Dwell Time

[TEEBOX]

All,

In my express exterior wash, I apply a hi ph alkaline presoak through my first arch. I also have hi ph alkaline presoak in my prep guns as well. Then I apply a low ph shampoo.

How many seconds or how many inches should pass to let the presoak dwell between both arches? I know it may depend on conveyor speed.

Second question, should I run the car DRY prior to the hi ph arch?

Currently I use a hi ph alkaline product through my prep guns. It shows a Value added incentive for the customer. But it slows the line down especially in the winter months.

Thank you in advance!

 

[rph9168]

Dwell time is only part of the equation when it comes to cleaning. The length of dwell time depends on the concentration of the presoak. It also depends on water quality, whether you are using hot water and the amount and type of friction you have in the tunnel.

 

[Earl Weiss]

Not on point for the OP but on tpic. This issue has come up for me. Replaced equipment with a now common set up where the First set of wraps is only a couple of feet after the first PS & Foam arch. First thing my dad said was "There is no dwell ime". My onlly response was "I know, but it seems to be a common set up." Asked other operators who did the same and the response was typicaly a look that said "You are right, seems to work, never really thought about it."

One of my installers / distributers seems to think the dwell time is more imporatnt for the mitters a little further down the tunnel. I have both set ups (Mitter a couple of feet after the first arch followed by 2 sets of wraps) and at the end of the day with 2 sets of wraps and triple mitters there seems to be no difference either way.

 

[TEEBOX]

my first arch is the presoak followed by the shampoo, then top brush and High sides as friction. Next is the High Pressure for lower portion of vehicle and rims tires. More friction with wraparounds followed by mitter. Lastly Wax, Rain X, dry aid and Rain arches. 20 feet dwell time before blowers. Cars are very clean! Little bit of water beads after blowers.

I really would like to install another set of wraparounds. Back of SUV's, Van's still an issue of not being clean.

I'm trying to get away from prepping and towel drying in near future. Labor concerns!