Possible setup to use multiple tips on 1 Hydrominder?

[Rudy]

Our winter Foam Brush setup uses Methanol for deicing. We have to constantly change the Hydrominder tips depending on the outside air temperature. The colder it is, the more methanol gets pulled into the hydrominder eductor (via a larger tip). We are constantly changing the tips during winter.

I'm considering making a manifold block, which holds the 3 different "tips" that are used during wintertime. A series of valves could be used to (so called) select the red tip, and close off the beige tip (for instance).

Is there any reason this wouldn't work?

Is there any REAL reason that the tip has to be installed into the side of the eductor?

My proposed setup would connect the side of the eductor.....to the output side of my new manifold which would hold the various tips.

 

[I.B. Washincars]

I think they actually make a dual setup. I see no reason that your idea wouldn't work.

 

[Eric H]

I have some dual tip eductor kits for mixing 2 different chemicals. i don't see why it wouldn't work for your application.
They are simply a street tee and 2 elbows that each have a 1/4" shut off valve and then the tip holder. You'll probably have to make your own. The last time I tried to order the kit it seemed to have been discontinued.

Edit to add: I found the kit! it is pretty pricey but you can see the dual it assembly. I'm sure you can buy the parts and spend far less than $83

 

[MEP001]

I've made dual tip setups with 1/4" plastic fittings. The only specialty thing you need is an extra eductor tip. I tried brass but the chemicals ate through it pretty quickly.

 

[Rudy]

It was actually seeing the "dual" kit (in a catalog) that gave me the idea.

I'm just curious how close the tip needs to be to the eductor in order for the hydrominder to draw in the correct proportion.

 

[MEP001]

I put the plastic plumbing right on the Hydrominder. It seems to work accurately.

 

[sparkey]

This sounds kind of like the way my petwash is set up. There is 1 dema injector that goes to a manifold block with several solenoids that select which product is used. Each solenoid is a metering solenoid so you can set each ratio independently. Pretty much the same concept.

 

[MEP001]

This sounds kind of like the way my petwash is set up. There is 1 dema injector that goes to a manifold block with several solenoids that select which product is used. Each solenoid is a metering solenoid so you can set each ratio independently. Pretty much the same concept.

The difference is that each solenoid opens to allow only one product to flow on demand, where a dual tip setup on a Hydrominder will mix two together from concentrates into a tank to be pumped when called for.

 

[sparkey]

The difference is that each solenoid opens to allow only one product to flow on demand, where a dual tip setup on a Hydrominder will mix two together from concentrates into a tank to be pumped when called for.

Yea but you only want to adjust the methanol side, the soap side will remain the same, so put the solenoids on the methanol side and leave the soap side alone.

 

[PaulLovesJamie]

I set up mine very close to what you describe - a brass T with a couple elbows, 2 separate drop tubes, each with a ball valve & eductor. I use one for the methanol soap, the other for regular FB soap for those weeks at a time that we dont get anywhere near freezing. I manually switch over with the ball valves. Works great for the last 20 years.
Yeah I think about adding more drops for different tips and/or, automating the switchover, but simple works.

 

[Greg Pack]

I'm just curious how close the tip needs to be to the eductor in order for the hydrominder to draw in the correct proportion.

I would think as long as the assembly is airtight and it creates vacuum it would work.

 

[Rudy]

FWIW....the soap and methanol are pre-mixed. The concentration is what varies depending on the temperature.

For years....we've been removing the soap/meth inlet line (1/2") from the eductor...and then changing the screw in tip...depending on the temperature expected. It's messy.

Having a manifold setup with shutoff valves would only require turning off the uneeded tips, and turning on the needed one.

 

[slash007]

FWIW....the soap and methanol are pre-mixed. The concentration is what varies depending on the temperature.

For years....we've been removing the soap/meth inlet line (1/2") from the eductor...and then changing the screw in tip...depending on the temperature expected. It's messy.

Having a manifold setup with shutoff valves would only require turning off the uneeded tips, and turning on the needed one.

I did the same as you when I used winter soap. I would switch tips based on temperature. Problem was that I would also have to drain the tank and run FB in every bay to get all old chemical out, or it would be pointless or freeze. Eventually I got tired of it and installed weep for TF and FB. Expensive, but less headache. I plan on implementing the system 2biz uses one of these days.

 

[MEP001]

Would you consider a setup that would fill the tank with methanol soap and purge all the lines? I have a ladder program for a relay somewhere that would use a solenoid and reed switch to fill the tank and then purge each bay. Cost would be minimal.

 

[Rudy]

My system already has a "purge" PLC setup. When the temperature goes below 32F, it switches from "non" methanol FB soap to the methanol FB soap automatically. If memory serves me correctly...it "purges" for about 90 seconds....to insure that the winter FB soap makes to to the farthest bay.

The hydrominder needs a different tip for 32-20F, 20-10F, and below 10F.

In the past, if the system has been purged for 32-20F....and it's expected to drop to 15F....a tip change was required. Per Slash007's comment...the solution in the mixing tank would be to "weak" for the expected upcoming colder temperatures. Instead of emptying out a good tank of FB soap and starting over, I usually just keep a jug or two of RV antifreeze handy, and pour some into the tank after changing the tip.....to strengthen the solution.

I haven't had a problem with freeze-ups at all. I just need an easier way to switch concentrations.

 

[mjwalsh]

I set up mine very close to what you describe - a brass T with a couple elbows, 2 separate drop tubes, each with a ball valve & eductor. I use one for the methanol soap, the other for regular FB soap for those weeks at a time that we dont get anywhere near freezing. I manually switch over with the ball valves. Works great for the last 20 years.
Yeah I think about adding more drops for different tips and/or, automating the switchover, but simple works.

We successfully did closer to what Paul did specifically for many years. When the local competition in our city became of the nature of more pampering in terms of both doors allowed shut for each customer while washing in those types of temperatures ... made the dual set up less practical for us. Self service car washes in less severe climates that do not need doors sometimes do not have a clue to what I am referring to!