Chemical Draw Tank Questions - Power Wash Network "The Power Wash Contractors Forum"

#1 (**permalink**) 04-13-04

OK Friends,

Since my last post about setting up my trailer was very helpful I have decided to post another question in hopes of getting the same great outcome !!!

On my new trailer I was thinking of setting up 3-4 (8) gallon each poly tanks for use as chemical draw tanks. My thoughts were as follows.....pre mix my chemicals (house wash, gutter cleaner, concrete cleaner....etc) and store them in little tanks on the trailer. Then I wanted to set each tank up w/ a ball valve feeding into a manifold set up that had a single outlet on it (w/ another ball valve) feeding into my chemical pick up on the PW. The tanks will be on the floor and the PW will be at it's normal height.

I went to 2 different "local" stores that sell a lot of PW gear and asked this question and was told by one store that it would be fine if I had an electric pump on each one feeding it into the PW. The other store told me the tanks needed to be at least 2' higher then the PW. However , I know I have seen a picture on this site of someone using what looked like "JAZ Fuel cells" they were black and had white caps on them. I am not sure how these were hard plumbed if at all though.

If these tanks are deck mounted and the PW is less then 6' away from them will I have a problem drawing downstream? btw my PW is a Honda/Cat 3.5@4000psi unit if it makes a difference....I usually run no more then 100" of 3/8" hose. I use everything from a short wand , turbo tip, surface cleaner (20" - 2 arm) and a 18' extension pole .... not sure if that makes a difference though.

Thank you again senior members for your help in my questions. Be proud in the fact that you are helping a newcomer try to do things the correct way by asking lots of questions and seeking advice of those wiser then he instead of just going out into the world and ruining the image of the professional power washer.

Again , thank you all in advance ,

Benjamin
Hampton Wash

Aplus · #2 (**permalink**) 04-13-04

Ben,
The setup you are describing is known as downstreaming. The tank setup you speak of would work fine. The longer the high pressure hose runs you use, the less effective downstreaming will work. The information your local dealers gave you is inaccurate.

Also, the dilution rate using d/s may be too great, and not allow the concentration of chems you need.

These are just a couple thoughts, others will likely follow.

Mark · #3 (**permalink**) 04-13-04

I agree, it should work fine!

.

Mike Gwas · #4 (**permalink**) 04-14-04

It does work fine. Let me suggest a thing or two.... Depending on what you will be doing should determine the size of the tanks you use..... I use 100 gal. soap tanks and 15 gal others..... When you set up these "manifolds" make sure you use brass..... Brass will last the longest.... That is ofcourse if you are using caustic products..... If not you could get away with using other metals, remember you are working with water.....

Dan S · #5 (**permalink**) 04-15-04

I use a 3 way valve one end goes to the p/wer the other 2 goes to 2 different 55 gal drums. When I want brand "a" I move the valve to that position. same as brand "b".
If you have a good injector it will draw.One of my "brands" is on the other end of my van about 8' away and it still draws.

That is with the p/wer on the floor and also the drum on the floor.

No pump pushing the product!!

Dale · #6 (**permalink**) 04-15-04

I have about the same set up. I have a metering valve on each tank, that way if I need to apply more/less chemical, I just turn the metering valve. Saves time pre mixing.

Dale