Crystal clean, pure, and without blemish. If all water entered our appliances, equipment, and food in it's purest form we would have a lot less headaches. Face it - hard water is tough - not just on equipment but on our bodies. If we can introduce pure water into a plumbing system it will accomplish things from reducing friction all the way to keeping maintenance costs lower. Fortunately, we can accomplish this through a process called reverse osmosis.
Think about it this way - let's say you setup two equal plumbing systems but the only factor your change is the water hardness. If you are pumping water that has 450 Parts Per Million (PPM) in System A, versus water that has 10 PPM in System B - which system will outlast the other?
I hope you guessed System B. Common sense tells us the less wear and tear we can put on mechanical pieces of machinery the longer it will last. Therefore, if you have hard water (water that contains more abrasive or suspended particulates) you are going to undoubtedly add to variable expenses in the form of increased operating costs - the upkeep of your equipment will require more routine maintenance and repairs - no way around it. Below you will see a cut-out view of a membrane used in reverse osmosis systems.
But what if I told you a simple investment, up front, could lower those variable costs and effectively keep more money in your pocket? You keep more money in your pocket by allowing your system to run more efficiently and lessen the likelihood of additional maintenance and repairs costs.
Bottom line - if you can keep your system operating longer and minimize down time, whether that's scheduled maintenance or emergency maintenance, more money stays in your pocket.
Determining Water Hardness
Let's get into the heart of this discussion and throw some numbers out there. Water hardness is determined on parts per million. The EPA allows for 500 PPM in drinking water. Vehicle washing requires, a maximum, 50PPM.
More and more greenhouses are beginning to monitor their water hardness, as well. Greenhouses and farmers across the country need to monitor their pH levels constantly. They do this to ensure that their plants are given the correct ratio of nutrients required to improve yields. By rigorously monitoring the purification of the water supply, an operator can ensure that a clear, and controlled, chemical reaction takes place with their soil matter.
The process of reverse osmosis allows operators and farm/greenhouse managers to effectively oversee this chemical reaction - in a much more efficient manner.
Reverse Osmosis & How it Works
Reverse Osmosis is a process in which microscopic particulates are captured by an extremely fine membrane that allows the solute, in this case, water to pass through. This process is so effective that it can take water with 500PPM and reduce that number to less than 10PPM - and, in many instances we can do much better than that.
This process is achieved through pressurization and, as noted above, extremely fine membranes or filters. The solute is retained on the pressurized side of the membrane and the solvent is allowed to pass through the membrane. The reason this process must occur under pressure is that the solution needs to be forced through the fine holes of the membrane. In many systems there will be multiple stages of filtration.
The first filtration step will occur through an extremely crude manner. In many instances, the process will include a sand bed filtration that is gravity fed. This step is no more complicated than allowing the solution to percolate through a large sand bed - thus extracting many of the large particles that would clog finer filters and membranes - which are downstream in the plumbing system.
The next stage typically involves another filter, or series of filters, that catch particulates and suspended particles that were small enough to pass through the sand bed -which is stage 1 of the filtration process. By implementing this second stage filter the process, in most instances, the solution is ready to actually pass through the finer filters/membranes - thus completing the reverse osmosis process.
Prior to running the solution through the final filtration stages, it must be ran through a "booster pump" that creates the pressurized portion of the system.
Once under pressure, the solution is ran through another membrane or series of membranes. Depending on the water hardness, it might be necessary to use a series of reverse osmosis membranes to reach the desired PPM the operation requires. Basic system components for a reverse osmosis system, used in the vehicle washing industry, can be viewed here.
Upstart University Video Explanation
Here is a video from Upstart University on how reverse osmosis can benefit farmers and greenhouse managers.
For further product questions or inquiries about reverse osmosis systems and or replacement components and parts - don't hesitate to contact us or check out our website at Dultmeier.com - Thanks for stopping by and take care!
The journey to an assured future. Look no further than Mosmatic Corporation. The Switzerland-based company specializes in the manufacturing of high-pressure cleaning equipment. With over 40 years of experience, Mosmatic has the common sense knowledge to back up their revolutionary solutions which serve a wide range of industry issues.
The construction of a new facility in Bristol, WI has allowed Mosmatic to better penetrate the US market place. From high-pressure swivels to rotary nozzles and carwash booms - all the way to roof cleaners and gum removers - this company offers just about everything you need to keep your business clean and looking pristine. You can view our Mosmatic Manufacturer page here. This is one of Mosmatic's top videos - which clearly illustrates many of their product high-pressure cleaning offerings.
Hurricane Pro
The Hurricane Pro is highly popular. Not only is one able to clean underneath vehicles but it also allows the user to pivot the spray deck. This allows for multiple cleaning angles to get into tight crevices and blast debris free. This adjustable angle feature allows for an "all-around" cleaning of construction equipment, agricultural machinery, fleet vehicles, boats, and the list could go on - you get the picture. The Hurricane Pro is an extremely versatile undercarriage cleaner that is packaged into one sleek and high-quality model. Shop Mosmatic Now. This product can be used with either hot or cold water.
Here is a product-focused video on the Hurricane Pro.
High-Pressure Vehicle Washing
Mosmatic is also a staple name in the high-pressure vehicle cleaning industry. From booms to swivels, spray guns, foaming products, and rotary wheel cleaners - Mosmatic offers just about everything one would need. The Mosmatic Wheelblaster Pro is a highly effective and versatile solution for just about any style or type of vehicle. Due to the nature of its design, there is no need to be extremely close to ensure a polished clean.
