Blog posts tagged with 'car-wash-truck-wash'

Pressure tanks are used in a variety of applications, but a common usage is system efficiency.  For example, one reason someone might install a pressure tank in a plumbing system would be to keep the pump from constantly running.  In doing so, the pressure-regulating tank increases the longevity of the pump/motor and reduces maintenance and down time – ultimately resulting in lower operating costs.  Let’s dive into a step-by-step how to of sizing a pressure tank.  

Info You NEED to KNOW Before Starting

Before beginning the process of sizing a tank, there are a few important important input data points to know in order to properly size a pressure tank:

1. Flow Rate
2. Cut-in/Cut-out Pressure
3. Target Run Time

A general rule of thumb, that most manufacturers suggest, is a run time of less than one minute if the horsepower is less than 1HP.  If the motor is over 1HP, then a good guideline to follow, is a run-time of 2 minutes or more.  Always confirm this, with your tank manufacturer of choice, as guidelines can vary.

General Rule of Thumb for Sizing a Pressure Tank

Generally, as a rule of thumb, one can follow these guidelines when sizing a pressure tank:

1. 0-10 GPM: 1 gallon of drawdown per 1 GPM of flow
2. 10-20 GPM: 1.5 gallons of drawdown per 1 GPM of flow
3. 20 GPM+: 2 gallons of drawdown per 1 GPM of flow

Drawdown can be defined as the amount of volume loss in the tank as the plumbing system “draws” off this pent up pressure. After all, the purpose of a pressure tank is to maintain pressure in a given system and give the pump a break. This way, the pump doesn’t need to run constantly to remain at system pressure. While a pressure tank can appear costly up front, it will save in the long run. Less run time for the pump means less maintenance and less money in energy costs. 

There are various orientations of pressure tanks and the most common are horizontal, inline, and vertical.  Be sure to determine which orientation works best for your plumbing setup.  

Once we have identified our flow rate in gallons per minute (GPM), have identified our cut-in/cut-out pressure, and confirmed our target run time – we must determine what cut-in/cut-out pressure we want to set the system at.  

Pressure Tank Sizing Explained

An important equation to remember when sizing a pressure tank is below:

Flow Rate X Run Time = Tank Draw Down Capacity

Example: 

Let’s say we have a pump that produces 5 GPM and is ran by a ¾ HP motor.  Since I’m operating a motor that is less than 1 HP, we are going to assume that “ABC Manufacturer” recommends a 1-minute runtime.  We want to design this system to cut-in (turn on) at 40psi and cut-out (turn off) at 60psi.  

5 (Flowrate) X 1 (Runtime) = 5 gallons of Draw Down (at 40/60PSI)

So, I will need to select a tank that allows for 5 gallons of draw down at a pressure setting of 40PSI cut-in and 60PSI cut-out.  If I need a vertical tank, I could select a WOMAX-220.  If my plumbing layout would accommodate a horizontal tank better, I could select a WOMAXH-220.  This would give me approximately 3.5 minutes of run time before the pump would cycle back on. Horizontal pressure tanks have a plastic pump stand so you can maximize space when designing a plumbing system. This is certainly a nice feature when working in confined spaces where space is at a premium. 

Relationship Between Pressure & Tank Size

An important thing to remember, the higher the operating pressure – the larger the tank must be. Pressure and tank size have a direct correlation – as one increases, so does the other.  The higher the pressure setting, the less the drawdown is and thus, the need for larger tank capacity.  

After we have these three points determined, we can then proceed with sizing a pressure tank.  Pressure settings are another important factor with any plumbing system.  The most common pressure settings are 30/50; 40/60; 50/70.  Most manufacturers will have a pressure tank sizing chart that will allow viewers to quickly size a tank’s drawdown based upon their system’s pressure settings. 

We can supply you with this information on the Wilo MaxAir® product line if you want to get into the details. Just give us a ring or visit www.dultmeier.com 24/7. Here is a drawing of a Wilo MaxAir® horizontal tank that outlines some features which set this product line apart from the rest of the pack and really make it one of the top line products in the marketplace. 

