Opinions on iWash ?

[softsuds]

I'm getting ready to completely remodel my SS wash. I really like the look and idea behind the iwash system but all of those proprietary parts and that they haven't been around very long is a bit of a concern. What does everyone think ? anyone actually using this system ?

Really like the idea of the VFD and one hose to the bay. Of course, custom Kraft has been doing this for awhile now but not with VFD.

I have tried doing a search on this but the search function will not work with the word " iwash " its just finds everything.

Thanks

-Brandon

 

[Ben's Car Wash]

I'm getting ready to completely remodel my SS wash. I really like the look and idea behind the iwash system but all of those proprietary parts and that they haven't been around very long is a bit of a concern. What does everyone think ? anyone actually using this system ?

Really like the idea of the VFD and one hose to the bay. Of course, custom Kraft has been doing this for awhile now but not with VFD.

I have tried doing a search on this but the search function will not work with the word " iwash " its just finds everything.

Thanks

-Brandon

I installed a 5 bay I-Wash in a 25 year old SS that I bought last July. Yes it is very different from the pump stand/tank systems that your use to. 90% of my troubles have been instal related. I have posted here extensively on it.

I like the overall system and have little problem. The big issue is have a distributor - tech who know what to do. I and another owner in the Tampa area have learned to trouble shoot a lot of it now.... again tracing most back to instal issues. What install issues? The air compressor must have the check valves, dryer bowls (prefer a real dryer) and a lubricator would be nice. On the unit I have and the one south of me who also had issues, check valves on the switching units (large manifolds that split HP & LP functions at @ bay) were not installed... letting moisture get back into the lines. I-Wash has corrected this. Also all chemicals flow thru a single distribution block to each bay (located in the rear) which had a spring to a small plunger.... the springs went bad quickly.... thay have all been upgraded and we have had no more problems with chemical distribution. I found the biggest preventitive thing with I-wash unit is not to allow moisture from the compressor get up to the change over assy and the upper switch over units lubricated.

other than that... small footprint. VFD's easy to adjust.

 

[Jeff_L]

I'm ignorant on the VFD's. What's so great about them? What's the extra functionality they provide over your standard electric motor/pump system?

 

[softsuds]

Well VFD is " Variable Frequency Drive ". This allows you to alter the frequency of electrical power going to you AC motor. In other words, allows you to control the speed of the motor. You can slow the motor way down and use the CAT pump to pump all of your High Pressure and Low Pressure functions. That way there is only 1 hose going out to the boom and no manifolds / check valves above the boom. The iwash system takes it one step further and eliminates all of soap, wax, and low pressure chemical tanks along with float valves and all of that stuff.

 

[MEP001]

There's also an energy savings advantage with VFD. When the trigger is released, the motor slows way down instead of pumping 3 1/2-4 GPM through a regulator. Even start-up draw is lower because the motor is spun up softly instead of slamming on instantly with a 100 amp jolt.

 

[Ben's Car Wash]

Well VFD is " Variable Frequency Drive ". This allows you to alter the frequency of electrical power going to you AC motor. In other words, allows you to control the speed of the motor. You can slow the motor way down and use the CAT pump to pump all of your High Pressure and Low Pressure functions. That way there is only 1 hose going out to the boom and no manifolds / check valves above the boom. The iwash system takes it one step further and eliminates all of soap, wax, and low pressure chemical tanks along with float valves and all of that stuff.

the I-wash actually works this way. When you select a LP selection the CAT PUMP slows down to a lower hertz and RPM. The PSI will drop to 50 or so then when you select a HP option the same pump will speed up to 1000 PSI (or whatever you set it for) but still run at a lower hertz. This reduces the wear on the motor & armatures as it never has to run at full "open". The effecientcy is maximzed on the motor (this is how I understand it... I'm a Nurse...not an electrician).

The unit is half the size of my old Future and much more quiet. there are only 2 float switches! 2 water lines in (one for RO) and one power line in! It's kind of a "plug & play " type unit.

 

[Gabriel]

What is the considered life of VFD boards--anyone got input on replacement cost and life expectancy. I have some in my system and wondered what experience others might have had with them.

 

[MEP001]

I've seen them in a lot of equipment - other than power surges or lightning I've never seen one fail.

 

[Back4More]

GinSan also has a VFD System called "The Ultra VFD Wash System"
http://www.ginsan.com/products_systems.html#

 

[ScottV]

I've owned an I-Wash for 4+ years and have been happy with it. I purchased it for a brand new site, so I didnt have the old style systems to compare it against. I also had the same problems with the weak spring and plunger on the foam brush application. I go through an average of 8-10 springs per year on each bay. Once they break, the foam application just comes out as runny liquid. Change the broken spring and it's back to thick, heavy foam.

My other complaint would be there was never any owners manual or trouble shooting book with the I-Wash. I'm not sure if they have one now but at the time I bought it, there was nothing. Makes it difficult to trouble shoot problems without the assistance of service techs when there are no manuals or diagrams to look at.