The water pressure actually turns the rotor arm - so as long as there is water pressure the rotor arm is spinning - no added motors are necessary. Generally, the Mosmatic Wheelblaster Pro is found in automatic car wash facilities, but this product can be used for buses and fleet vehicles, as well.
We hoped that you enjoyed this Manufacturer of the Month highlight. Mosmatic is a wonderful company that is seriously concerned with the quality of their products. No one says it better than their managing director, Patrick Rieben. "For us Quality is not just a slogan, but the bench mark for our efforts, priorities and goals."
Take care and don't forget to stop by Dultmeier or give us a call at 1-888-677-5054. Thanks for dropping in.
Cim-tek is at the head of the pack when it comes to filter technology. The Cim-tek brand can be recognized in petroleum, industrial, agricultural, heavy-duty machinery/equipment, and biofuel markets. Over the past 70 years, Cim-tek has continued to perfect their design and expertise in fluid filtration applications. From water detection/removal products to top-of-the-line filtration efficiencies you will find it all when in need of a solution filter.
History
A. Richard Ayers developed a product named "Pre-Vent" in 1956. The "Pre-Vent" is, essentially, a fill cap with a pressure/vacuum release that reduces the amount of evaporation in gasoline storage tanks. Furthermore, the Pre-Vent helps maintain a higher quality of the stored fuel. Think of it this way - you fill up a gas can at the station, put the cap back on, and put it in the back of your truck. On the drive home, you hit a few bumps, take some sharp corners, and tap the brakes a little too hard at a stop sign and come to a jolting halt. Then, when you arrive home you pick up the can and place it on your garage floor only to realize that the can is slightly bulging. To alleviate this pressure you open the cap and an abrupt "pssssst" is exhausted from the can.
Even at rest, gasoline (or other solutions) will continue to build pressure inside of an air-tight vessel, tank, or storage container - unless you alleviate the pressure. This is exactly what the Pre-Vent cap does - it alleviates pressure - without the need to remember and manually perform the task on a schedule. Now back to the history lesson...
Richard needed a manufacturer to construct his new design so he founded Central Illinois Manufacturing Company (CIMCO) in Bement, Illinois. Over 70 years later the Pre-Vent cap is still being manufactured by CIMCO. Richard continued his research on fuel filtration - as requested by a large petroleum distributor. In 1958, the "Clean-Flow" filter was introduced. The Clean-Flow was followed by the "Gas-O-Line" series which is now known as the 200 Line Filter. Later, down the road, CIMCO established the trademark name Cim-Tek Filtration. The company continues to be operated as a family-owned business.
Innovation
Throughout the years, Cim-Tek continues to innovate their current product lines and research/develop new products. However, to note that some of their original products are still industry leaders is remarkable. It is a testament to the quality and the foresight of the engineering, design, and manufacturing of the original staples such as the Pre-Vent cap and the 200 Line Filter. Filtration is a necessity in all markets across the world. And you can bet that Cim-Tek intends to continue to be a worldwide leader in offering that necessity.
We recently traveled to Maui, HI. The tropical paradise, virtually, has it all. From breathtaking beaches to arid, Sahara-like, geography, all the way to volcanic rock. In our travels, it's hard to find an industry in which the products we work with don't have a footprint or an impact. In this instance, our example is High-Density Polyethylene Pipe (HDPE). However, let's hold there and get to the island stuff first...
Let's face it - when in Maui you could simply hang by the beach for the entirety of your stay and be able to soak in tons of the island life. However, for those more adventurous, I challenge you to explore all that this wonderful oasis has to offer. The Hana Highway is a unique adventure for those interested.
If you plan to take the Road to Hana - make sure you get a Jeep. The mini-van made it but may or may not have required an alignment check after the trek. From hairpin turns along the tropical mountainside to sheer cliffs among the arid ocean walls of the Southeast side of Maui, Mother Nature will treat you and leave you stunned at the beautiful sights.
The trip starts on the North shore of Maui and takes you past Jaws aka Pe'ahi - a popular surf destination on the island. From there one starts to climb - and climb fast. As you begin to make your way up Mt. Pu'unianiau you will wind your way through a seemingly endless amount of bridges, turns, and stunning views.
Don't forget to stop and get your banana bread - it's a little island secret but we don't want to give that away here. Just make sure where to ask to stop along the Road to Hana and you will won't be sorry that you did. It is absolutely, hands down, the best banana bread in the world.
Once you get through Hana you will begin making your way around the South side of the island - this is where the topography, as well as, geography begins to drastically change. What was once luscious jungle gives way to a Sahara-like climate.
Along the South side of Maui, you will come across the southern end of the Halekala National Park. Within this national park, you will be able to walk to the Oheo Pools or the Waimoku falls along the Pipiwai Trail. While embarking on the trek of this trail (3-mile loop) you will make your way through a bamboo forest that is truly remarkable. The gentle breeze creates a "clicking" and "clanking" that reverberates throughout the forest.
It was here, along the Pipiwai trail that we ran into our instructional scenario of the excursion. The park uses High-Density Polyethylene Pipe, or HDPE pipe for short, to transfer crystal clear water from the upper pools down to the recreational center hundreds of feet below, along the ocean shoreline.