Cutaway of Wilo MaxAir Horizontal Pressure Tank

You can view the full offering of Wilo MaxAir® Pressure Tanks Right Here on dultmeier.com. As always, should you have further questions about pressure tank sizing or other applications – don’t hesitate to contact us.  That’s what we are here for.  Your Experts in Delivering Fluid Handling Solutions – We Know Flow!

We commonly receive the call to help assist in properly sizing pulleys and sheaves for pump applications.  Generally, this is in high pressure wash applications but we also run into a fair amount of agricultural applications where this knowledge can be leveraged.  Pulleys or "sheaves" are commonly used for connecting pumps to motors or engines via drive belts.  Most pulleys are cast iron or aluminum construction and are offered in either fixed-bore or tapered bushing styles.

Why is it Necessary to Size Pulleys for Each Application?

For proper operation of any brand or pump type, it is critical to size pulleys and sheaves, correctly, in order to maintain correct RPM, (revolutions per minute). RPM speed is what determines the pump output flow rate - in gallons per minute, liters per minute, etc.

Incorrect pump RPM will adversely affect the pump performance.  If the pump is turning too slow - it will not give full performance.  Conversely, if the pump is turning too fast, it could cause premature mechanical failures (i.e. valve wear or elastomer failure).

Therefore, it is absolutely critical to ensure correct pulley sizing and analysis of the drive unit, (motor, engine, etc.) relative to the pump. For the sake of this discussion, we will assume standard electric motors at 1750 RPM and standard gas engines at 3400 RPM.  Do note, one must determine the rpm of their drive unit to be able to accurately calculate the pulley/sheave size.

If you start with an incorrect figure for RPM - you will size your equipment incorrectly.  This could lead to shorter equipment lifespans and/or reduced output flow rates.  Thus, ultimately a less efficient system which equates to more down time and added cost of operation.  The scope of this post will be focused towards plunger pump applications.  We assemble many units using this method in Omaha, Nebraska.  Dultmeier Sales is proud to display the Built in the USA logo on our products.  Here are just a handful of the pulley-driven pump products that we offer.

The Math of Pulley Sizing

There are complicated formulas for determining pulley ratios but in generic, layman terms, simply divide the driven component (pump) by RPM, the driver component (motor or engine) rated by RPM to get the required ratio.  In the example below, the pump RPM is 1070, for full output, while the motor is 1750 RPM.

Therefore, the ratio of the required pulleys would be:

1070 (pump RPM) divided by 1750 (motor RPM) = .611

This means the pulley ratio must be .611 to drive the pump correctly.  Hypothetically speaking, if we had a 4 inch pulley on the motor, we would require a 6.55” pulley on the pump.  That mathematical equation is as follows: 4” divided by .611 = 6.55”

For the same pump, driven by a gas engine

1070 (pump RPM) divided by 3400 (engine RPM) = .315 

If the drive pulley on the engine is 4 inches in diameter, we need to calculate 4/.315 = 12.70.  This means that the pump pulley must be 12.70 inches, in diameter, to run the pump at 1070 rpm.  You can view a technical page from our catalog here - it will help to further explain the calculation process.

Tapered Bushing vs. Fixed Shaft Bores

Most pulleys, or sheaves, are designed with either fixed shaft bores or tapered bushing hubs.  Replaceable hubs fit the required motor or pump shaft size in either inch or mm sizes - depending on the application requirement.  These hubs come with bolts to attach them to the pulley, or sheave.

Tapered style hubs simply fit into the pulley opening and then are tightened with two or three set screws, which draw the bushing and pulley together to make one assembly.  The pulleys are then attached to the driver (electric motor or gas engine) and driven components (pump).  The type of hub, H, SD, SH, etc. must match to a pulley with the same designation for proper fit.

Therefore, make sure to identify what type of hub you have PRIOR to ordering.

Pulleys can be measured in a number of ways. Two of the most common methods are belt pitch and outside diameter (O.D.).  When using the, most common A/B, belt pitch method, one must identify both A belt pitch and B belt pitch.  This is the pitch diameter of the V-belt you are using, (A/B) is the measurement of how the belt fits into the groove of the pulley.

