Clean It Up

UK General Cleaning Forum => General Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: darren72 on January 23, 2017, 05:07:40 pm

Title: Soft washing
Post by: darren72 on January 23, 2017, 05:07:40 pm
(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1485191141_s-l500.jpg)
Title: Re: Soft washing
Post by: darren72 on January 23, 2017, 05:09:27 pm
Is this ok for Soft washing its going for about £900 on ebay
Title: Re: Soft washing
Post by: Smurf on January 23, 2017, 05:53:41 pm
NO apparently from what Ben from rutland pumps has said on a bookfarce page it's poop.
What do you expect as is made by streamline  ;D
Title: Re: Soft washing
Post by: darren72 on January 23, 2017, 06:18:27 pm
Smurf what's so bad about it was thinking of buying one don't no much about them but is this not the standard pump and Honda engine that most have cheers Darren
Title: Re: Soft washing
Post by: chris scott on January 23, 2017, 06:22:41 pm
It's the wrong pump to start with.
Title: Re: Soft washing
Post by: darren72 on January 23, 2017, 06:40:59 pm
Chris what's wrong with the pump if you don't mind me asking cheers
Title: Re: Soft washing
Post by: Smurf on January 23, 2017, 08:27:50 pm
If you are looking for a trolley type setup then this type of thing would be more suited for the job
https://www.softwashtechnology.co.uk/collections/softwash-systems/products/softwash-systems-honda-gx120-bowser-unit-comet-acid-pump

This site is owned by Ben from rutland pumps so he don't sell rubbish like that other thing
Title: Re: Soft washing
Post by: waterforce on January 23, 2017, 08:44:52 pm
It's the grey pumps that have Viton seals .
Title: Re: Soft washing
Post by: Richard Scott on January 23, 2017, 10:17:02 pm
Interesting to hear the thought process here that because its not got a grey pump housing its not the right pump. Comet's own specification sheet states that its the polypropylene pump casing that's acid resistant which is black in colour. It is also assumed on the forum that the pump doesn't have Viton diaphragms because the housing is not grey. We have these 50-ltr trolleys and the 120-ltr barrows, both fitted with the same pump and engine configurations. Pump was specified by Comet themselves for soft washing, the acid resistant version with Viton diaphragms and seals and polypropylene pump casing...just for the record.

http://www.comet-spa.com/products/attachments/agricultural/catalogues/MC%208-18.pdf
Title: Re: Soft washing
Post by: Smurf on January 23, 2017, 11:01:52 pm
So have you sold many then Richard or should I say your distributors?

Just for the record I can do the same job with a chepo atv spot sprayer without the need of spending hundreds of pounds more. I'm going to get another atv spot sprayer so have one for ddhc and the other for SH mix, That will come to less than half the price of the varistream one on fleebay including reels etc for both  ;D
Title: Re: Soft washing
Post by: waterforce on January 24, 2017, 06:05:52 am
Interesting to hear the thought process here that because its not got a grey pump housing its not the right pump. Comet's own specification sheet states that its the polypropylene pump casing that's acid resistant which is black in colour. It is also assumed on the forum that the pump doesn't have Viton diaphragms because the housing is not grey. We have these 50-ltr trolleys and the 120-ltr barrows, both fitted with the same pump and engine configurations. Pump was specified by Comet themselves for soft washing, the acid resistant version with Viton diaphragms and seals and polypropylene pump casing...just for the record.

http://www.comet-spa.com/products/attachments/agricultural/catalogues/MC%208-18.pdf

You/Comet  are wrong. You should be fitting the Grey pump the one with Viton seals.
Comet cant even build this pump strong enough to do do the job it is designed to do..  ie pump liquid at 15 bar. The thing flys apart constantly . There are several modifications that need makeing to this pump to get it to perform at max spec and without self distructing.
Are you building this system..if you are you will have problems.
Title: Re: Soft washing
Post by: waterforce on January 24, 2017, 06:07:38 am
Those hose reels are crap too....they will die.
Title: Re: Soft washing
Post by: Smurf on January 24, 2017, 10:13:25 am
Interesting to hear the thought process here that because its not got a grey pump housing its not the right pump. Comet's own specification sheet states that its the polypropylene pump casing that's acid resistant which is black in colour. It is also assumed on the forum that the pump doesn't have Viton diaphragms because the housing is not grey. We have these 50-ltr trolleys and the 120-ltr barrows, both fitted with the same pump and engine configurations. Pump was specified by Comet themselves for soft washing, the acid resistant version with Viton diaphragms and seals and polypropylene pump casing...just for the record.

