Want to Recycle Water? Read this first. By Dean Taylor dean@progressivepump.com If the benefits of recycling water are attractive to the self-service operator, there are a few other guidelines that should be addressed with the manufacturer prior to making the investment.
ODOR CONTROL: Foul water odor often associated with reclaiming is one of the fastest ways to lose customers. Be sure the system addresses complete odor control. Get an odor control guarantee in writing from the manufacturer. Beware if they cannot or will not offer an odor control guarantee with the equipment.
PARTICULATE FILTRATION: Be sure the system will filter to below 10 microns. Many self- service equipment manufacturers require this parameter to warranty their pumps and equipment. Larger particles such as sand and dirt can harm pumps and prematurely wear out spray tips.
MAINTENANCE: Be sure the maintenance isn’t going to cost you more time and money than it’s worth. What’s the point in recycling if you have to babysit the equipment? Beware of those promoting a “no maintenance” reclaim system. There are no “magical” water treatment systems. All reclaim systems will require some sort of maintenance and/or filter changing.
BACKWASHING: Systems that automatically backwash are usually returning the dirt to the water it was just removed from. Although backwashing can help reduce daily maintenance, there are tradeoffs that can be very time consuming and costly to the operator.
Monthly pumping of tanks and clogged sewer lines are common with automatic backwashing systems. Many cities do not allow backwash to go to sewer. Foreign materials can be detrimental to backwashing systems and media filters. If at all possible, avoid systems that have media filters and/ or automatically backwash.
SPACE: Be sure you have space for the reclaim system. Some systems are cumbersome and require more space than an equipment room can offer. Although some reclaim systems can be placed outside or inbay, keep in mind that freeze protection may be required.
TANKS: Reclaim systems also require water collection tanks to be placed in-ground or above ground. Be sure there is adequate space to implement tanks. Most manufacturers will recommend required tanks with their product information.
going down the drain and the reclaim system will encounter them. Many chemical manufacturers are now offering “reclaim compatible” products. Ask the reclaim manufacturer if you will need to change the chemical diet of the car wash when recycling with his equipment.
WARRANTY: Be sure the manufacturer is going to stand behind the equipment. Equipment failure can be costly and time consuming. Be sure your warranty covers all components for at least a year. In short, there are several great methods for the self serve operator to realize increased profits by conserving water. Do your homework and make sure the items you implement to conserve water are justified, cost effective and will not be adversely affected by contaminants such as oil, grease.
COMPATIBILITY: Insure the reclaim system is compatible with the soaps, detergents and chemicals that are being used at your self serve car wash. These products will be
Dean Taylor is the Applications Engineer at Progressive Pump and Treatment, a provider of commercial and industrial water treatment equipment and services, in Sarasota, Florida. SPRING 2018 •
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