Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Steven Shoreditch on November 25, 2010, 11:06:25 am

Title: 'RETURN TO TANK' SETUP?
Post by: Steven Shoreditch on November 25, 2010, 11:06:25 am
How does this work?

Is there some kind of valve that opens up when it detects when the flow to the brush has been stopped?
Title: Re: 'RETURN TO TANK' SETUP?
Post by: ♠Winp®oClean♠ on November 25, 2010, 01:01:55 pm
I think you would have a valve/tap to control the resistance. This would ensure the correct flow to brush & when you turn the pole off the whole lot would just return to tank. Plug the pole back in, or open tap whatever, & the water would come down the hose again.

Anyway, you are Ewan aren't you?

Personally, I would recommend a digital varistream (or equivalent) every time. Better, consistent flow, pump runs slower thus should last longer & uses less battery power! ;)
Title: Re: 'RETURN TO TANK' SETUP?
Post by: Steven Shoreditch on November 25, 2010, 01:37:54 pm
Thanks.  I thought there might have been some sort of simple valve available.  I'll google it.

Ewan.
Title: Re: 'RETURN TO TANK' SETUP?
Post by: ♠Winp®oClean♠ on November 25, 2010, 01:53:19 pm
Thanks.  I thought there might have been some sort of simple valve available.  I'll google it.

Ewan.

Ya see dude, a different approach & all that! ;) ;D

Pump box from cleantech ;) Plug in & go. Unplug & bring inside at night-no freezing! ;)
Title: Re: 'RETURN TO TANK' SETUP?
Post by: Steven Shoreditch on November 25, 2010, 02:07:02 pm
cool  8)
Title: Re: 'RETURN TO TANK' SETUP?
Post by: Xline Systems on November 25, 2010, 04:20:16 pm
Return to tanks can be great set ups used more reguly on earlier water fed pole systems. i personaly love them and most of my vans have them on. it is exactly as winpoclean described. its the old school flow regulator
Title: Re: 'RETURN TO TANK' SETUP?
Post by: ♠Winp®oClean♠ on November 25, 2010, 04:24:11 pm
And I also meant to say the higher your pole goes the slower the flow becomes as the water decides to take the easiest/least resistant route!
Title: Re: 'RETURN TO TANK' SETUP?
Post by: mci services on November 25, 2010, 04:27:13 pm
you can also put a t piece before and after the pump with a loop, in the middle of the loop you have a tap/valve that can be adjusted. The water then just circulates round the pump ;) works a treat
Title: Re: 'RETURN TO TANK' SETUP?
Post by: andyM on November 25, 2010, 04:34:28 pm
I think its also known as a bypass system. Someone will correct me if im wrong but I believe it goes tank hose to pump inlet. Then hose with T piece coming from the pump outlet. Then connect 2 hoses coming from the other 2 T piece connections, one goes to hosereel, the other goes to tank.
The hose going back to tank has a valve on to restrict flow so that the flow more easily go towards the pole but when you shut the flow off to the pole by using a tap on the polehose the water will enter the bypass hose and return to tank.
Title: Re: 'RETURN TO TANK' SETUP?
Post by: andyM on November 25, 2010, 04:37:41 pm
Stu Macs way sounds better  ;D
Title: Re: 'RETURN TO TANK' SETUP?
Post by: ♠Winp®oClean♠ on November 25, 2010, 04:41:11 pm
you can also put a t piece before and after the pump with a loop, in the middle of the loop you have a tap/valve that can be adjusted. The water then just circulates round the pump ;) works a treat

I used to have a set up just like that Stu but the flow still reduces as the pole gets higher. Was a pain adjusting it all the time! Mind, I do like a "certain" flow rate, a bit too much or not enough & I'm off in a tantrum! ;D
Title: Re: 'RETURN TO TANK' SETUP?
Post by: mci services on November 25, 2010, 04:44:18 pm
you can also put a t piece before and after the pump with a loop, in the middle of the loop you have a tap/valve that can be adjusted. The water then just circulates round the pump ;) works a treat