http://www.comet-spa.com/products/attachments/agricultural/catalogues/MC%208-18.pdf

You/Comet  are wrong. You should be fitting the Grey pump the one with Viton seals.
Comet cant even build this pump strong enough to do do the job it is designed to do..  ie pump liquid at 15 bar. The thing flys apart constantly . There are several modifications that need makeing to this pump to get it to perform at max spec and without self distructing.
Are you building this system..if you are you will have problems.

Waterforce I'm glad you mentioned this as that was the main reason that put me off buying that type of  pump.
The last thing you want is a pump flying apart unexpectedly spraying chems everywhere whilst on a job.

Wonder how many this has happened to before sellers where aware of the issue  ???
Title: Re: Soft washing
Post by: waterforce on January 24, 2017, 02:59:19 pm

"Wonder how many this has happened to before sellers where aware of the issue" ...that ebay seller ain't sold so many else he would be aware of the problems. That or whoever he has sold them to ain't used them.
Title: Re: Soft washing
Post by: Ben Marriott on January 28, 2017, 06:10:21 pm
Been to comet factory in Italy and as far as I am aware the grey is the Acid pump only. I saw only three pump models with a grey body all are acid only and used for corrosives. "Configuration: 2 diaphragms in NBR on standard versions (Desmopan ® on request), Viton on acid versions. Parts in contact with spray liquid: AISI 316-L stainless steel, polyamide (standard versions black), polypropylene (acid version grey). Standard: regulation valve (Available in two types). Can be fitted directly to gas engine with reduction kit.(¾ or ⅝" Shafts)".
Title: Re: Soft washing
Post by: waterforce on January 28, 2017, 08:51:05 pm
"In theory" Richard that has pi55ed on your bonfire.
Title: Re: Soft washing
Post by: Smurf on January 29, 2017, 12:56:35 am
Been to comet factory in Italy and as far as I am aware the grey is the Acid pump only. I saw only three pump models with a grey body all are acid only and used for corrosives. "Configuration: 2 diaphragms in NBR on standard versions (Desmopan ® on request), Viton on acid versions. Parts in contact with spray liquid: AISI 316-L stainless steel, polyamide (standard versions black), polypropylene (acid version grey). Standard: regulation valve (Available in two types). Can be fitted directly to gas engine with reduction kit.(¾ or ⅝" Shafts)".

Slight change of subject Ben but have you have you had any feedback from the new type of pump build you did for Chris Scot yet?
Title: Re: Soft washing
Post by: waterforce on January 29, 2017, 07:41:33 am
Smurf...there is a legend they call "Sophia Softwash" you should talk to her about cake recipes and pumps.
Title: Re: Soft washing
Post by: Kev Martin on January 29, 2017, 09:17:15 am


Slight change of subject Ben but have you have you had any feedback from the new type of pump build you did for Chris Scot yet?
[/quote]

Sorry Smurf you can't ask about this as it is a state secret
Title: Re: Soft washing
Post by: chris scott on January 29, 2017, 09:34:41 am
The new pumps good..albeit at little to powerful for how we use them. We are just testing some new nozzles so we can get an optimum spray pattern at low flow/pressure. The unloader works well really sensitive micro adjustment (with no real internal parts to damage).
I think long term they will be a lot more resilient to operator error that is a problem with the comet pumps.
I think they will be a lot more versatile due to the higher flow rates (if thats your thing) ...I still prefer to try and use the minimum amount of chemicals as possible.Whilst others seem to want to spray them (chemicals) everywhere.


Title: Re: Soft washing
Post by: Smurf on January 29, 2017, 10:33:54 am
Thanks for the feedback Chris.