HDPE Uses - An Extremely Versatile Product
We see HDPE pipe used from agricultural fertilizer applications to the petroleum industry in the oil fields and all the way to municipalities. The applications and uses for HDPE are endless. As the product is chemically compatible with a large number of solutions, it is a natural and obvious choice for many scenarios. Furthermore, it is an extremely economical option in comparison to steel or stainless steel pipe.
The ease of installation makes HDPE another enticing choice - a fusion machine allows installers to, essentially, weld the pipe together in what's called a butt fusion - which is an extremely robust and sure connection. Below is a simple video that illustrates HDPE pipe and a butt fusion weld to a 45-degree elbow.
While the majority of the applications, with which we are most familiar, are within the agricultural industry we do get into projects ranging from wash facilities to oil pipelines - and everything in between. If you have further questions about how HDPE pipe and/or fittings could be applied in your specific scenario don't hesitate to contact us. Here's to a wonderful 2018
Did you or your customers apply the product labeled as Resicore last season? Any issues with elastomers in pumps, seals, fittings, etc. failing? We had quite the troubleshooting experience with this product over the past 2017 season. Our partner, Dura Products, has invested a significant amount of resources to ensure this problem has been resolved. We feel confident in their findings and want to make sure that you are well informed when working with this product.
In the 2017 season we sold a significant amount of Dura Auto Batch Systems and ran into some seal failures at the two to four week operation period. Failure from a Dura Product after such a short amount of time is extremely rare and once Dura Products was notified they immediately went to work finding the culprit behind these seal failures.
Testing and Findings
After weeks of research and testing, Dura Products concluded that the product, Resicore, could be causing the findings. Resicore is a Dow AgroSciences product which is used as a corn herbicide and was widely used in 2017 - there are thoughts that more will be applied in 2018. Once we were able to identify a common theme across these product failures Dura Products began testing multiple elastomers to determine their longevity when completely immersed in the solution. Here are the compatibility recommendations from Dow AgroSciences Bulk Storage and Handling Guide:
The only materials that are acceptable for constant contact and greater longevity with the product Resicore include stainless steel, Teflon, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UMHW), High & Low-Density Polypropylene and silicone rubber. Of all these options silicone is the only elastomer that was found to be acceptable for constant contact- over an extended period of time.
Furthermore, it was found that polypropylene, a common plastic used in pump housings and pipe fittings, is actually only moderately acceptable. Dura Products' research found that polypropylene only lasts about 175 days before deterioration is evident.
The Solution For Resicore Transfer
We want to ensure that your products operate when you need them to operate and that they operate in the manner they are designed to operate. Research that Dow AgroSciences has provided and silicone elastomers that Dura Products has developed helps us to ensure that your operation continues to run smoothly.
If you are handling Resicore in the future you must be aware of the recommended compatibility of the wetted materials of construction for Resicore are Stainless steel, Teflon, Ultra High Molecular Weight Polypropylene, High and low-density polypropylene. The ONLY elastomer that you should be using is silicone.
Below is a photo of a soak test conducted by Dura Products: Viton seal on the left and Silicone seals on the right.
Throughout Dura Products testing and experiments, it was concluded that silicone was the best-suited elastomer for constant contact with the product labeled Resicore.
As you can see, Resicore has compromised the integrity of the Viton elastomer. It has also slightly discolored the O-ring. These are both clear identifying qualities of a chemical compatibility issue. Given the same testing parameters, the silicone elastomer held up just fine - as it is compatible with Resicore. Here is another blog post that further explains the importance of doing your research and homework to ensure chemical compatibility.
Whenever questions arise due to chemical compatibility, it's absolutely necessary to consult the material handling guide of the product you are applying or handling. In this instance, when reading the handling guide - Dow AgroSciences specifically states that stainless steel is preferred when transferring the Resicore product. The Resicore handling guide specifies these materials below:
Stainless Steel, Glass Lined Steel or Epoxy coated carbon steel - OK Rating - Comment: Stainless Steel is preferred.
Silicone Rubber - OK Rating - Comment: Preferred Elastomer.
Polypropylene (High and Low Density), Teflon, Ultra High Molecular Weight Polypropylene - OK Rating - Comment: Good Resistance, High-Density Polypropylene preferred.
Viton, SBR - Caution Rating - Comment: May swell and soften moderately, may have a useful life for short time periods.
Mild Carbon Steel, Brass, Copper, Aluminum - NO Rating - Comment: Moderate to Severe corrosion due to the products low pH level.
PVC, ABS, Acetal, and Nylon - NO Rating - Comment: Disintegrates, embrittles or stress cracks.
Buna N, Neoprene, EPDM, and Hyplon - NO Rating - Comment: Severe swelling, softening or absorption.
In Conclusion
Always make sure that you consult the label of the product which you are applying and/or handling. Furthermore, we are happy to continually be a source knowledge such as this blog post. If this post was useful and relevant please, don't hesitate to share it with your friends and colleagues. Take care.
As we continue to grow in the petroleum/fuels industry we want to highlight a long-standing and well-respected partner in Husky. We use many Husky nozzles in our own manufactured products such as our diesel transfer units. Quality, assurance, and dedication are all fantastic descriptors of this wonderful company.
Husky has been serving the petroleum industry for over 70 years. Husky has hung its hat on developing ground-breaking products such as American-made fuel nozzles, hoses, safe-t-breaks and accessories, and oil/lube products. Extremely dependable customer service not only supports, but compliments the Husky brand. The company headquarters is in Pacific, Missouri which is in the surrounding St. Louis area.
