Friction Loss

[GrimeBusters]

I recently learned a valuable lesson and thought I'd share my experience. My business has expanded and i have been landing numerous 75,000+ square foot projects. My 3500 PSI, 6 GPM machine was capable of doing the work, but since my target market was beginning to flourish, I decided to invest in a super rig capable of major production.

After about a month of research, I decided on and purchased 2 Hydro Tek SCU35009VAF skids (3500 PSI @ 8.8 GPM). Also bought 2 more surface cleaners, went with the Hydro Twister Contractor ANT3C. 550 gallon supply tank and a 35 gallon chemical tank. 2 reel stacks, one with 2 Hannay electric reels for my pressure hose and the other stack has 2 Cox reels for my 3/4" supply hoses. Added a generator for my lighting and mounted everything on a 7' x 16' tandem trailer, brakes on all 4 hubs.

First project I did with the new rig I noticed I was lacking PSI big time. I was booked solid for the next couple weeks, so I just worked with what I had, but never experience the production I was expecting. About 3 weeks ago, work slowed down some and allowed my some time to diagnose the problem.

The SCU35009VAF ships with 50' of 3/8" hose. I saved the 50' sections that came with the 2 skids and added 300' of continuous 3/8" non marring hose.

I first connected a pressure gauge at the end of the 300' and found I was getting just under 2500 PSI. Not acceptable ! I then checked at the end of the jumper hose, 3000 PSI. I tested out of the pump and was reading 3500 PSI. 1/2" hose from the pump, to the coil, but 3/8" out of the coil. Didn't make sense to me.

I researched friction loss differences when compared to ID of high pressure hose. http://h1.ripway.com/RAIAJim/H2O fri...loss chart.pdf

I then spent almost an hour on the phone, with Hydro Tek and a couple hose manufactures. Hydro Tek explained to me that they ship the SCU35009VAF with 3/8" hose assuming the machine will be used as a dual gun skid. Was told if my plan was to use the machine as a single gun operation, then 1/2" hose would be mandatory.

So, long story short, I now have 250' of 1/2" 2 wire hose per reel. 3500 PSI at the end of the jumper hose and 3350 PSI at the end of the 250'. Haven't measured the GPM yet, but my ANT3C spinners are practically hovercrafts now.

A lesson learned. Worse case scenario could of been a competitor came to a jobsite which we had just completed at the previous 2500 PSI, did a demonstration at 3500 PSI and made my work look inadequate.

Thanks to those who have helped over the past month with your suggestions, feedback and knowledge. That's what makes this forum invaluable. I hope someone out there can learn from my experience.

I haven't taken any pictures yet with the 1/2" hose on, but here are what pictures I have during the build and the final results, taken several months ago.

http://s65.photobucket.com/albums/h2...view=slideshow

[FLORIN]

That is an awesome setup.

[PressurePros]

Sounds like a dream setup. You must have spit having to make that investment in the 1/2" hose. You had to change everything right? QC's swivels etc?

[GrimeBusters]

Sounds like a dream setup. You must have spit having to make that investment in the 1/2" hose. You had to change everything right? QC's swivels etc?

Yup, changed out everything. At the business end of the hose, I kept my 3/8" Mosmatic swivels, ball valve and Hansen QC's. Could not justify spending all that additional $$$ for really no effect, since my spinners are all 3/8" from the gun to the swivel. I spent less than $500.00 out of pocket, the distributor covered the remaining costs.

[Carlos]

Jim . . . I must say very impressive. Not only the pics but you explaining the Friction Loss that your experienced. Great post from a solid contractor in AZ. Keep doing what your doing brother and don't look back. Mind if I make this thread a "sticky"? Your post offers some valuable insight..

Thanks again!

[GrimeBusters]

Jim . . . I must say very impressive. Not only the pics but you explaining the Friction Loss that your experienced. Great post from a solid contractor in AZ. Keep doing what your doing brother and don't look back. Mind if I make this thread a "sticky"? Your post offers some valuable insight..

Thanks again!

Thanks Carlos. Sure, "sticky" away. That's why I have gravitated over to UAMCC, this forum is what I expect, contractors helping fellow contractors. None of the "bashing" I have experienced elsewhere.

I think the friction loss effect is important information. Who knows how many contractors out there assume they're hitting 3500 PSI when in fact they could be in the same position I found myself in, losing 1/3 of my PSI. A pressure gauge and a couple QC's are inexpensive. I suggest everyone have one as part of their equipment inventory. Not only to determine your actual PSI output, but to monitor your systems performance as part of your company's preventive maintenance program.

Competition is tougher than ever these days. I'd hate to learn a reputable UAMCC contractor lose a contract when the competition shows up at a project and out performs him/her because their equipment is dialed in correctly.

Thanks to Jim Gamble for the vast amount of knowledge he has shared with me, and the industry as well.

[Carlos]

"Sticky It Is". . . now if I can find that darn tape to stick it. . . Hey Jeff...you seen the tape. . .oh never mind I found it.

[JL Pressure]

The Silver Bullet...Man that is one nice set up

Really like it all, then the trailer color just tops the whole thing off. Electric hose reels mmmmmm its perty

[JCinNJ]

that is a really nice set-up!! I had figured the smaller hose would cause some loss but not that much, wow!!

How hard is it pulling around the 1/2" hose?

[John-Clean County PW]

Monster Rig James!!! What is the weight capacity of that trailer?? I am thinking once again modifying my two enclosed trailers. I am tempting to cut one down in height so it can fit into parking garages. Still haven't figured how I am going to do that yet.