I did wonder using that new type of soft wash pump if there would be issues with using too much chem. I too like to use the least chem as possible so to avoid excessive  run-off and to keep overspray down. At the mo I'm using a chepo ATV spot sprayer with a 12v 8 lpm electric pump with benz nozzles or wfp brush. But still I have to turn the controller down to about 3 lpm otherwise it causes too much run-off and wastes to much chem on vertical surfaces.

Ideally I'm looking for a robust system that will increase my speed and efficiency without causing  H&S issues. As of yet I've not found one.  ::)roll


Title: Re: Soft washing
Post by: chris scott on January 29, 2017, 11:12:59 am
The new pump easily goes down to 3lpm  and abour 20 odds top end. We can run 2/3 brushes off it at the same time. Or stand in the middle of the Garden and hit the apex with a 0 degree.
Title: Re: Soft washing
Post by: Smurf on January 29, 2017, 11:54:09 am
The new pump easily goes down to 3lpm  and abour 20 odds top end. We can run 2/3 brushes off it at the same time. Or stand in the middle of the Garden and hit the apex with a 0 degree.

I like the sound of that Chris.  ;)

Can it create foam too?
Does it need a return to tank hose?
Also do you use it as a wash down pump too instead of having to use a pressure washer and/or garden house attached to an outside tap?

Reason why I ask is ideally I'm after building a van mount setup that a petrol driven pump like that could do all the tasks I require of it without the need of of using other means so to keep it as simple and efficient as possible.

Why I also asked about does the pump need a return to tank hose is that I also want to use metering ball valves so does away with batch mixing altogether. Obviously if the chem has to go back to a tank then the metering ball valves would be pointless.
Title: Re: Soft washing
Post by: Ben Marriott on January 29, 2017, 12:55:37 pm
Kev how are you? We've basically gone along two different routes to stave off COPYCATS for the mean time :D they are at least a year behind on a steep learning curve and will soon realise how heavily every aspect of the units has to be changed to take the chemicals for any period. Along with the necessary information to give as advice to their customers.

So we are trying to change the game and stay ahead. 

Firstly with the route Chris Scott is Testing this is yes based on a roller pump.  HOWEVER not any old roller pump will do, not any old regulator will do, not any old engine will work, not any old fittings will work. The pumps will wash down at high flow or bypass internally at very very low flows. They can easily achieve 150PSI and are very easy to repair and maintain.

We have another path which we are testing using a high flow pump which again is infinitely variable but which returns to tank.  This is very effective for the more americanised companies.

There are hundreds of projects going on in the background to develop more units, the more we build the more companies duplicate what we have done so we have to keep going. :)
Title: Re: Soft washing
Post by: chris scott on January 29, 2017, 12:56:03 pm
No the chemical just recirculates whithin the "pump system" . Although you should not just walk away and leave it running for hours in bypass.
At approx 10 bar they produce 20lpm  it could be used for wash down....on par with a good domestic  water supply maybe ?

It creates plenty of foam if you put too much Algo clear through it !
Title: Re: Soft washing
Post by: chris scott on January 29, 2017, 12:57:18 pm
Snap ;D
Title: Re: Soft washing
Post by: Richard Scott on January 30, 2017, 08:43:41 pm
Following my previous post, I contacted Comet to clarify the pump model they have been supplying us. The pump model we have been supplying has polyamide body with Viton seals,  so apologise for any misleading information given in my previous post. We have sold 7 pumps since September with no reported issues whatsoever. Even so, we offer standard 12 month warranty on all our products in any case, so will stand by any reported failures and replace with the correct model and specification going forward.

Of the hose reels illustrated, we sold 145 of these reels in 2016 without any reported failures, allbeit only a few into softwashing applications. 

Comments on this forum are valued in view of understanding what does and doesn't work in the field, but also think suppliers/manufacturers need to be given a fair chance, as product development comes at a fair amount of cost and time spent.

Title: Re: Soft washing
Post by: Smurf on January 30, 2017, 09:56:08 pm
Here is another new supplier to put the cat amongst the pigeons so to speak.
https://purple-rhino-softwash-systems.co.uk/

Why buy a lada when you can own a rolls-royce... A C must be laughing all the way to the bank  ;D