A belts are not as wide as B belts and, therefore, sit lower in the pulley groove.  While this may seem as a minor detail - it absolutely affects the ratio measurement when properly sizing a pulley.

Pulleys are available with different numbers of grooves. The number of grooves matches the number of belts that the pulley will accept.  A two groove pulley will accept two V-belts.  A single groove pulley will only accept one belt.

Again as a general rule, (but not intended to use in every application) single groove pulleys with single belts can be used up to about 5 horsepower. Two groove belts can be used from 5-15 horsepower and three groove belts up to 25 horsepower.  Use this as a general guideline but always make sure you consult us if you are unsure of your application needs.

Two Groove Pulleys

For correct belt sizing, there are charts available that show the sum of the pulley diameters and the center distance they are apart, from each other.  We will be happy to supply you with one of those charts if you wish to have a copy.

For instance, the sum of the two pulleys, in the above electric motor example is 4 inches + 6.5 inches = 10.5 inches.  The mathematical equation to figure this out is as follows:

A - Pump Pulley O.D.    B - Motor Pulley O.D.

Belt Size = [A*1.57] + [B*1.57] + [2*center distance between pulleys]

76.5 = [4*1.57] + [6.5*1.57] + [2*30]

If the pulleys are 30 inches apart, center to center, then the required belt length would be 77 inches.

As the information above shows, there are many things involved in order to determine the correct pulleys required to drive your pumps correctly.  It is important to remember the larger the difference in pulley sizes, the larger the center distance required to maintain minimum contact with the smaller pulley.  We would be glad to help with any sizing for your specific applications.  Your Experts in Delivering Fluid Handling Solutions - We Know Flow!

Maui - A Tropical Paradise

We recently traveled to Maui, HI.  The tropical paradise, virtually, has it all.  From breathtaking beaches to arid, Sahara-like, geography, all the way to volcanic rock.  In our travels, it's hard to find an industry in which the products we work with don't have a footprint or an impact.  In this instance, our example is High-Density Polyethylene Pipe (HDPE).  However, let's hold there and get to the island stuff first...

Let's face it - when in Maui you could simply hang by the beach for the entirety of your stay and be able to soak in tons of the island life.  However, for those more adventurous, I challenge you to explore all that this wonderful oasis has to offer.  The Hana Highway is a unique adventure for those interested.

If you plan to take the Road to Hana - make sure you get a Jeep.  The mini-van made it but may or may not have required an alignment check after the trek.  From hairpin turns along the tropical mountainside to sheer cliffs among the arid ocean walls of the Southeast side of Maui, Mother Nature will treat you and leave you stunned at the beautiful sights.

The trip starts on the North shore of Maui and takes you past Jaws aka Pe'ahi - a popular surf destination on the island.  From there one starts to climb - and climb fast.  As you begin to make your way up Mt. Pu'unianiau you will wind your way through a seemingly endless amount of bridges, turns, and stunning views.

Don't forget to stop and get your banana bread - it's a little island secret but we don't want to give that away here.  Just make sure where to ask to stop along the Road to Hana and you will won't be sorry that you did.  It is absolutely, hands down, the best banana bread in the world.

Once you get through Hana you will begin making your way around the South side of the island - this is where the topography, as well as, geography begins to drastically change.  What was once luscious jungle gives way to a Sahara-like climate.

Along the South side of Maui, you will come across the southern end of the Halekala National Park.  Within this national park, you will be able to walk to the Oheo Pools or the Waimoku falls along the Pipiwai Trail.  While embarking on the trek of this trail (3-mile loop) you will make your way through a bamboo forest that is truly remarkable.  The gentle breeze creates a "clicking" and "clanking" that reverberates throughout the forest.

It was here, along the Pipiwai trail that we ran into our instructional scenario of the excursion.  The park uses High-Density Polyethylene Pipe, or HDPE pipe for short, to transfer crystal clear water from the upper pools down to the recreational center hundreds of feet below, along the ocean shoreline.

