Flojet Conversion

[trinityspeedwash]

I have read a bit about flojet pumps and it looks like some folks use these to convert existing low-pressure pumps to flojets?

For example, things like tire cleaner, foam brush, pre-soak, etc.

My question is:
- It looks like Flojet is an airpump - i.e. I draw air from my compressor to power it?
- Current pumps get turned on via 120v from the control unit.
- In the case of a Flojet, what controls the "turn on" - i.e. what causes the pump the start going if it is powered by air?

Does anyone have thoughts/guide on how to convert to flojet pumps?

 

[Blanco]

I have read a bit about flojet pumps and it looks like some folks use these to convert existing low-pressure pumps to flojets?

For example, things like tire cleaner, foam brush, pre-soak, etc.

My question is:
- It looks like Flojet is an airpump - i.e. I draw air from my compressor to power it?
- Current pumps get turned on via 120v from the control unit.
- In the case of a Flojet, what controls the "turn on" - i.e. what causes the pump the start going if it is powered by air?

Does anyone have thoughts/guide on how to convert to flojet pumps?

A solenoid opening. Air is introduced at the pump. When the product solenoid opens it allows the air to flow to pump the product. Bad thing about this set up is if a solenoid gets stuck open it will run non stop and pump out whatever chemical you have in barrel.

 

[trinityspeedwash]

Ah good point. I had not thought about the solenoid getting stuck open.

 

[Greg Pack]

What pump setup are you currently using?

Flojet pumps are a good option for low pressure chemicals. I like the procon setup on my Coleman SS better though but it's much more expensive to set up. Flojets are inexpensive and easy to change out. Moisture in the compressed air supply kills them quicker than anything so you need to install a good air water separator.

A lot of operators just leave the air supply on the flojets pressurized at all times. When someone turns on a function the pressure in the supply lines is "sensed" by the flojet and it starts pumping in an attempt to maintain pressure. It works ok but If you get debris in your solenoid or a leak in the supply line the flojet will continue to pump until someone shuts it off. However, in your case you can use the same electric signal that currently turns on your electric pump to power a solenoid that will supply air to your flojet. This is the best setup and will prevent continuous running in the above scenarios.

 

[864real]

We like to dead head a flow jet. by that the flojet has air all the time. then a solenoid per bay, per function (tire cleaner, foam brush, presoak) open and then the flojet starts working because the pressure drop on the output side of the flojet. They work great, and as Greg said, just make sure to put check valve on the output side of flojet and good water separator on the air line. Yes it could pump all the time if something breaks is the downside, but would have to be between your flojet and your bay solenoid in the equipment room, not out in the bay itself.

 

[Randy]

Flo Jet G57 pumps are a good pump for foam brush. For Presoak and Tire cleaner I'd go with a Procon pump controlled with by MX-8 multiplexer. They'll last a longer than a Flo Jet pump when using high PH chemicals if they are installed correctly.

 

[2Biz]

All good information on flojets untill you have an issue and you go through a full bucket of chemical like others have warned. Then you'll want to add this to ONLY turn on the air when someone selects a low pressure function in the bay....

 

[cbchevy4x4]

I usually dead head my flowjets, meaning they have air to the pump at all times and the bay function turning on (opening the solenoid) allows the product to flow and the flow jet just keeps pumping until that function is turned off. In your case if you wanted to you could put a 120v normally closed solenoid in the air line feeding to the flow jet and keeping your wiring as it is (just use your 120v feed to the existing pump but take it to the solenoid). This could prevent product from continuing to run in the event a product solenoid were to hang up, but is one more thing you have to keep an eye on. If that solenoid were to hang in the NC position then your whole system is down for that product and you could have some upset customers, this is why i prefer to dead head. I can see all my bays via camera and usually can respond to something being stuck open rather quickly. I also have cameras in the pump room with sound so if i open those cameras and hear a pump cycling with nobody on the site i will know something is hung open.

 

[Blanco]

You have a Coleman pump stand with electric motors and procon pumps. I wouldn’t waste any money or time converting to flojets. You will gain nothing. The Coleman system is very reliable. Just leave it how they built it.