Did you know that there is such a cleaning technique that removes “difficult” pollution in a matter of minutes - you can’t always get rid of them in the usual way, even in a few hours. We are talking about high-pressure apparatuses (HPA). Such devices are indispensable for owners of car washes, cleaning companies, industrial and agricultural enterprises, and finally, for ordinary motorists. We will tell you what types of high-pressure cleaners exist, how they differ, and we will characterize several popular models of equipment from the most reliable manufacturers. Learn more about best pressure washer uk.
What is a high pressure car wash?
A high-pressure cleaner is a device for removing dirt from a surface using a powerful jet of water. In such a fast, efficient and gentle way, you can clean almost anything, be it a car, garden furniture, a terrace in a summer cottage, a floor in a production room, etc.
AED for a car wash has a simple design. Its main elements:
electric motor;
High pressure pump;
high pressure hose;
hose for water supply to the pump;
water spray gun;
various nozzles (change the configuration of the jet to work with different surfaces and types of pollution);
The principle of operation of the high-pressure apparatus is also extremely simple. A high pressure pump driven by an electric motor delivers pressurized water to the hose. A spray gun is attached to the hose. The jet pressure can be adjusted in different ways. Water is taken from a water supply system, any container or an open reservoir (depending on the type of device).
High-pressure cleaners for car washes are domestic and industrial, transportable and stationary, with and without water heating. Different types and models differ in performance, pressure and other parameters.
How to choose an AVD?
The choice of model of a pressure washer depends on its purpose. For a household mini-sink, completely different characteristics are important than for a powerful industrial unit. When choosing an AED, we recommend relying on the following criteria.
Class
There are two classes of AED - domestic and professional. The first are intended for individual use. They are characterized by low performance and pressure (up to 100 bar), as a rule, they do not have heating and are inexpensive. Such devices are not designed for continuous operation. Household mini-sink AVD will help you quickly and carefully wash your car, bike, motorcycle, will be a reliable tool in the daily fight against dirt.
Professional high-pressure cleaners are used in car washes, car services, industrial enterprises, agriculture, housing and communal services, and construction. They have a capacity of 600 l/h, pressure up to 250 bar, can operate continuously.
Pump drive type
High pressure washers are equipped with two types of high pressure pumps: axial and crank. The former are compact, have a wide speed range, and are inexpensive. On the other hand, devices with a crank drive are more powerful and reliable, and have a longer service life.
The axial drive is typical for household AEDs. Professional units are often equipped with a crank mechanism.
Network type
Household high-pressure cleaners with an electric motor, as a rule, operate on a single-phase network with a voltage of 220 V. Industrial pressure washers are connected to a three-phase network of 380 V.
Water heating
The heating function is present in some series of professional AEDs. It is implemented simply: cold water enters the pump inlet, after which the diesel burner is turned on. The heating temperature is adjustable and can reach 150°C.
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Heated high-pressure cleaners are more expensive than conventional ones, and fuel costs are inevitable when they are used. But the hotter the water, the better the washing quality. Often heating helps to save on auto chemicals.
Pressure
The higher the water pressure, the better the dirt is washed off. On the other hand, a jet that is too powerful can damage the surface. To wash the car with high quality, pressure up to 100 bar is enough. In devices for industrial use, this figure reaches 250 bar or more.
In different models of AEDs, the pressure is regulated in one of two ways: using a lever or buttons on the handle, or using a pressure gauge mounted on the body. The first option is more convenient, the second is more accurate.
Performance
Productivity is the volume of water consumed per unit of time. In domestic class AEDs, this value usually does not exceed 600 l/h, in industrial devices it reaches 1000 l/h or more.
Production material
The main element of the AED is a high-pressure pump, the quality of which determines the service life of the unit. Pumps with a plastic case, although they tempt with a low price, are only suitable for small loads. If you are looking for a device for long-term intensive use, choose a model with an aluminum or brass pump, steel or sintered pistons.
Water intake
High pressure devices are connected to the water supply. In addition, there are models with the possibility of taking water from the tank.
Note
The function of the intake from the tank is convenient, for example, if you need to wash the car in the country or in another place where there is no centralized water supply. With a special hose and filter, water can be supplied even from an open reservoir. The downside is that this method reduces performance.
Hose length
For domestic use, a 10-meter hose is sufficient. This is enough to wash the car and any objects within the site. Professional units are equipped with hoses up to 15 m long.
Cleaners
Household and industrial AEDs are equipped with detergent tanks. In smaller devices, the container is usually built into the gun. In professional high-performance AEDs, a housing-mounted foam generator adds "chemistry" to the water before it enters the pump chamber. In this way, you can pour a significant amount of detergent.
Availability of additional functions
A wide range of functions is realized through a wide range of optional accessories. In addition to standard sprayers, mud cutters, fan and other nozzles are supplied as part of the AED or separately. There are devices for removing blockages in pipes, for contact washing, etc.
Availability of protective systems
The protection of the AED is provided by a safety valve and a motor cut-off device. They work with an unacceptable increase in pressure, low water levels, the threat of overheating and other emergency situations.
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Availability of accessories
When choosing an AED, pay attention to the availability of consumables and components, as well as the availability of service centers. In this sense, it is better to purchase products from manufacturers that are widely represented on the Russian market.
The size
The size depends on the class of the device and its performance. Household AEDs with an electric motor are compact and do not weigh too much. They can be stored in the garage or in the country. Industrial-grade units on average have a length and height of about 1 m, a width of 50-60 cm, and weigh about 100 kg.