HDPE Uses - An Extremely Versatile Product

We see HDPE pipe used from agricultural fertilizer applications to the petroleum industry in the oil fields and all the way to municipalities.  The applications and uses for HDPE are endless.  As the product is chemically compatible with a large number of solutions, it is a natural and obvious choice for many scenarios.  Furthermore, it is an extremely economical option in comparison to steel or stainless steel pipe.

The ease of installation makes HDPE another enticing choice - a fusion machine allows installers to, essentially, weld the pipe together in what's called a butt fusion - which is an extremely robust and sure connection.  Below is a simple video that illustrates HDPE pipe and a butt fusion weld to a 45-degree elbow.

While the majority of the applications, with which we are most familiar, are within the agricultural industry we do get into projects ranging from wash facilities to oil pipelines - and everything in between.  If you have further questions about how HDPE pipe and/or fittings could be applied in your specific scenario don't hesitate to contact us.  Here's to a wonderful 2018

~ Aloha Friends ~

Everything You Need to Know About Starting a Car Wash

Have you been pondering the idea of starting a car wash?  Does the idea of passive income sound appealing?  That's because it is.  Do know that there is an extensive amount of upfront work and then there is the issue of on-going maintenance.  That being said, once you have an operational car wash up and running - you can consider it passive income.

The information below is a compilation of countless periodicals, customer surveys, and testimonials.  At any point in the process of your new adventure, should you feel the need to ask about something in more detail don't ever hesitate to contact us.  Let's dig into what you will need to do in order to properly align yourself to start a car wash.

Lot Selection

A general rule to follow when sizing lot is that you will need a lot approximately 100 - 120 feet deep by a minimum of 75 feet wide - depending on the number of bays.  Keep in mind a typical four bay self-serve car wash would need a lot 120 feet long by 100 feet wide - minimum.  Another key attribute when selecting the ideal lot for your car wash is that it is accessible from both directions of traffic flow.

For instance, if you select a lot that is on a one-way street it will negatively affect the volume your wash is capable of producing.  The ideal traffic speed in the area of your lot selection should be around 40 miles per hour.  This ensures that drivers have ample time to select your wash as their destination.  The lot size and shape will determine if you design a "drive-in-back-out" or "drive-through" building.

Data shows that income streams do favor the "drive-through" design. Lastly, when selecting your ideal location it is a good idea to target areas near residential neighborhoods, apartment complexes, or busy traffic routes.  When determining if your ideal lot selection is a good fit for your business plan, you should consider the finances, as well.

A safe rule to adhere to is that the cost of the property (monthly lease payment) should not exceed 15 - 20% of the gross monthly income of the wash.  This ensures that you will not over-extend yourself, financially.

Bay & Building Sizing

An ideal bay is 16 feet wide by 28 feet long - these are the interior wall measurements.  If you are planning a semi-truck bay make sure to account for internal wall measurements of 18 feet wide by 28 feet long.  You can make a smaller bay work for trucks but why not just do it right from the start?  The typical pump (equipment) room is 10 - 15 feet wide by 28 feet long (internal measurements).

Furthermore, the typical bay height is 10 feet high for cars and 12 - 14 feet high for semi-trucks.  Your lot size above will vary depending on what your overall wash purpose is (car vs. semi-truck) and the number of bays you intend to have.  That's why we recommend determining the bay purpose and number of bays at the same time you are selecting your ideal lot location.

Building Placement

It's always best practice to consult local regulatory agencies to ensure your building is within code.  That being said, your building should be situated on the lot to allow for one to two cars, minimum, to be parked behind each bay, waiting to wash.  Vacuums should be placed in this area, as well, but should not be an impediment to the normal traffic flow into the bays.  Another important concept to consider is that you ensure there are adequate drying and vacuuming areas.

These areas should be out of the main traffic flow to avoid congestion.  It is a good idea to allow for a southern exposure of your bays.  This helps to reduce ice build-up in colder weather climates.  Finally, make sure you plan for the "set-back" requirements on your building placement - this will vary with local ordinances.