I used to have a set up just like that Stu but the flow still reduces as the pole gets higher. Was a pain adjusting it all the time! Mind, I do like a "certain" flow rate, a bit too much or not enough & I'm off in a tantrum! ;D

aye I like my flow high ;) and yes the flow does drop, when I do high stuff I shut the valve off.
Title: Re: 'RETURN TO TANK' SETUP?
Post by: ♠Winp®oClean♠ on November 25, 2010, 04:47:53 pm
you can also put a t piece before and after the pump with a loop, in the middle of the loop you have a tap/valve that can be adjusted. The water then just circulates round the pump ;) works a treat

I used to have a set up just like that Stu but the flow still reduces as the pole gets higher. Was a pain adjusting it all the time! Mind, I do like a "certain" flow rate, a bit too much or not enough & I'm off in a tantrum! ;D

aye I like my flow high ;) and yes the flow does drop, when I do high stuff I shut the valve off.

Mine was an old cleantech pump box, they've changed them now & added a varistream. ;)
Title: Re: 'RETURN TO TANK' SETUP?
Post by: mci services on November 25, 2010, 04:50:17 pm
peter still makes the boxes with a bypass, I made my own
Title: Re: 'RETURN TO TANK' SETUP?
Post by: Paul Coleman on November 25, 2010, 05:49:16 pm
I have a return to tank system.  It was fitted by Omnipole a few years ago.  Basically, there is a t-piece on the pump to provide a route back to the tank for the water.  Further up the return pipe is a tap.  Close the tap and you have a full flow.  Open it fully and it nearly all goes back to the tank.  Somewhere in between is usually best.
I believe it does mean that the battery is used more than with a varistream (though I've never used one).  However, there's no reason it shouldn't last the day - especially if you have a split charge relay fitted.  I tend to have a two battery rotation.  One in the van, one charging at the mains.  Obviously it's far better with an intelligent charger as the battery doesn't get cooked and the electricity cuts out when it reaches maximum charge.  I switch them over periodically.  Another good thing about having a split charge relay is that it helps to squeeze more from the batteries.  I say this because even when the batteries are on their way out, I can just take two old ones out with me and get away with it. by switching them.  If they start to struggle too much, I can just run the engine a while.

Apart from that, if there's no Varistream, it's one less thing that can go wrong.
I really can't compare though because apart from a few weeks at the start of WFP, I've only ever used the return to tank method.  I may have this wrong but I think return to tank is easier on the pump's pressure switch.
Title: Re: 'RETURN TO TANK' SETUP?
Post by: LWC on November 25, 2010, 05:54:38 pm
I use this method to, T off after pump and with a tap back to tank.

If i do it again ill loop back round to start of pump as that is genious.

Just a thought, would a tap BEFORE the tank, so from the tank outlet restricting the flow of water to the pump work? Or would this wreck the pump?
Title: Re: 'RETURN TO TANK' SETUP?
Post by: Paul Coleman on November 25, 2010, 06:25:07 pm
...............................
...............................

Just a thought, would a tap BEFORE the tank, so from the tank outlet restricting the flow of water to the pump work? Or would this wreck the pump?

Not sure about that one.  I suppose there's a good way of finding out though so long as you're prepared to pay for another pump if it all ends in tears  ;D
Title: Re: 'RETURN TO TANK' SETUP?
Post by: ♠Winp®oClean♠ on November 25, 2010, 06:32:40 pm
I have a return to tank system.  It was fitted by Omnipole a few years ago.  Basically, there is a t-piece on the pump to provide a route back to the tank for the water.  Further up the return pipe is a tap.  Close the tap and you have a full flow.  Open it fully and it nearly all goes back to the tank.  Somewhere in between is usually best.
I believe it does mean that the battery is used more than with a varistream (though I've never used one).  However, there's no reason it shouldn't last the day - especially if you have a split charge relay fitted.  I tend to have a two battery rotation.  One in the van, one charging at the mains.  Obviously it's far better with an intelligent charger as the battery doesn't get cooked and the electricity cuts out when it reaches maximum charge.  I switch them over periodically.  Another good thing about having a split charge relay is that it helps to squeeze more from the batteries.  I say this because even when the batteries are on their way out, I can just take two old ones out with me and get away with it. by switching them.  If they start to struggle too much, I can just run the engine a while.

Apart from that, if there's no Varistream, it's one less thing that can go wrong.
I really can't compare though because apart from a few weeks at the start of WFP, I've only ever used the return to tank method.  I may have this wrong but I think return to tank is easier on the pump's pressure switch.

