]

Everything proof @ 30lpm

[Smurf]

Nothing is everything proof Chris 
30lpm seems OTT to me…What are you going to use it for   
Also how come you also went for what look like metal camlock banjo fittings?

[chris scott]

Camlocks are s/s  quik release.They seem the most reliable over time...no leaks .
We have a number of attachments ie one for dosatron, one for hoselock, one for tank . Chemical pick up pipe....Camlocks provide a quick and easy way to swap the feed over...making the machine more versatile.
The higher flow pump means we can use a larger  nozzle nozzles ,so bigger droplet ...less drift. We can now run 4 waterfed pole from it for render / cladding cleaning.
The unloader combined with this type of pump means it is soooooooo much easier to  adjust flow ,spray pattern etc  down to around 1 0r 2 litres per min and up to around 30lpm .
The pumps are self priming . It also "unloads " back into the pump....which means less trailing pipe work ,also eliminates the need for a tank to return chemical to.Can be used with metering valve set up to custom mix on site....if you really want to go Yank.
Stainless steel frame so no "real" issues with corrosion.
Pump body is of an high performance "alloy"...less corrosion /wear.
Rollers: Super Rollers standard [Poly (T3) and Teflon® (T2)]
 Shaft Seals: Viton standard
Less moving parts in the pump and very easy to repair on site.
Small footprint frame ...easy to carry. more than Van pack performance without the need for a dedicated  van.
We have used the comet pumps for years with no real issues...we though we would just take it a step further.
These pumps are pretty much everything resistant...acids, tfr, weedkiler ,biocide etc.

[Smurf]

Camlocks are s/s  quik release.They seem the most reliable over time...no leaks .
We have a number of attachments ie one for dosatron, one for hoselock, one for tank . Chemical pick up pipe....Camlocks provide a quick and easy way to swap the feed over...making the machine more versatile.
The higher flow pump means we can use a larger  nozzle nozzles ,so bigger droplet ...less drift. We can now run 4 waterfed pole from it for render / cladding cleaning.
The unloader combined with this type of pump means it is soooooooo much easier to  adjust flow ,spray pattern etc  down to around 1 0r 2 litres per min and up to around 30lpm .
The pumps are self priming . It also "unloads " back into the pump....which means less trailing pipe work ,also eliminates the need for a tank to return chemical to.Can be used with metering valve set up to custom mix on site....if you really want to go Yank.
Stainless steel frame so no "real" issues with corrosion.
Pump body is of an high performance "alloy"...less corrosion /wear.
Rollers: Super Rollers standard [Poly (T3) and Teflon® (T2)]
 Shaft Seals: Viton standard
Less moving parts in the pump and very easy to repair on site.
Small footprint frame ...easy to carry. more than Van pack performance without the need for a dedicated  van.
We have used the comet pumps for years with no real issues...we though we would just take it a step further.
These pumps are pretty much everything resistant...acids, tfr, weedkiler ,biocide etc.

Chris many thanks for the in depth reply.
Can I ask what pump is that exactly?
What size motor is that loncin?
Did you source all the parts needed and build it yourself?



 
 

[ascjim]

I like the sound of this. Do I like the cost?