Return Line picture?

[gregsfc]

Anyone got a picture showing a return line from unloader to feed tank, quick connected near the top of a feed tank where a hole has been drilled in the tank, allowing the return water to run back into the tank while in by-pass mode? Sorry if I'm using the wrong terminology, but I hope ya'll understand what I mean. I need to be able to quickly connect and disconnect from the tank end, as we have the machine and the tank on two different forklift-able pallets. Currently, until we upgrade our system, we have to remove the return line, which we just sort of tie on the support rails to keep it from coming out near the top of an IBC tank, and then we just stuff the end of the line down into the fill cap hole on top. When we finish one location, and are ready to move to another (about every 2 hrs), we forklift move the tank to the refill pump site, fill it up, and then on to the next location; then we move the machine and other equipment, which is on another skid, retie and restuff the return line, roll out the pressure hose, and start again. All of this is moved via a forklift, as we have no dedicated vehicle or trailer and no continuous water supply at this time.

As a novice with no plumbing experience, I'm having trouble picturing what kind of parts it's going to take to hold a return line in a tank and allow for a quick connect/disconnect. I'll take a picture today and attach it in the morning if that helps.

Below is a picture of our older unit, which is a little different; it's on an all-in-one platform that we move together, but we don't have this capability yet with our new machine; I'm still lobbying the supervisor to let us set the new one up this way; only improved.

2nd question: Is there any problems or issues that I should be aware of running a very short jumper hose from the downstream end of a hose reel, and then quick connect to a 100' 3/8 pressure hose downstream? Sometimes we need to refill the tank w/o the need to move the machine on the pictured unit below. But since they are moved together, It's sort of a hassle having to roll up the hose, but if we had a quick disconnect via a jumper hose, we could just disconnect the long hose and leave it in place; reconnect when we return with the platform.

 

[mike barrett]

I'll look for a Pic (it's pouring rain right now). What I did was drill a hole in the top of the tank for a 1/2" bulk head fitting, than install a hose barb fitting into to bulkhead fitting. Than attach the bypass hose to the hose barb fitting with a hose clamp and your done. If your having to disconnect to fill the tank, than install a quick connect to the bulkhead fitting and a hose barb fitting to a plug fitting.

 

[gregsfc]

Thanks Mike. That'll probably be enough to figure it out. Just using the terminology like you have helps me. If I go to a plumbing-supply store and ask for the bulk-head fittings, describe what I need to do, and take a look at those parts, that should create a picture for me. I already understand barb fittings and how to make them work, but hadn't thought of using one to hold the line in the tank.


We've got two units; both 4K/4gpm, belt drive; one is setup on a platform where the machine, tank, and other equipment are all lifted at once via a forklift. It won't need a quick disconnect, since they'll always be moved together. Currently, it's got a thermal relief valve that keeps messing up, and we've lost about 1/3 of our power even though it's not cavitating or making any noises. I've been told on here that it would be best to swap to a different unloader that will allow for a return line. I've ordered a new unloader that is identical to our 2nd unit VRT-3 310 (or something like that), which came to us with a return already set up. I called AR, and their tech. said it is compatible with our older machine. So I'll use the bulkhead fitting clamped semi-permanent for that setup.

My supervisor has told me not to build a second platform for the new machine like we have on the first one. I guess because he doesn't want to give up the labor time it'll take to build it, because it's much more productive making only one trip to move our system around, but that's the reason for the need for a quick connect. Anyway, I've not given up on a second platform. I may build it at home on my own time, with gov't funds for materials only. But it will take some time, and I'll need a quick connect while it's being built or we'll just keep stuffing it through the cap hole for the time being.

 

[PeakOfPerfection]

Just use a CamLock connector off the bulkhead. Done.

 

[Christopher]

Call the www.washmart.com and tell them you want camlocks for your purpose.

They will get you what you need and give you instructions and pictures so you get it setup.

 

[Ralph Q]

Why do you need to disconnect the bypass line? A straight hose from the unloader to the top or side of the tank, connected to a barb screwed into the bulkhead fitting. The less fittings the better. Here is a tip. Screw an elbow barb into the bulkhead fitting inside the tank and aim it to the side that isn't above the drain/outlet fitting so you don't get air mixing into your feed hose.