EE Conveyor Speed

[Earl Weiss]

9/14 Auto Laundry news article by Anthony Analetto "Simplify to prosper" states in part:

"Changes must be done in conjunction with adjusting your chemistry application. .... at any exterior -only wash , it is recomended to establish your optimal speed , set it and frget it."

And you say????

 

[robert roman]

I tend to agree with Anthony.

The exception would be for seasoned operators like you Earl that do have a good understanding of how the chemistry and equipment works.

Otherwise, I know operators who run a very good business but really don’t have a good understanding of the chemistry and physics involved.

Moreover, they don’t want to know. Many of the new breed of investor is mostly hands off.

Like my mom use to tell me – I know the ignition key and gas gauge. Besides this, I depend on your father, you or the car dealership.

For example, I have a client that is a professional golfer. The wash is very important but the tour is more so.

 

[rph9168]

I think the set it and forget it approach is okay for regions where there is only minor temperature variations. In regions with cold winters it would be best to make some adjustments on chemical dilutions and conveyor speed for optimum results.

 

[Earl Weiss]

My thought:

For those of us in the Snow / Salt belt "... at any exterior only wash it is recommended to establish your optimal speed , set it and forget it." is not a formula for prosperity.

At 80+ degrees cooked on tree sap, bird poop, and bug guts removal benefits greatly from increased dwell time and demand would probably not dictate a need to wash over 60CPH.

On the 35 degree sunny winter day when all cars entering seem to be white, with the birds, bugs, and trees on vacation cars are easily cleaned at higher speeds and demand may allow production of 120CPH or more. This is the time to "Make Hay while the sun shines."

At still colder temperatures, dirt may be "Frozen on" or even Flash freeze which requires a slower line for thawing time.

Set and forget? Not me.

 

[Washmee]

I agree with your analysis Earl, I adjust my conveyor speed seasonally due to changing dirt conditions. When cars are covered with road salt they are much easier to get clean than removing bugs and bird droppings in the summer. In the summer demand is also lower so faster line speeds are not needed to keep up with demand.

 

[rph9168]

Don't forget to adjust the chemicals as well.

 

[Earl Weiss]

Don't forget to adjust the chemicals as well.

For the most part dilution adjustment not needed although the water temp is adjusted. Slower speed with more dwell time puts more chemical on the car and allows it and equipment to work longer as needed. With the salt the chemicla and equipment doesn't need as much time, so again the solution adjustment is not needed.

 

[rph9168]

Depending on whether you set your dilution ratios up with your high speed or lower speed you could be using too little chemical or too much.

 

[Earl Weiss]

Depending on whether you set your dilution ratios up with your high speed or lower speed you could be using too little chemical or too much.

Idealy perhaps. In reality it's not workeable to adjust 12 Hydrominders every few hours as temperatures my climb or drop 30 or more degrees particularly when that range encompasses 30 degrees or so.

 

[rph9168]

I am only suggesting you change chemical dilutions when you change your conveyor speed long term, not during the day.

 

[Earl Weiss]

I am only suggesting you change chemical dilutions when you change your conveyor speed long term, not during the day.

I know you are familiar with Chicago weather . "Long term Chicago weather" is an Oxymoron.

 

[rph9168]

I agree totally about the weather but where there are four seasons it would not be out of line to make four adjustments on conveyor speed and chemicals during a year. My biggest concern would be the results. If one does not really have a problem with chemical usage then maybe two times a year.
Most friction tunnels are not that touchy. The guys that usually have the biggest problem are those that are constantly changing conveyor speeds. Back in the day when there were touch free tunnels I knew of washes that changed speeds and chemical settings daily and sometimes even during a day. Maybe that is why touch free tunnels disappeared.

 

[Earl Weiss]

I probably adjust the speed infrequently from May to September.

On a Busy winter day I may adjust it 4 or 5 times as temps and sunshine / darkness vary. May also adjust water temp. But not as frequently. Rarely adjust dilution rates.