Inside vs. Outside Bays

This aspect really does depend upon your market.  Therefore, drive around and study the target market for the area which you have selected.  That will give you a good idea of whether or not you need to have an outside bay or an inside bay.  Washed located in a rural setting can be built with an open outside bay to accommodate trucks, trailers, and tractors.  While this isn't required it can, and will, only allow for more traffic at your wash.

Do keep in mind that an outside bay will bring in 50-60% of the revenue that an inside bay will.  It is always better, from strictly a revenue standpoint, to enclose all bays and build one larger bay for semi-trucks - if you feel that your market will demand that.  This larger bay can always be used for car traffic when an overflow bay is needed.

Revenue Projections

Our experience tells us that it takes a population of about 1000-1500 people to support a single self-serve bay car wash.  Therefore, one can conclude that a town of 5000 people will support a total of 5 self-serve bays - between ALL competitors.  Given the current population level of the United States, the national average one can project roughly $2000/bay per month during peak traffic season(s).  This is an estimated average - revenue can and will vary.

The ideal number of vacuums to have is 1.5 vacuums per bay of service.  Therefore, a three bay wash should have four to five vacuums in an area of the lot that will not affect traffic flow.  The national average per vacuum is approximately $200/vacuum per month.  Again, revenue can and will vary.

National averages of vending revenue are generally around the $400 per month range.  This figure is based on offering at least four to five different vending products.  Do keep in mind that revenue can be increased with multiple product, clear front vending machines.

Operating Cost Projections

One can expect that average operating costs are approximately 50% of gross revenue.  This figure includes 13% for attendant labor, which may or may not be needed.  Do note that lease payments, income tax, debt reduction or depreciation are not factored into this number.  Furthermore, we must be clear that one should recognize these figures can and do vary from region to region.

Options & Features

A standard self-serve wash will offer hot wash/hot rinse in the winter and cold rinse in the summer.  Additionally, hot or cold wax, foamy brush and spot-free rinse should be considered.  Spot-Free rinse is an important feature.  It increases revenue due to the fact that customers need to "buy" another cycle of time to get this feature.  What does this mean?  Double the income from each customer that decides to use this feature.  Tire cleaner and pre-soak systems are also options that increase customer satisfaction and increase revenue.

We highly recommend that instantaneous tankless water heaters be used in place of conventional water heaters.  An instantaneous heater can reduce gas consumption by up to 40% in comparison to a conventional heater.  For example, if it rains for an entire week, only the pilot light is using gas in the instantaneous tankless system.  If only the pilot light is running that takes considerably less fuel, and therefore, less money - directly affecting your bottom line - in a positive way.

Conversely, the conventional water heater will continue to heat the water regardless of demand.  Think of it this way - the instantaneous heater only fires when water is needed, thus making the system much more efficient.  Another important feature to consider is floor heat.

Every cold climate wash should have a floor heat system.  Floor heat systems reduce liability and increase customer satisfaction.  An in-floor circulating system is the most popular design.  That being said, above-head radiant tube heaters also give the benefit of heating the floor as well as the customer.  Keeping your customers warm while they are in your bays will keep them happy and ensure they continue to come back as a repeat customer.

It is wise to account for heating a three to four-foot area on the entrance and exit aprons of each wash bay.  This will reduce customer liability in the walk areas as they use bill changers and vending machines.  Ice will build up in colder climates and you want to ensure you do all within your power to mitigate injuries on your property. 

Another important topic to address is the use of proper signage.  It is frustrating to use a wash that is poorly explained due to the lack of proper signage.  Yes, many people will be able to figure it out.  But, why let this be part of your customers' experience?  Don't you want them to get exactly what they want out of your wash?  Get in, get out, and have a clean and sleek finish.  Here are some examples of car wash signs we offer.

Additional Revenue Streams

Do not overlook vending products such as towels, Armorall, window cleaner and fragrance trees.  These are additional revenue streams.  Piggybacking off vending machines, every wash should have bill changers.  This is an absolute necessity.  Studies have shown a minimum 10% increase in gross revenues for washes that have bill changers.