Safety, Quality, Customer Loyalty, Team Building, and Productivity are the five pillars which Husky focuses on daily to ensure that the Husky brand exceeds expectations. A constant recognition of the past helps keep this proven industry leader at the top.
Shortly after World War II, Eugene Sutcliffe designed the first gas guard in his home. The design originated to protect car exteriors from scratches when fueling. Soon after this new product began to gain momentum Sutcliffe was designing fuel nozzles that would revolutionize the petroleum industry.
Sutcliffe traveled from gas station to gas station, across the country, selling his products out of the back of his car. He was always accompanied by his dog - a husky. He made it a point to bring his companion along on sales calls to portray the message of dependability, intelligence, and steadfast trustworthiness. This is the unique story of how the brand logo, and company name, came to be.
Roughly 70 years later Eugene's son, Grenville, heads the company and continues the tradition that was long ago started by his father. A tradition that embodies the admirable characteristics of a canine companion - dependability, loyalty, endurance, and trust. Here is Grenville explaining one of Husky's American-made nozzles.
Raven was founded in Sioux Falls, SD in 1956. The company originated as a designer and manufacturer of high-altitude research balloons to solve challenges related to space exploration. From that single product line, they have evolved into an extremely diversified technology company.
Raven Applied Technology
Raven Applied Technology was created in 1978 and has helped to create, define, and redefine precision agriculture practices and technology. In today's agriculture industry when the topic of precision agronomy comes up - there is no doubt that Raven Industries will be discussed, as well. The two go hand-in-hand. From field computers, application controls, guidance/steering/wireless connectivity, and cloud-based data management, Raven is at the cutting edge of some fascinating technology.
This innovator offers tremendous resources to the industry, as well. For instance, take their technical support website Ravenprecision and recognize the amount of information that is available at your fingertips. From locating dealers, product support, to groundbreaking news you will find it all here.
Drones
Raven Applied Technology announced a partnership with AgEagle Aerial Systems early this year. AgEagle Aerial Systems is a leading provider of unmanned aerial systems technology that is used in precision agronomy. Drones are becoming more of the farming community and faster than one would think. Raven has aligned themselves as the exclusive distributor for AgEagle and their RX60 fixed-wing UAV.
During flight, the RX60 captures aerial images of the field and can identify crop health in each and every field it passes over. This is accomplished through special camera lenses and software that can correlate crop pigmentation into plant health. For instance, one measure of plant health is the amount of green pigmentation that is present in the plant.
If the plant has more of a yellowish hue this identifies with nitrogen leach or nitrogen deficiency. A farmer can easily see this when crops are smaller. However, when crops get above shoulder height it is extremely difficult to monitor this - that's where UAVs come into the picture.
Many people in the agriculture industry recognize the actionable data that drones can provide. For this reason, many people understand that drones will continue to impact the agriculture industry and Raven feels that they are aligning themselves in a great position to re-solidify their position as a cutting edge technology provider.
Everything You Need to Know About Starting a Car Wash
Have you been pondering the idea of starting a car wash? Does the idea of passive income sound appealing? That's because it is. Do know that there is an extensive amount of upfront work and then there is the issue of on-going maintenance. That being said, once you have an operational car wash up and running - you can consider it passive income.
The information below is a compilation of countless periodicals, customer surveys, and testimonials. At any point in the process of your new adventure, should you feel the need to ask about something in more detail don't ever hesitate to contact us. Let's dig into what you will need to do in order to properly align yourself to start a car wash.
Lot Selection
A general rule to follow when sizing lot is that you will need a lot approximately 100 - 120 feet deep by a minimum of 75 feet wide - depending on the number of bays. Keep in mind a typical four bay self-serve car wash would need a lot 120 feet long by 100 feet wide - minimum. Another key attribute when selecting the ideal lot for your car wash is that it is accessible from both directions of traffic flow.
For instance, if you select a lot that is on a one-way street it will negatively affect the volume your wash is capable of producing. The ideal traffic speed in the area of your lot selection should be around 40 miles per hour. This ensures that drivers have ample time to select your wash as their destination. The lot size and shape will determine if you design a "drive-in-back-out" or "drive-through" building.
Data shows that income streams do favor the "drive-through" design. Lastly, when selecting your ideal location it is a good idea to target areas near residential neighborhoods, apartment complexes, or busy traffic routes. When determining if your ideal lot selection is a good fit for your business plan, you should consider the finances, as well.
A safe rule to adhere to is that the cost of the property (monthly lease payment) should not exceed 15 - 20% of the gross monthly income of the wash. This ensures that you will not over-extend yourself, financially.
Bay & Building Sizing
An ideal bay is 16 feet wide by 28 feet long - these are the interior wall measurements. If you are planning a semi-truck bay make sure to account for internal wall measurements of 18 feet wide by 28 feet long. You can make a smaller bay work for trucks but why not just do it right from the start? The typical pump (equipment) room is 10 - 15 feet wide by 28 feet long (internal measurements).
Furthermore, the typical bay height is 10 feet high for cars and 12 - 14 feet high for semi-trucks. Your lot size above will vary depending on what your overall wash purpose is (car vs. semi-truck) and the number of bays you intend to have. That's why we recommend determining the bay purpose and number of bays at the same time you are selecting your ideal lot location.
