Background
A large dairy farm in Virginia had been in the market for improved ways to wash their empty trailers. Historically, they had used a standard hose and spray nozzle attached to a Strahman mixing valve station. They had several issues with their set up.
First, they found the mixing valve to lack the high pressure wash they desired. Second, they realized that their mixing valves were inefficient to operate. Finally, the mixing valves caused ergonomic nightmares for fork lift operators (loose hoses on the floor) and users (poor water pressure and inconsistent performance).
Problem
As a replacement, they considered a high pressure system with 1-2 drops designed to operate at 10 gpm @ 400psi (160°F) supplied by a pump manufacturer. Though this system may have been an improvement over their old mixing valves, the skid cost was quite prohibitive. Additionally, the continuous power cost of running the pump, and supplying the heat transfer in their tank, added to the price concerns.
This system was quoted at approximately $20,000.00 as a base price, not including, among others, detergent inlet options. These chemical detergent feed options raised the price an additional $1,500.00. They ultimately decided against that proposal.
Solution
HelioJET® considered two options: multiple single drops or a Central Cleaning System with booster pump. Because of the supply conditions at the plant, HelioJET® engineers decided to propose multiple single drop system.
The chief engineer at the dairy farm wanted a quote for three (3) Model HelioPAC-1500 (180-165) P/N: PAC-15. They each provided 200psi @ 180°F which was more than suitable. He added the detergent inlet assembly, a longer hose (75 feet), and the hand crank hose real as options. The total price came to less than $4,000.00 for each drop.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the HelioJET® 1500 offered the dairy farm the same simple drop set up as the other high pressure system, but did it with less operating cost (power and heat transfer); a 40% lower base price, while offering a three drop station rather than a one or two drop scenario.
The dairy farm was so happy with the cost savings and operation of the HelioJET® Solution, that they have subsequently ordered 5 more drops and have standardized their plant to use only HelioJET® cleaning equipment.