Another trending area that has taken off in the past few years is the addition of pet washes at car wash facilities.  The demand is there and many people will wash their cars and pets in the same visit.  This has been a profitable investment for our customers that have installed pet wash facilities at their locations.  You can view some options here.  As always, should you have more questions than can be answered by our website don't hesitate to contact us.

Ensure that You and Your Team Remain Safe, Productive, and Efficient by Properly Confirming Chemical Compatibility

Have you ever encountered a nightmare situation where a hose miraculously turns to an icky, nasty, pasty goop?  Or how about a pump that starts leaking from virtually every connection point and fitting?  What about a fitting that has a pinhole wear through it after only a few days in service?  These are all scenarios we have witnessed and can help prevent.  Here's how we are going to get you set up with correctly identify chemical compatible products and solutions from the get-go.

It is extremely important when working with any variety of chemicals or solutions that pumps, hoses, fittings and safety items are correctly matched for chemical compatibility.  Most manufacturers offer chemical resistance charts for their specific product lines and are readily accessible when required.  Check out a thorough chemical compatibility chart from Dura Products in our Resources Library.  And if that chart isn't enough here is another resource for you.  For the safety of you and your employees, it is critical that a proper analysis is made between the solutions you will be handling and the products used to transfer those solutions.

Warranty Issues

Also, most manufacturers will not warranty products for compatibility issues if an analysis was not properly completed - prior to product use.  If it is concluded that a specific chemical compatibly issue caused a product to fail or perform there will be, in most scenarios, no warranty granted by the manufacturer.  Failure to perform a proper chemical compatibility check prior to solution handling could result in catastrophic failure of your equipment and extensive unnecessary costs due to downtime and repair/replacement of equipment and components.

Experiences & Materials

We have seen EPDM hoses turn to mush when used to transfer oil based products.  Similarly, we have witnessed pump elastomers (seals, O-rings, gaskets) completely deteriorate and create an environment where metal is creating friction against metal inside of pumps.  Without elastomers inside a pump, it cannot function properly.  Furthermore, we have seen PVC fittings completely deteriorate after only one to two weeks in service.

All of these scenarios could have been avoided had the operators approached us beforehand and identified the solutions to be transferred with their initial choices of products.  Should you ever have questions about chemical compatibility - don't hesitate to contact us - that's what we are here for.

Common construction materials for pump bodies and housings are Polypropylene, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Kynar (PDFV), Brass, Bronze and Aluminum.  Materials generally used in constructing pump seals are Viton, EPDM, Buna, Hytrel, Teflon and Santoprene.  Common construction materials for fittings and accessories, such as strainers and valves, include Polypropylene, Nylon, Brass, Stainless, Cast Iron and Acetal.

Hoses and tubing are generally constructed of Buna, EPDM, Viton, Teflon, PVC, EVA, Polyethylene or Neoprene.  That being said, your specific application could call for a unique material to be used - given the parameters of the solution you are transferring.

Next Steps

Once we have identified the solution we are transferring we can then determine what products are suitable for the transfer of that solution.  Here at Dultmeier Sales we don't guess - we want to do as much as possible to ensure chemical compatibility from the start.  If there are ever questions as to what a solution consists of - you should acquire an SDS or Safety Data Sheet.  This document was formally known as an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet).

By acquiring an SDS we are able to see the highest concentration of a substance in a percentage breakdown.  It is always best practice to find a product that can safely handle all substances that make up a solution.  That being said, that is not possible in every scenario.  In those instances, one should identify the top substance(s) and locate a product that is chemically compatible.  Safety items such as gloves, aprons, boot covers, and arm covers are commonly offered in Neoprene, Nitrile, Latex, PVC.

The first step for proper handling and transfer is to check both the body and the seals of your pumps for compatibility against any number of chemicals.  Remember to consult the SDS of the product(s) you are handling.  The pump body may be rated to handle a specific chemical but the seals may not.  Also, valves and diaphragms need to be reviewed as does any material that will come in contact with a specific chemical or solution.

