Jim@Garagecleaning
banned
Some say GPM is the most important. Some say HEAT, others might say PSI. Granted they all have there place and there is not 1 right answer for every cleaning solution. So for your cleaning solution what is right for you?
For Flatwork, Which is better GPM, PSI or HEAT?
- Thread starter Jim@Garagecleaning
- Start date
Jim@Garagecleaning
banned
Here is a IN-LINE thermostat. On this day last week, we ran 255 degrees at 3,500 psi for most of the day. We had to lower the temperature from 275 to 255 because of the hose starting to melt after 3 continuous hours of use of an open end surface cleaner.
As most of you know, we approach Garage Cleaning with extreme Heat. We do not go by a " Dial in Thermostat guesstimates" because of false and /or inadequate readings. Example, just because you set the thermostat to 500 degrees does not mean that you will produce 500 degrees. An in-line thermostat gauge will be more of a true precise reading.
Here is another picture of us filtering the water at a rate of about 35 GPM's
Also another picture of the hose starting to melt from the heat. No water on the hose. The color is actually Blue but it didn't show up that way. We had to turn down the heat to 255 to prevent the hose from melting.
I have decided for future use, not to go past the 285 degree mark for any longer than a few minutes and only if it is absolutely necessary. It is simply to dangerous.
As most of you know, we approach Garage Cleaning with extreme Heat. We do not go by a " Dial in Thermostat guesstimates" because of false and /or inadequate readings. Example, just because you set the thermostat to 500 degrees does not mean that you will produce 500 degrees. An in-line thermostat gauge will be more of a true precise reading.
Here is another picture of us filtering the water at a rate of about 35 GPM's
Also another picture of the hose starting to melt from the heat. No water on the hose. The color is actually Blue but it didn't show up that way. We had to turn down the heat to 255 to prevent the hose from melting.
I have decided for future use, not to go past the 285 degree mark for any longer than a few minutes and only if it is absolutely necessary. It is simply to dangerous.
Attachments
Jim@Garagecleaning
banned
We do use soap..with a high ph factor. If you are regarding the hose picture, soap was not applied to the area where the hose was when the picture was taken. We usually only apply the detergent on oil stains. The heat and pressure take care of the rest.
What brand do you use? I have been using the blue non marking hose for along time for doing car lots...but i have been having a problem with the hose turning yellow and smelling like it was melting. I have a 660,000 btu burner. when i am doing flatwork i just turn it all the way up. I dont know what temp i am getting at the other end...wish i did it would be interesting to know.
Russ Spence
Commercial Pressure Wash Expert
Not answering for Jim but ours last 6 to 12 months on average, they get quiet a bit of wear and tear, the main problem is when they get ran over from time to time by people not paying attention, then we get small leaks which we do repair
Squirtgun
New member
I told you to stop using duct tape on those.
I guess that i have been lucky. Are hoses get ran over several times a day and we have only had one leak. but I also have to replace mine before the wires show because we also use them on the car lots and if the bare wire slides up againts a car i get to repaint it. and then next thing i know they are blaming us for all of the scratches on there cars lol.
Jim@Garagecleaning
banned
The life of our hoses depends on how many times we hit above 250 degrees. We have found that 1/2 inch hose will hold the heat better than 3/8. Though we have found 300 degree 1/2 inch R3 hose rated at 5,000 psi.. it is expensive. About $7 a foot and found one at $10 a foot. We use 200 ft hoses X 3 hoses, it could cost as much as $1400 to $2000 FOR EACH HOSE.
For that reason, we decided to buy a lower heat rating hose. Rating says 212 but we notice that it melts at 270/275 ish. It is a synthetic rubber compound. Wears very well against cement and is heavier than other R2 1/2 inch hose that we found. Costs about $3.00 a foot plus tax with fittings. ( We cannot use natural rubber due to our chemical eats rubber/petroleum products. The Detergent is design to attack petroleum, and dose very little cleaning when it comes to food / dirt) It is not a degreaser.
For that reason, we decided to buy a lower heat rating hose. Rating says 212 but we notice that it melts at 270/275 ish. It is a synthetic rubber compound. Wears very well against cement and is heavier than other R2 1/2 inch hose that we found. Costs about $3.00 a foot plus tax with fittings. ( We cannot use natural rubber due to our chemical eats rubber/petroleum products. The Detergent is design to attack petroleum, and dose very little cleaning when it comes to food / dirt) It is not a degreaser.
Jim@Garagecleaning
banned
We do not repair our hoses. We throw them away. "If we see wire, then it's time to retire".
At our temperatures, we cannot afford someone to get nicked by the Dry Steam.
At our temperatures, we cannot afford someone to get nicked by the Dry Steam.
The Cleaner
Vetran Washer 30 Years Plus
Great Photos Nick