A varistream bypasses the pressure switch, the flow rate & cut off are now electronically monitored & controlled.
Title: Re: 'RETURN TO TANK' SETUP?
Post by: LWC on November 25, 2010, 09:02:29 pm
...............................
...............................

Just a thought, would a tap BEFORE the tank, so from the tank outlet restricting the flow of water to the pump work? Or would this wreck the pump?

Not sure about that one.  I suppose there's a good way of finding out though so long as you're prepared to pay for another pump if it all ends in tears  ;D

You go first  ;D
Title: Re: 'RETURN TO TANK' SETUP?
Post by: Clive McDonald on November 25, 2010, 09:37:57 pm
Just to confuse you all i have a a varistream and a bypass return to tank.

The reasons for this are.

Easy System diagnostics

relieving pressure without having to depresure by operating brush ie overnight.

Using a hot sytem, frozen reels can be de-iced by repeated pressuring up with hot water (obtained by running back to tank and then forcing into the reel)

I thought i'd invented this and wasn't aware of these earlier (cold) systems.
Title: Re: 'RETURN TO TANK' SETUP?
Post by: ♠Winp®oClean♠ on November 25, 2010, 09:48:06 pm
Just to confuse you all i have a a varistream and a bypass return to tank.

The reasons for this are.

Easy System diagnostics

relieving pressure without having to depresure by operating brush ie overnight.

Using a hot sytem, frozen reels can be de-iced by repeated pressuring up with hot water (obtained by running back to tank and then forcing into the reel)

I thought i'd invented this and wasn't aware of these earlier (cold) systems.

My first gear came from cleantech nearly 7 years ago! ;D

Your "depressurisation" system they were fitting as standard all that time ago, I still use the same tank with a "depressurizer" which also features an anti over-fill mini float valve! ;)

Easy system diagnostics & full re-circulation is old hat Slumpy! ;D
Title: Re: 'RETURN TO TANK' SETUP?
Post by: mci services on November 25, 2010, 09:48:59 pm
Just to confuse you all i have a a varistream and a bypass return to tank.

The reasons for this are.

Easy System diagnostics

relieving pressure without having to depresure by operating brush ie overnight.

Using a hot sytem, frozen reels can be de-iced by repeated pressuring up with hot water (obtained by running back to tank and then forcing into the reel)

I thought i'd invented this and wasn't aware of these earlier (cold) systems.

that makes sense :D
Title: Re: 'RETURN TO TANK' SETUP?
Post by: Clive McDonald on November 25, 2010, 10:10:20 pm
I use clean tech too. Mikes a brick. Not so happy with justin.


Mikes very clever and practical.He was the first wfp person i spoke to macmac.I'd been on the forum trying to learn but it was too much.I phoned him and said sell me what i need.He did.

I was a numptie then and now look im an expert!

Anyway i use cleantech pump boards with digivaristreams.

To explain to people about system diagnostics, when something doesn't work retuning to the van and having a tap that goes back to the tank lets you play around with out constantly bringing the pole and tap back with you.

When no one on here knew anything about hot systems- as in nothing at all apart from you bought them off ionics i again spoke to Mike.This resulted in me inventing the hot on demand diy system that many now use. Used in conjunction with return to tank this wll de- ice any frozen reel etc.Also when water is hot prolonged pressure can expand/stretch the minibore.
Title: Re: 'RETURN TO TANK' SETUP?
Post by: ♠Winp®oClean♠ on November 25, 2010, 11:39:34 pm
I use clean tech too. Mikes a brick. Not so happy with justin.

Mikes very clever and practical.He was the first wfp person i spoke to macmac.I'd been on the forum trying to learn but it was too much.I phoned him and said sell me what i need.He did.

I was a numptie then and now look im an expert!

Anyway i use cleantech pump boards with digivaristreams.

To explain to people about system diagnostics, when something doesn't work retuning to the van and having a tap that goes back to the tank lets you play around with out constantly bringing the pole and tap back with you.

When no one on here knew anything about hot systems- as in nothing at all apart from you bought them off ionics i again spoke to Mike.This resulted in me inventing the hot on demand diy system that many now use. Used in conjunction with return to tank this wll de- ice any frozen reel etc.Also when water is hot prolonged pressure can expand/stretch the minibore.

I'd agree with that, Mike every time. ;)