Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Gordon_Taylor on October 02, 2007, 11:01:12 pm

Title: Varistream and valve flow controllers
Post by: Gordon_Taylor on October 02, 2007, 11:01:12 pm
Do you need a varistream controller if you have a valve flow controller at the end of your hose?

I'll be setting up my first wfp system so would I be right in saying that the pump will switch off if the valve controller is shut? or would it keep pumping until it's switched off manually? or do you still need the varistream to control everthing?

I'd rather find these things out now before I start screwing pumps up left right and centre!

Gordon.
Title: Re: Varistream and valve flow controllers
Post by: NWH on October 02, 2007, 11:08:58 pm
When you unplug your pole or dead end as they say the varistream senses this and therefore shuts off the pump,when you use the valve it works in the same way the varistream senses the build up of pressure and shuts off,in effect using a valve and turning the water of is the same as dead ending or unplugging your pole,i would be more concerned if i was using a controller that requires a pressure switch.
Title: Re: Varistream and valve flow controllers
Post by: Alex Gardiner on October 03, 2007, 08:02:51 am
Flojet pumps come with a very good pressure switch (and internal bypass) fitted to them as standard. When you unplug your pole and the end-stop shuts the flow off or you turn your flow valve off the pressure switch will sense this and switch the pump off.

If two operators are going to be using this system then you will need a 100psi Flojet pump, if just one operator is using it then you will need a 60psi pump. This is due to the flow rate of these two pumps not the actual 'psi' of the pump as this refers to the pressure at which the pump cuts off. A 60psi cut off is more than adequate for window cleaning needs and will actually protect your joints in the long term. The good news is that the pressure switch settings are adjustable so that you can fine tune the pressure switch to match your exact set-up even if using the 100psi version.

Click on the link below to learn how to do this.

http://www.gardinerpolesystems.co.uk/acatalog/What_pressure_delivery_pump_will_I_need_.html
Title: Re: Varistream and valve flow controllers
Post by: Davew on October 03, 2007, 12:50:07 pm
I've seen this before, so have all of us wasted our money on a Varistreem Alex?
Title: Re: Varistream and valve flow controllers
Post by: Alex Gardiner on October 03, 2007, 03:06:29 pm
Depends on your exact set-up.

Some people find that they need it. If you are using 1/2" hose or Minibore then I would advise using a varistream otherwise you will waste too much water.

With a Microbore set-up you should be able to use just a pump with a decent quality pressure switch. It is worth following the steps in the above link so that you set the pressure switch up correctly so that the pump does not cycle.
Title: Re: Varistream and valve flow controllers
Post by: dave0123 on October 03, 2007, 03:25:46 pm
Can you still use a valve control on the hose if u still have a varistream?

as some of my customers come out and pay me n i would have to put the pole down etc so if i had a valve control id jus switch it off then wud the varistream tell the pump to stop??

This is obv wen i start using wfp.

Dave
Title: Re: Varistream and valve flow controllers
Post by: Gordon_Taylor on October 03, 2007, 05:44:05 pm
So I'm right in saying that it's ok to use a hose flow control valve to stop the water when needed with a 100 psi shurflo pump and the pump will switch off on it's own and not damage the pump?

Gordon
Title: Re: Varistream and valve flow controllers
Post by: geefree on October 03, 2007, 06:09:58 pm
well, i took my pump from my backpack, fitted it in the van... so i have 4 water settings too.... i have a tap at pole bottom and i just switch it on and off when i need to.... the pump slows and stops until i turn the tap on on again....

am i damaging it also?
Title: Re: Varistream and valve flow controllers
Post by: Alex Gardiner on October 03, 2007, 06:12:04 pm
Can you still use a valve control on the hose if u still have a varistream?

as some of my customers come out and pay me n i would have to put the pole down etc so if i had a valve control id jus switch it off then wud the varistream tell the pump to stop??

This is obv wen i start using wfp.

Dave

Yes it will work perfectly.
So I'm right in saying that it's ok to use a hose flow control valve to stop the water when needed with a 100 psi shurflo pump and the pump will switch off on it's own and not damage the pump?

Gordon

Technically it will work fine, but I would check with Shurflo as the last I heard is that they will not warranty their pump pressure switches without a separate electronic flow control system (Eco-flow Varistream). If you are not worried about the warranty then it will work fine and do exactly what you want it to do. I do not know for sure if you can adjust the setting on the pressure switch, but I think that you can.
Title: Re: Varistream and valve flow controllers
Post by: dave0123 on October 03, 2007, 06:24:56 pm
Thanks Alex
Title: Re: Varistream and valve flow controllers
Post by: TERRY AB on October 03, 2007, 06:51:28 pm
I think the reason for the varia stream is due to the fact that reducing the water flow thru a valve will cause the pump to turn on and off at a high rate and eventually cause the pressure switch to burn out even causing a possible fire thru cable burning. I used a couple of years ago a shurflo pump and controlled the flow with a valve, costing me a few switches and a lot of time loss. Terry
Title: Re: Varistream and valve flow controllers
Post by: Gordon_Taylor on October 03, 2007, 08:08:08 pm
Thanks Alex I'll do some checking with shurflo.

Gordon
Title: Re: Varistream and valve flow controllers
Post by: Pat Purcell on October 03, 2007, 08:48:44 pm

Technically it will work fine, but I would check with Shurflo as the last I heard is that they will not warranty their pump pressure switches without a separate electronic flow control system (Eco-flow Varistream). If you are not worried about the warranty then it will work fine and do exactly what you want it to do. I do not know for sure if you can adjust the setting on the pressure switch, but I think that you can.
Quote
Alex, I have 2 shurflo pumps here in the US but varistream is not available here , Do you know of a pump controller that is
Title: Re: Varistream and valve flow controllers
Post by: NWH on October 03, 2007, 09:00:58 pm
I think you`ll find they will only guarantee it if using varistream and nothing else.
Title: Re: Varistream and valve flow controllers
Post by: Alex Gardiner on October 03, 2007, 09:05:08 pm
Talk to Tony at www.essentiallypure.co.uk (http://www.essentiallypure.co.uk) he might be able to get the Eco-Flows to you.
Title: Re: Varistream and valve flow controllers
Post by: Pat Purcell on October 03, 2007, 09:09:26 pm
Thanks Alex