Mass production of automobiles created a need for their maintenance, including maintenance of cleanliness. In the 30s of the last century, the first stationary sinks appeared in the United States. As progress progressed, portable systems were invented for use in the domestic sphere - cleaning cars outside and inside, cleaning the garage and the adjoining space (stairs, asphalt, railings, etc.).
However, the consumer faces a difficult dilemma - to choose a high-pressure washer of good quality according to needs. Let's try to help with this.
Content
Device and principle of operation
A high pressure washer device consisting of several main components:
- The motor that provides the pump. It can operate on fuel or electric traction.
- The pump, which is the main unit in the system. The purpose of the sink (domestic, semi-professional, industrial) depends on its parameters.
- Sleeve for water intake.
- High-pressure hose through which water is supplied from the pump.
- Filter.
- Spray tip with a variety of nozzles.
- A container for cleaning products (not supplied with all models) is located inside the unit body.
The principle of operation of the system is not complicated. The engine drives a pump that pumps water from a source (water pipe, well, barrel, reservoir, etc.). Working with the plumbing system gives the best pressure.
From the pump, water enters the high pressure hose and, through the sprinkler, is sent to the surface to be treated. The cleaning area and jet pressure will depend on the type of nozzle.
Kinds
High pressure washers stationary (often located in car services, they are equipped with commercial car washes) and portable (used both at home and on a professional level). The last view is represented by several categories of devices:
- Household destination. This is a budget option for washing for short-term work (no more than 1.5 hours of trouble-free operation). This category of the device is intended for washing the local area, garden equipment, rubber shoes, etc. The cheaper model is due to the use of inexpensive materials (plastic, brass), a low-power engine, a non-separable plastic case. Product weight - 3-14 kg. Water supply is possible only from the water supply system (no more than 410 l / h). Pressure within 2-11 MPa. Usually they operate on 220 V.
- Semi-professional units of the middle price category are also used to restore order in the household territory, in the garage, in the country, in the car. Designed for longer and more frequent use than household models (more than a hundred hours per year). Manufacturers use high-quality materials for this class of sinks, which gives durability to the structure, and an engine (1-1.5 kW), which provides faster cleaning. The pressure provided by the pump is 16MPa, the volume of water supplied is about 350-500 l / h. Operation from a water supply system and stationary capacity is possible. Breaks are needed.
- Professional high-pressure minisinks designed for long-term operation - washing the car at the service station and cleaning work carried out by the utilities. Designed for continuous operation. The system pressure can reach up to 150 MPa, water flow rate up to 600 l / h, and motor power up to 3 kW. On some models, the manufacturer installs a gasoline engine. Water is supplied from a tank or water supply.
How to choose
First you need to decide what kind of work you want to choose a high-pressure car wash for — periodically caring for your home, garden, garden equipment, or for long-term, frequent use.
A simple sink made of inexpensive materials is suitable for the household needs of the family. If you need to care for trucks, vans 1-2 times a week, it is better to purchase a semi-professional version with an extended sleeve and a pump made of more durable materials. Consider the parameters that must be considered when choosing a device.
Maximum pressure
Pressure plays a role in the quality and speed of surface cleaning. The higher this indicator, the faster the item will be washed. Some sinks have a function to control the water supply. For household needs of the family, the greatest pressure in the device of about 7-10 MPa will be sufficient. Models of the middle price segment are designed for a maximum pressure of 16 MPa, and products from the category of industrial sinks are designed for pressure up to 100-150 MPa.
Mains voltage
Most modern washing machines operate on an electric motor. It is quieter and easier to maintain than gasoline. Products for use at home, usually work from a 220 V network or from rechargeable batteries that are charged from this network.
There are low-power washers (250-300 watts), designed solely to restore order in the car. They can be used on the road from a special 12 V car jack.
Powerful car washes of a professional category are powered by a three-phase 380 V network, which is provided in industrial premises.
Water consumption
Devices for home use consume water up to 300-400 l / h, and industrial models are several times larger. When deciding on the purchase of a household appliance, it should be taken into account that cleaning with a simple hose at the same time will take several times more water than a high pressure washer.
Power consumption
A large engine power gives a stronger pressure of the water jet, which is not always necessary for home washing facilities. For domestic purposes, sinks with a motor power of 800-3000 watts are used. Industrial designs boast up to 9,000 watts of power.
Hose length
The length of the water supply sleeve is important for work, as it will determine the convenience and area of cleaning. For cleaning the car, 3-4 m of hose is enough, for a wider area of work (adjacent territory, the facade of the house), it is more convenient to use a hose of at least 7 m.
Pump quality
The main element of the washing system of any category is the pump. Actually, its characteristics and service life determine the type of pressure washer. The durability of the pump is determined by the materials from which it is made. Home units do not require an uninterrupted mode of operation, therefore, to reduce their cost, manufacturers use plastic as part of the pump and the sink body.
Plastic pumps give the same pressure as those made of metal, they overheat faster during prolonged use. They are made cast and collapsible. The second option is a bit more expensive, but can be repaired in case of breakage.
Some household models can be found with a pump, which includes silumin and brass. The most expensive models with a pump, where the piston system consists of ceramic or ceramic spraying.
Continuous operation for plastic pumps - no more than half an hour, for metal professional devices - no more than 1-1.5 hours.
Filter elements
For water treatment, filters are included in the sink, which must be periodically serviced, and sometimes changed. Some devices have several filter layers for better water purification.
Optional accessories
Sinks of good quality are equipped with several types of nozzles.The type of work depends on their type, for example, a heavily soiled point area or a wide surface area. A fan tip is used to wash such a surface. Sometimes manufacturers are equipped with a sink nozzle for cleaning pipe products. If the model has a tank for detergents, then the tip (foam generator) for using these products should be provided in the kit.
Temperature mode
In products of a more expensive price category, water heating is provided, which improves and accelerates the cleaning of surfaces, especially from fuels and lubricants. When heating water, you can not use detergents. Naturally, only a metal pump can handle this function, because heating can reach the level of boiling water.
Additional functions
For work in the absence of a water supply system (in a country house, in a village), sinks with the function of replenishing water from a tank, river, well, etc. will come to the rescue. Some products are equipped with a device for winding high-pressure hoses, which reduces the likelihood of damage. There is a pump stop function (TS) that extends the life of the equipment. When the lever lever is released, the pump automatically shuts off.
Conclusion: it is necessary to choose a sink according to needs and material capabilities. No need to buy a powerful unit that will clean fishing boots and shovels. You can not save by buying a household sink for professional purposes.