Building Placement
It's always best practice to consult local regulatory agencies to ensure your building is within code. That being said, your building should be situated on the lot to allow for one to two cars, minimum, to be parked behind each bay, waiting to wash. Vacuums should be placed in this area, as well, but should not be an impediment to the normal traffic flow into the bays. Another important concept to consider is that you ensure there are adequate drying and vacuuming areas.
These areas should be out of the main traffic flow to avoid congestion. It is a good idea to allow for a southern exposure of your bays. This helps to reduce ice build-up in colder weather climates. Finally, make sure you plan for the "set-back" requirements on your building placement - this will vary with local ordinances.
Inside vs. Outside Bays
This aspect really does depend upon your market. Therefore, drive around and study the target market for the area which you have selected. That will give you a good idea of whether or not you need to have an outside bay or an inside bay. Washed located in a rural setting can be built with an open outside bay to accommodate trucks, trailers, and tractors. While this isn't required it can, and will, only allow for more traffic at your wash.
Do keep in mind that an outside bay will bring in 50-60% of the revenue that an inside bay will. It is always better, from strictly a revenue standpoint, to enclose all bays and build one larger bay for semi-trucks - if you feel that your market will demand that. This larger bay can always be used for car traffic when an overflow bay is needed.
Revenue Projections
Our experience tells us that it takes a population of about 1000-1500 people to support a single self-serve bay car wash. Therefore, one can conclude that a town of 5000 people will support a total of 5 self-serve bays - between ALL competitors. Given the current population level of the United States, the national average one can project roughly $2000/bay per month during peak traffic season(s). This is an estimated average - revenue can and will vary.
The ideal number of vacuums to have is 1.5 vacuums per bay of service. Therefore, a three bay wash should have four to five vacuums in an area of the lot that will not affect traffic flow. The national average per vacuum is approximately $200/vacuum per month. Again, revenue can and will vary.
National averages of vending revenue are generally around the $400 per month range. This figure is based on offering at least four to five different vending products. Do keep in mind that revenue can be increased with multiple product, clear front vending machines.
Operating Cost Projections
One can expect that average operating costs are approximately 50% of gross revenue. This figure includes 13% for attendant labor, which may or may not be needed. Do note that lease payments, income tax, debt reduction or depreciation are not factored into this number. Furthermore, we must be clear that one should recognize these figures can and do vary from region to region.
Options & Features
A standard self-serve wash will offer hot wash/hot rinse in the winter and cold rinse in the summer. Additionally, hot or cold wax, foamy brush and spot-free rinse should be considered. Spot-Free rinse is an important feature. It increases revenue due to the fact that customers need to "buy" another cycle of time to get this feature. What does this mean? Double the income from each customer that decides to use this feature. Tire cleaner and pre-soak systems are also options that increase customer satisfaction and increase revenue.
We highly recommend that instantaneous tankless water heaters be used in place of conventional water heaters. An instantaneous heater can reduce gas consumption by up to 40% in comparison to a conventional heater. For example, if it rains for an entire week, only the pilot light is using gas in the instantaneous tankless system. If only the pilot light is running that takes considerably less fuel, and therefore, less money - directly affecting your bottom line - in a positive way.
Conversely, the conventional water heater will continue to heat the water regardless of demand. Think of it this way - the instantaneous heater only fires when water is needed, thus making the system much more efficient. Another important feature to consider is floor heat.
Every cold climate wash should have a floor heat system. Floor heat systems reduce liability and increase customer satisfaction. An in-floor circulating system is the most popular design. That being said, above-head radiant tube heaters also give the benefit of heating the floor as well as the customer. Keeping your customers warm while they are in your bays will keep them happy and ensure they continue to come back as a repeat customer.
It is wise to account for heating a three to four-foot area on the entrance and exit aprons of each wash bay. This will reduce customer liability in the walk areas as they use bill changers and vending machines. Ice will build up in colder climates and you want to ensure you do all within your power to mitigate injuries on your property.
Another important topic to address is the use of proper signage. It is frustrating to use a wash that is poorly explained due to the lack of proper signage. Yes, many people will be able to figure it out. But, why let this be part of your customers' experience? Don't you want them to get exactly what they want out of your wash? Get in, get out, and have a clean and sleek finish. Here are some examples of car wash signs we offer.
Additional Revenue Streams
Do not overlook vending products such as towels, Armorall, window cleaner and fragrance trees. These are additional revenue streams. Piggybacking off vending machines, every wash should have bill changers. This is an absolute necessity. Studies have shown a minimum 10% increase in gross revenues for washes that have bill changers.
Another trending area that has taken off in the past few years is the addition of pet washes at car wash facilities. The demand is there and many people will wash their cars and pets in the same visit. This has been a profitable investment for our customers that have installed pet wash facilities at their locations. You can view some options here. As always, should you have more questions than can be answered by our website don't hesitate to contact us.
With the big shift in application products and techniques taking place in 2017, many of the foundational principles still remain in 2021. The biggest principle is to ensure that you "stay on label" when applying Dicamba products. Strict adherence to label instructions will help reduce liability greatly. We know that wind and humidity are major factors when selecting application day(s) and time(s). Now that the country has a few solid seasons of good spraying data, we can look back and use the data to help us continue to progress forward and improve applications.
One major change to the market place since this blog was posted back in October of 2017 is the Bayer-Monsanto merger. This merger has brought together two titans in the ag-chemical world and has further consolidated the marketplace. In the write up below there is some good information regarding application and snapshot in time of where we started out when not much was yet known with these products.
