Preferred Spot Free Pump

[Mr. Clean]

I'm adding spot-free rinse (RO) to my bays. What is the best pump to use: Procon, multi-stage booster, or submersible (saw a configuration at a wash using a submersible well pump installed in a six inch pvc pipe positioned inside the storage tank)? The submersible is 1/2 -2/3 the cost of a ss multi-stage.

Thoughts?

Thanks.

MC

 

[mjwalsh]

I'm adding spot-free rinse (RO) to my bays. What is the best pump to use: Procon, multi-stage booster, or submersible (saw a configuration at a wash using a submersible well pump installed in a six inch pvc pipe positioned inside the storage tank)? The submersible is 1/2 -2/3 the cost of a ss multi-stage.

Thoughts?

Thanks.

MC

Mr Clean,

We use a Procon. What is the brand of the well pump. I wonder if it is made 100% stainless or other 100% noncorroding material made because RO water is very aggressive.

MJ

 

[MEP001]

The Teel multi-stage pumps do well, even the non-stainless last many years on RO. You can get about the same pressure as a Procon but more volume. A 2507 Procon will run up to 250 PSI but will only run four bays at that pressure, which is probably enough 99.9999% of the time. I use a Cat 390 and run it at 450 PSI - some customers drive 10 or more miles and pass 2 or 3 car washes to use ours because they like the spot-free pressure. The only problem is that it's NOISY. There is a General plunger pump that has the same ratings and actually costs a little less. I'll probably switch to that pump if the 390 will ever die.

I've never seen a submersible pump being used for a self-serve repressurization pump. I don't know of many sumps made to pressurize water to what you'd need.

 

[Rudy]

I use a Cat 1010 running 400 psi. As with all Cat Pumps....it's reliable....I've got over 16 years and they still go strong.

 

[MEP001]

it's reliable....I've got over 16 years and they still go strong.

I know, I've only had to put one set of seals in the 390 in 7 years. I keep hoping it'll crap out so I can justify replacing it with a General just for something less noisy, but it just runs and runs.

 

[Mr. Clean]

Thanks for the replies. I've actually got some cats lying around from an equipment changeover a few year ago. Does one pump with by-pass service a manifold of valves or one pump per bay?

Thanks, again.

MC

 

[MEP001]

A large volume pump such as a 390 can do 6 bays at 450 PSI using 2506 tips. I tested it after I started up the wash and it barely started to lose pressure with the 6th bay turned on. A standard plunger pump like a 310 or 530 won't do that kind of volume. but it should run two or three.

 

[phred113]

I would not recommend the Procon for anything that has to keep working. The carbon fins will fail and you are shut down.

The plunger pump ideas for this are spot on....oops.... and will provide the boost you are looking for.