Jim@Garagecleaning
banned
I have been asked several of times over the past few months, if I would give some information on a good filtration unit, and how to choose the right one for your needs.
So here it goes...
First you need to understand that there are many different filters out there. Some are specialized and will work well in certain situations, others will work not so well but will cover just about every little task that you throw at them.
Here are just the basics needed to pin point which filter is right for you.
You need to ask yourself these few questions:
1. What is the V.O.S (Volume of Substance) to be filtered
2. What is the primary usage for the filter?
3. Find the Local, State and Federal requirements for discharge.
4. Are you using a Vacuum system or gravity feed to sump pump to direct the water to the filter. This will be determined by the detergent used. A Vacuum system will not like a Sudsy detergent and your filter may suffer.
TYPES OF FILTERS
You may need one or several of these to meet the requirements set fourth by the EPA and the local Sanitation Districts.
1. Clay Filter. ( Cheap but possible high expense to change out when full )
2. Cartridge Filters ( 5 to 50 microns)
3. Oil Water Separator
4. A Sump pre Filter
5. Multi Media Filter
6. An Active Carbon Filter
7. Ozone Generator
8. A PH Balance Device
These are the Basics. This dose not mean you have the knowledge to go build one based on this thread. All it means is that you are SOMEWHAT informed at best. Pumps, plumbing, discharge rate, holding tanks, trailer design, height restrictions, psi ranting needed to maintain the set GPM flow rate, power needs etc. are all needed to make a great filter.
To give you an example, Our filter needs 20,000 watts to make it work without making any issues on the power drain.
So here it goes...
First you need to understand that there are many different filters out there. Some are specialized and will work well in certain situations, others will work not so well but will cover just about every little task that you throw at them.
Here are just the basics needed to pin point which filter is right for you.
You need to ask yourself these few questions:
1. What is the V.O.S (Volume of Substance) to be filtered
A) Is the surface going to be coated with a paint or " Naked cement" Naked cement will absorb more water than a painted or treated surface will.
B) This will give more of a run off is the surface is sealed VS a porous cement surface that will soak up some of the moisture.
C) How many washers are to be running at one time ( # of washers X GPM of pumps)
D)Rinsing... and if so with what volumne of water?
2. What is the primary usage for the filter?
A) Are you going to recirculate the filter water back through the pressure washer's pump? ( Reuse the water?)
3. Find the Local, State and Federal requirements for discharge.
A) The Local Sanitation District will be able to help with that. ( NOTE: Not all Sanitation Districts agree on the limits of chemicals that may be allowed in the sewers.) Some are stricter than others.
4. Are you using a Vacuum system or gravity feed to sump pump to direct the water to the filter. This will be determined by the detergent used. A Vacuum system will not like a Sudsy detergent and your filter may suffer.
TYPES OF FILTERS
You may need one or several of these to meet the requirements set fourth by the EPA and the local Sanitation Districts.
1. Clay Filter. ( Cheap but possible high expense to change out when full )
Clay is heavy, and discharging the clay is pricey especial by the pound.
2. Cartridge Filters ( 5 to 50 microns)
Goes without saying. How fine depends on allot of factors. Are you recycling the water, Sanitation Dist. requirements etc...
3. Oil Water Separator
Size dose matter on this one.
4. A Sump pre Filter
Get the pebbles out before it hits your main unit. Less problems down the road and easy to maintain
5. Multi Media Filter
If you have a good Pre filter, this one should last a life time. ( A few years longer than with out a pre filter)
6. An Active Carbon Filter
Be careful. Some detergents will attack the carbon making it not as effective as you thought. Do not use Chlorine !!!
7. Ozone Generator
Kills the bacteria before they have a chance to spread. Your workers, customers and your spouse will thank you for it.
8. A PH Balance Device
Goes without saying
These are the Basics. This dose not mean you have the knowledge to go build one based on this thread. All it means is that you are SOMEWHAT informed at best. Pumps, plumbing, discharge rate, holding tanks, trailer design, height restrictions, psi ranting needed to maintain the set GPM flow rate, power needs etc. are all needed to make a great filter.
To give you an example, Our filter needs 20,000 watts to make it work without making any issues on the power drain.