One thing is for certain - Dicamba is here to stay and we, as an industry, need to continue to stress the importance of training and proper application techniques. Firsthand experience tells us that these products, when applied correctly, smoke RoundUp Ready resistant weeds. Our farm on the Nebraska/Kansas border has much cleaner fields after having made the switch two seasons ago. But, Mother Nature always finds a way to survive....That begs the question - how long before we start to see Dicamba-resistant weeds?
Dicamba Leading up to 2017 and In-Season 2017
Herbicide-resistant weeds have been expanding across the country for the better part of the past decade. Crop protection product companies such as Monsanto and Dow Chemical along with seed companies such as Syngenta have come up with multiple options to help combat these pestering weeds. The most promising solution appears to be within the Dicamba-resistant strains that were first made available for the 2017 season. Even before these seeds began appearing in fields in early 2017 there was a significant amount of skepticism.
Many people shared the sentiment that Dr. Kevin Bradley expressed at the Wisconsin Crop Production Association annual meeting in January 2017. Dr. Bradley stated, "There is no question the Dicamba option is coming, there's no question about it. But it's another question altogether whether we can steward this technology, and time will tell if that's true or not." He also pointed out the volatility of Dicamba and how finite amounts of this product could damage crops.
By the middle of 2017 states such as Missouri, Arkansas, and Tennessee had already received multiple complaints from growers of suspected Dicamba damage. It is estimated that more than 3.1 million U.S. acres have suffered from Dicamba-related crop damage (Crop Life: Special Report Managing Weed Resistance). Arkansas is actually on the verge of banning the application of Dicamba products - completely.
Even if it doesn't get banned it has been voiced that application restrictions will make it virtually impossible to actually apply the product. For example, if you can only spray the product with winds between 3-10 mph you don't have much of a window in the Midwest. We don't have too many days during spray season with winds between 3-10 mph. By the time you're able to actually spray (within regulations), it's too late because the weed plant is too far along to actually kill. This scenario is speculation, but is certainly a real possibility.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Monsanto actually sued the Arkansas State Plant Board in October. This came after the board's decision to ban Monsanto's new herbicide. Monsanto claims its herbicide is being held to an unfair standard. Arkansas has been the focal point of complaints with almost 900,000 acres of crop damage reported. It is noted that farmers in 25 states have submitted more than 2,700 claims to state agricultural agencies. The complaints share the common theme of neighbors' Dicamba spray drift and account for 3.6 million acres of total reported crop damage.
Dultmeier Insight from In-Field Observations
Our traveling sales representatives found evidence of Dicamba-related damage in a widespread area of our travels. The conventional beans that were affected appeared to be "cupped". The plants didn't canopy until later in the season - much later than normal. We will start to know how much of an impact this chemical had on yields as the combines get in the fields and begin to report yields. Some actually thought it could have a positive impact on yields since 2,4-D is a growth killer.
Some of the Dicamba products are derived from the chemical 2,4-D which basically grows a plant to death by oversupplying it with hormones. The thought process behind this theory is that if the plant pulls through the "cupping" stage and comes out of it, the farmer could actually see a yield bump. Again, that theory is yet to be proven...Below is an image of soybeans cupping due to Dicamba damage.
Even though many conventional fields were harmed there were much cleaner soybean fields this summer versus 2016 - at least in the areas we traveled. The conclusion being, it worked - for those fields that were Dicamba-resistant seeds. But we did see a number of conventional fields that looked awful. They looked awful from the perspective that the soybean plants were small and sickly looking. That being said - weeds were not present - so you can make the argument that the Dicamba did kill the weeds.
Drift is a major topic when the phrase "Dicamba" is brought up. We even had one customer in the Polk, NE area that mentioned they witnessed product from an applied field actually lift up and move to an adjacent field a week after it had been applied - an entire week later! You can ask the chemical companies and they will say that's not possible. The proof is in the pudding, folks - there are many instances similar to this over the past year. If we have learned any lesson, it's that these Dicamba products are extremely volatile and we must continue to educate, educate, educate.
Training and How Crucial It Is
There is a simple and basic rule to follow: The Label is the Law. If you are applying a product with a spray tip that is not on the label and you damage a neighbor's crops - you're liable. If you are running a spray tip that is on-label, but operating out of the required pressure range or spraying in too heavy of wind and damages a neighbor's crop - you're liable. The days of using one tip for every chemical applied are long gone. An applicator must be 100% certain they are operating within parameters specified on the product label.
Always consult your label if you have questions about what application products or techniques you should be using. For instance, a common theme is wind speed. Labels limit wind speeds between 3-10 mph on many of the Dicamba products.
It has been mentioned that during periods of high temperatures and high humidity vapor drift can readily be witnessed up to three days after application. Recall our example from Polk, NE and know that vapor drift from inversion has been documented outside that three-day window. What is inversion? Inversion takes place generally from 3 pm to 8 am the following day.
Generally, air near the ground is warmer while the air higher up away from the earth's surface is cooler. When an inversion takes place the opposite happens. Colder air is closer to the earth's surface and the warmer air is higher up - away from the earth's surface. This phenomenon can commonly be seen in the fall around harvest time - when soybeans are cut and the dust hangs in the air it can be reasonably assumed that an inversion is taking place. Tiny spray droplets will "hang" in the colder air and can float around on slight breezes.