If we don't perform this step our operation will most assuredly come to an inevitable halt - due to failure to properly identify chemical compatibility.  Another note to be aware of is that if you choose to mix multiple chemicals and transfer with one pump - we cannot definitively say what chemical reactions will take place with your elastomers, hoses, fittings, etc.

When you mix multiple chemicals together you have just altered the chemical makeup of the solution.  We recommend avoiding this scenario unless you are certain the products you are mixing are like products.

If the pump construction is compatible, next check against fittings and hose that will be used in the application.  We cannot stress this enough - always check compatibility with any and all items that will come in contact with the chemical or solution.  As a general rule Kynar and Teflon are used for very aggressive solutions but are at the high end of the cost spectrum.

There are some more economical options in EPDM, Viton, and Buna.  EPDM and Viton may work fine for soaps, waxes, and some herbicides and/or pesticides.  Do note that Buna is not suitable for many agricultural chemicals, but is compatible with petroleum-based solutions.  While EPDM is compatible with many chemicals, it is not suitable for oil-based products - stick with Viton or Buna in those scenarios.

Temperature & Pressure

Furthermore, it is important to confirm temperature and pressure as these two variables can also affect compatibility.  Temperature and pressure should always be taken into consideration as it can vary with every application or between applications.  For instance, a chemical may respond differently with changes or fluctuations in either temperature and/or pressure.

The fluctuations may actually cause the chemical to completely alter it's structure and no longer be compatible with elastomers or products that were previously identified as chemically compatible.  Long story short, you may be fine transferring and handling a product at ambient temperatures, but may find an issue at higher temperatures or pressures.

Remember to check for compatibility with all of the item groups above.   Any chemicals or solutions that you may be handling or transferring should always be confirmed with an SDS - if chemical compatibility is in question. Think chemical compatibility first for safety and protection of yourself and others.  Furthermore, we want to ensure greater longevity and performance of your pumps, valves, fittings, and hoses.  Request a Free Catalog here.

If you enjoyed this post check out our technical library for more resources.  Can't find what you're looking for?  Give us a buzz or drop by our website.  Be safe out there.

Low water hardness and low TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) are critical for proper cleaning and reduction of water spotting in car and truck wash applications. Water hardness is measured in grains of hardness. Typical drinking water can range from 100-250 grains of hardness. However, water hardness under 5 grains is usually best for the most efficient use of detergents or soaps in vehicle cleaning.

A water softener is usually required to get hardness down to zero grains which is necessary to, in turn, get TDS down to zero. The size of the softener required is a function of the quality of the incoming water, as well as, the gallons required in a typical day for a specific facility.  Left untreated, high mineral content in a plumbing system can tremendously affect the efficiency of the plumbing system, as well as, reduce the life of pumps, valves, and other equipment.

TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) is the makeup of minerals, salts, metals, etc. that are present in a volume of water. This can include any inorganic element that is present in water other than pure (H20) water molecules. Typically TDS is measured in PPM, (Parts per million). The EPA allows up to 500 PPM for human consumption in water but vehicle washes need to be in the range of 0-50 PPM to rinse and dry without spotting.

Therefore; typical reverse osmosis, spot free rinse vehicle system will produce zero parts per million (PPM) of TDS when the filter/membranes in the system are new. Thin-film Composite or Cellulose Acetate membranes are designed to reduce zero grain water to zero TDS water. As membranes provide the filtering process over time, they will begin to plug or foul. The amount of time for this to occur depends on water usage and flow.

Typical testing will show TDS increasing, with spotting occurring about 40PPM. At this point, membranes should be replaced which will bring the TDS back to zero and the process begins again. Membrane material differs and is specifically designed for tap water, brackish water and seawater. Tap water membranes are used with typical city supplied water.

There are many simple devices available to test for water hardness and TDS to ensure your softeners, spot-free rinse system and filters are operating properly and efficiently.  If you have further questions about reducing the amount of total dissolved solids in your business plumbing system give us a call at 1-888-677-5054 or visit us here.  Take care!