Converting to a gravity feed.

[APW]

Might be a stupid question but can this pump stand be converted to a gravity feed without having to elevate any tanks? Wasn't sure if the pump has enough suction to pull the water?

 

[MEP001]

It would be better if your gravity tanks (Soap and water) were at least as high as the pumps. Cat 310s specify the supply must be "flooded," basically the tank high enough that water will free-flow into the pump.

How are soap and wax supplied now? Is there not a tank compartment for water? Does it draw HP soap from the presoak tank or is there another supply?

 

[APW]

I have it set up just like Randy's setup and it works fine but when the iba cuts on the SS bays cavitate. It has a 2" water main all the way into the pump room.

 

[MEP001]

Is the cavitation issue something new? You may have a problem with your softener.

 

[APW]

It does seem to do it worse now than it use to. The softeners are only a few years old.

 

[OurTown]

Bypass the softener temporarily and see if they cavitate.

 

[MEP001]

Some areas around here have so much chlorine in the water that regular softener resin doesn't last five years. There is a resin type that can handle it better.

Assuming your IBA is a touchless unit, you might consider running the high pressure passes on hard water.

 

[APW]

I switched the self-serve over to hard water only and it's still cavitates just as bad. On the Razor I have soft and hard mixing for the rinse because the water is so hard at this site, 31 grains. Even after mixing it only gets it down to 14 grains.

 

[OurTown]

What does the pressure start from and then drop to after the auto starts? You might need a booster pump on the main coming in.