Driftable fines of these Dicamba-based products have been found to drift miles from the application site. Due to this fact, the spray tips that are approved are those that create a larger and coarser droplet through air induction. Such as Teejet's Turbo Teejet Induction Nozzle.
There is a wide selection of approved tips from various manufacturers such as Wilger, Hypro, Teejet, and Greenleaf. Remember, always consult your specific product label to ensure the tips you are choosing from are actually approved - you need to be on-label to safely and responsibly apply these products. Furthermore, you can visit these chemical websites as additional resources: BASF - Engenia & Monsanto - XtendiMax.
As of mid-October 2017, Monsanto has voluntarily proposed to offer further educational programs to ensure farmers have success with the Roundup Ready Xtend Crop System for the 2018 season. These updates include mandatory training, new recordkeeping requirements, and a Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) designation. This will limit the sale and use to certified applicators or those acting under their supervision. All of these steps are supported by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The new recordkeeping requirements will better track label compliance and help protect farmers using the Xtendimax system - as long as they follow the product accordingly - adhering to all label instructions.
Equipment Rinsing & Maintenance
Thorough clean-out is a must for any equipment used in Dicamba application. Applicators must keep the sprayer completely clean after Dicamba applications. Due to the volatility of the product if there is any residual left in the plumbing system of a sprayer it will be applied at the next application site and drift from there. Triple rinse with fresh water has become the industry standard. Check out this other blog post for rinse-out techniques and tips.
This triple rinse process includes the entire plumbing system - strainers, screens, dead spots in the booms, nozzles, valves, pumps, etc. Hypro has designed their Express Boom End Cap to aid in flushing booms. Similarly, Wilger has come up with their own design to fit CASE IH Patriot sprayers. Both of these products help eliminate dead space in the boom where residual chemical builds up and can cause headaches - major headaches when dealing with Dicamba products.
Furthermore, we have had a small handful of customers actually install chemical weighing systems solely for the dispensing and selling of Dicamba-products. This keeps the product completely and totally isolated from any others in their inventory to avoid contamination. Here is an example of Junge Control's Chemical Weighing System.
Moving Forward and What that Means for Dicamba
So what does all of this mean for the future of Dicamba-products and how widely used they will or will not become in the near future? One side can make the case that due to the number of claims and issues that were found this past season, more farmers will plant the Dicamba-resistant seeds in 2018 as nothing more than an insurance policy. After all, we did hear, in a number of instances, that growers actually planted the Dicamba-resistant seeds in 2017 solely as an insurance policy. They knew their neighbors would be spraying Dicamba and chose to use this method as an insurance policy.
The other side could argue that due to the widespread damage created by the conventional seed vs. Dicamba-resistant seed issues this past year we might not have any Dicamba-resistant seeds available for 2018 planting. Arkansas is leading the regulation wave here. They are about one step away from banning Dicamba-based products altogether, at the time of this writing. There are a handful of other states that are leaning in this same direction. However, there are times when the market will actually overtake regulation. Demand is a powerful force and we could see that process take effect very soon.
In my travels as a territory sales representative over the past four years, I have seen glyphosate-resistant weeds migrating north from central Kansas to central Nebraska - over 300 miles. Each year the soybean fields get dirtier and dirtier - and the number of dirty fields has been increasing - at an alarming pace. 2017 was the first year I actually noticed a number of fields that were "clean".
Weeds raise hell not only on crops, but on equipment as well. Some fields have gotten so bad that one cannot run a combine through them. They were just cut for silage. We heard of many instances where growers spent twice their normal budgeted amount on combating/controlling weeds in 2017.
When it gets to the point where you spray a field five times (I heard this nightmare more than once) and still cannot get a kill on the weeds - you need to do something different. A wise old man by the name of Albert Einstein once said, "Doing something over and over while expecting different results is the definition of insanity."
"The vast majority of farmers using our low-volatility Dicamba product have had tremendous success in 2017, both with on-target applications and good weed control," says Ty Vaughn, Monsanto's Global Regulatory Lead. "The product was extensively tested for volatility and other forms of off-target movement before it was made available to farmers this season. We are confident XtendiMax can continue to be used successfully in the System next season."
Mother Nature is forcing our hand and we need to adopt alternative methods to combat weeds. Say that Dicamba-based products are outlawed. It doesn't mean it will keep growers and producers in this country from finding a way to improve their yields and solve this weed issue. The market creates the demand and demand is a powerful force.
Evidence of Susceptible Crops Nearby (Date that this Review was Conducted)
Start and Finish Time of Application (include AM or PM)
Pre or Post Emergence Application - if Post Emergence Notate How Many Days After Planting
Air Temperature at Boom Height at Start and Stop Times
Wind Speed and Direction at Boom Height at Start and Stop Time
Tank Mix Partners - Including all Non-Pesticide Products. If Other Pesticides are Included, Records Must Show EPA Regulation Numbers for Each Product
Spray System Cleanout Procedure. At a Minimum, Records Must Indicate Spray System Was Clean Before Application was Made and What Cleanout Procedure was Used. Date of Cleanout is Required
Furthermore, each state may go above and beyond the requirements listed here so be sure to check your local state regulations BEFORE applying RUP products.
If you enjoyed this read, please, feel free to share with family, friends, and/or associates. Be safe out there.
