[PurefectWindowCleaning]

Think im decided that a lay flat tank will be best for me.

Is there an added risk that when it gets to low, that air can be drawn thru, or is the outlet right at the bottom?

Im getting the tank direct from Wydale on Monday.



Anyone with experiance?

[Simon Mess]

The outlet is just above the curve from the bottom to the side, say 1" up. Just watch how you are parked when getting low, as the water will run to the lowest point!

[Tom White]

We use a layflat; and it can be a pain when it's running low; but I know my round well and will plan my last job(s) so that my van is facing up a hill (therefore all the water is backed up at the outlet), so it won't cause problems.

[Smudger]

I had nothing but trouble with lay flat tanks as they airlock easily,  even tho you have loads of water left

This may be resolved if you fit a one way check valve

Darran

[PurefectWindowCleaning]

My current tanks (2 x 125 upright), the outlet is actually from the top with a length of hose which goes to the bottom. Ive never had any problems.

Could I pop a hole i the top, and do the same thing?

[Simon Mess]

I had nothing but trouble with lay flat tanks as they airlock easily,  even tho you have loads of water left

This may be resolved if you fit a one way check valve

Darran

I have never had an airlock once, that is over 4.5 years. There have been times when, due to how i have been parked, the pump has started sucking air. I just switch it off, shift the van position, then start up the pump again. No problems

[Tom White]

I had nothing but trouble with lay flat tanks as they airlock easily,  even tho you have loads of water left

This may be resolved if you fit a one way check valve

Darran

No problems here either; how high are your pumps off the van floor?  I had a load of air locks when my pumps were high, but then  - because of advice - dropped them to van floor level and never had a problem with them again.

[Smudger]

Always had the pumps close to the floor, but when your down to the last 2 inches and do a lot of rural lane work the water sloshes about, 2 inches on a flat tank is quite a bit then you have to faff getting the air out, or turn the flow right up to get the pump drawing again.
Less of a problem with uprights as when you get to the last 2 inches of water I was either finished or on the last job, 

It's even better now as I use ibc tanks in the vans which stand an inch or so above the floor in the cage and these empty completely without any air trapped, aggro at all

Darran

[PurefectWindowCleaning]

Hmmm...


My issue is for now, I shall be strapping the tank down, untill I arrange a frame to be made and fitted.


My thinking is that a 400/500 upright tank, will not be suitable strapped down??




(Anyone thinking of commenting saying 'no tank strapped down is suitable' need not bother, cheers)

[Mike #1]

James just simply parking partially on pavement is enough to tip water towards outlet and the odd airlock aint that bad

And as you have said before your round is very compact and close to your home so when running really low you can just pop home to refill or just go home for dinner and top up .

You can make the cuppas and your mate can fill the tank simples  .

Flat tank maybe better in you van you could board over and put trad gear cloths  etc on top of tank . Mike

[PurefectWindowCleaning]

James just simply parking partially on pavement is enough to tip water towards outlet and the odd airlock aint that bad

And as you have said before your round is very compact and close to your home so when running really low you can just pop home to refill or just go home for dinner and top up .

You can make the cuppas and your mate can fill the tank simples  .

Flat tank maybe better in you van you could board over and put trad gear cloths  etc on top of tank . Mike

Yeah that's my thinking Mike, cheers pal.

[Ian101]

http://www.horizonleisure.co.uk/whale-non-return-valve-plastic.html?___store=default

this might be what u need ??

[Don Kee]

Even better, fit this : http://www.purefreedom.co.uk/large-tank-outlet-fittings-kit-p-484.html

For when you move the van. Switch your pump off and shut this outlet off and your pump wont draw in air when you're moving the van.

[alfie11]

IMO...All thees DIY type of frames using cheap box or angel iron welded by some gimp for a few quid give a false sense of security, what load can they take?  I have 4 x 5000kg lifting eyes (£20 each) welded to chassis  (by a coded welder ). Buy new ce approved ones, 5000 kg straps ( working load ) have a minimum breaking strain of 30,000 kg.

[PurefectWindowCleaning]

Even better, fit this : http://www.purefreedom.co.uk/large-tank-outlet-fittings-kit-p-484.html

For when you move the van. Switch your pump off and shut this outlet off and your pump wont draw in air when you're moving the van.

Can you explain what this does?

[Tom White]

Can you explain what this does?

It'll lock off the water that's in the pipes and pump past the tap.

But seriously, we use a layflat, and we don't get airlocks.  Just keep the pumps as close to the floor as possible and all is cool and the gang.

[PurefectWindowCleaning]

Can you explain what this does?

It'll lock off the water that's in the pipes and pump past the tap.

But seriously, we use a layflat, and we don't get airlocks.  Just keep the pumps as close to the floor as possible and all is cool and the gang.

Safe x

[Clever Forum Name]

Used a lay flat for a year, when you was near the bottom it would suck sorta part water and part air. In over a year i did this every day and never once i got an air lock. Even though i was sucking air and water.

[wfp master]

IMO...All thees DIY type of frames using cheap box or angel iron welded by some gimp for a few quid give a false sense of security, what load can they take?  I have 4 x 5000kg lifting eyes (£20 each) welded to chassis  (by a coded welder ). Buy new ce approved ones, 5000 kg straps ( working load ) have a minimum breaking strain of 30,000 kg.

[p1w1]

Even better, fit this : http://www.purefreedom.co.uk/large-tank-outlet-fittings-kit-p-484.html

For when you move the van. Switch your pump off and shut this outlet off and your pump wont draw in air when you're moving the van.

Can you explain what this does?

i used the same thing, basically when you get to the bottom of the tank just switch the tap off between jobs when moving van stopping any water coming back out the pump into the tank or air getting in. just remember to turn it back on when at your next job. But as already said you need to keep your pumps as low down as possible and you should be ok, i have upright tank down which IMO is better then layflat.