Step-by-Step of How to Properly Winterize a Spray Unit
In order to begin you need to ensure that your entire system has been evacuated of the solution(s) you were spraying with the unit. That means you need to evacuate the pump housing, hoses, strainers, tank(s), spray wands, etc. Start at the tank and run through the entire plumbing system - no component of the system that comes in contact with liquid should be left out of this process. If something is neglected, odds are good that you will have issues when you go to start up next season. Let's avoid that at all costs. Here's how....
Any system should be thoroughly flushed with clean water. Industry standards recommend a triple rinse. Add one-half tank of fresh water and flush all tanks, lines, booms, nozzles, wands, etc. for no less than fifteen minutes. Do this using a combination of agitation and spraying. Remember that rinsates(solution you create while flushing your system) does contain residual from your system. Therefore, any pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, etc. that you were spraying will be flushed from the system out of your orifice(s). Do not allow rinsates to flow into streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, floor drains, sewers, or sinks.
It's best practice to use containment pads such as these to collect rinsates and then apply them to labeled sites at or below labeled rates. If possible, consider rinsing the system at the application site. Furthermore, the product label should specify best rinse practices - always consult the product label. Lastly, proper protective clothing should be worn to avoid chemical contact with any exposed skin.
Remember, many of the chemicals out there are designed to kill living organisms - that means it's not good to get it into your blood stream. If you do get any product on exposed skin make sure to wash the contaminated area with soap and water immediately, for no less than 15 minutes.
This is also a good time to clean strainers of any debris that was picked up during the past season. By performing this task you will help ensure that you don't starve your pump and blow out seals when you start up next season. Here is another post on pump cavitation to further explain how detrimental this can be. Sloppy clean up practices are a main cause of equipment failure or malfunctions. You're here to prevent that and avoid expensive down time.
You can create a cleaning solution by doing the following:
Fill the tank with fresh water and the recommended cleaning solutions or tank cleaner.
Agitate this solution for no less than 15 minutes.
Add one of the following to 50 gallons of fresh water.
Two quarts of household ammonia (let sit in sprayer overnight for herbicides such as 2,4-D or Dicamba. It's recommended to consult your label for recommended cleaning agents*)
Or add four pounds of trisodium phosphate cleaner detergent. (It's recommended to consult your label for recommended cleaning agents*)
Operate spray booms or wands long enough to ensure all lines and orifices are filled with the cleaning solution.
Let the solution stand in the system for no less than three hours.
Agitate and spray the solution onto suitable areas for rinsate solution.
Add more fresh water and rinse the system again by using a combination of agitation and spraying.
Remove strainers, screens, regulators, etc. and clean in a separate bucket of your cleaning solution.
Rinse and flush the system again with fresh water.
Don't neglect the fact that, any product left in the plumbing system, that is allowed to dry, is much more difficult to remove and will eventually build up enough to plug lines and orifices. Plugged lines and orifices not only decrease the overall efficiency of your plumbing system, but will bring about a slough of other headaches. Always wash down the external portion of the spray unit at the wash site, as well. This helps to remove any external residue that the unit collected via spills or drift.
Repairs
Next, let's move on to the pump itself. Remove the pump from the drive unit - generally on most skid sprayers this will be a gas engine. It's always best practice to take the pump completely apart BEFORE you order repair parts. For instance, you may order a complete overhaul kit and find that you really only needed to replace some gaskets. We strongly recommend to get the pump opened up and thoroughly inspect it.
Once you have completed this and have drawn up your parts list - only then should you order repair components. We have an extensive parts breakdown file, to help you identify the correct parts you need. In order to use this resource you need to know the manufacturer, pump type, and model number. Click here for access to our Parts Resources. For additional resource videos see below. The first video is for a Hypro 7560 roller pump. The second video is for a Hypro D403 diaphragm pump.
If you absolutely need to store your unit outdoors over the winter make sure to remove all hose and any polymer (plastic fittings, connections, etc.) Some companies recommend adding lightweight oil such as diesel fuel or kerosene to a system for off-season storage. We don't recommend this as oil-based products don't like EPDM elastomers. For this reason, we suggest using a 50/50 mix of RV antifreeze and water. We recommend this treatment for your entire plumbing system - whether you store your unit indoors or outdoors. The reason we recommend this treatment is based upon experience. We have had customers store units in temperature controlled environments, during the off-season, only to have their heat source fail. This resulted in the pump housing cracking due to their own negligence. If they would have charged the system with a solution that would not freeze they could have avoided an expensive surprise come spring.
Here is another post on chemical compatibility and how it's worthwhile to perform due diligence. Run this solution throughout the entire plumbing system for a minute or two in order to ensure that your total system is winterized and safe from freezing.
It's also recommended to remove all gauges and store indoors if possible. Change out your oil if you are running a diaphragm pump unit - this ensures you are ready to rock-n-roll come go-time next spring. Remember, the main reason for failure or malfunction in any spray system is neglect and improper maintenance. Lastly, make sure to replace air/oil filters on your gas engine. Don't forget to add a fuel stabilizer treatment to your engine and run it for a few minutes to ensure the treatment reaches all internals of the engine.
If you can ensure following these steps in your post season shut down process we know you will be in much better shape come next season. All of your equipment should be good to go and ready when you - and more importantly - your customers need it to be. Thanks for stopping by and have a great off-season.
Sources:
Some of the information in this post was found through The University of Nebraska-Lincoln the Cleaning Pesticide Application Equipment publication from August 2013.
