It's official....winter is here! You spent a lot of money on your pure water window cleaning system this year. Watch the video below for some tips on getting it winterized and tuned up for next season!
Window Cleaning & Water fed pole information from around the world. Your Window Cleaner in Mallorca.
Showing posts with label pure water. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pure water. Show all posts
Tuesday, 13 December 2016
Monday, 21 November 2016
Automated Water Fed Suggestion System
Which water fed pole system is best for you? Whether you are just trying to learn more information or see which system is right for you, we can easily match you up with a package that fits your needs and budget with just 4 simple questions! Click here to get started. You can also conveniently check your TDS on the same page.
If you need even more personalised help selecting a system consider scheduling a consulting session with John and receive up to $100 off select pure water systems. John is our in-house water fed pole system expert and can answer your questions and help determine what system is right for you!
Are you a beginner to pure water? Click here to watch the introductory Water Fed Pole Video series.
Friday, 19 August 2016
New Waterfed Video Series!
Looking for more information on pure water and water fed poles? Look no further! Check out the brand new Water Fed Pole Video series from WCR! Browse in-depth videos on a variety of topics that cover pure water window cleaning, testing your water quality, understanding different purification methods, water fed pole overview and much more! Check out the videos below!
What's the next step? Check your TDS for free, use our automated water fed pole suggestion system or schedule a consulting session with John Lee, one of the top product experts at WCR and receive up to $100 off select pure water systems. Click here!
Tuesday, 2 September 2014
The Unger Hydro-Power Trailer
• Fully integrated trailer system with
Reverse Osmosis Filter and 750L Water Tank.
• Total flexibility for producing and transporting 100% pure water for water fed pole cleaning!
• Fitted outwith high specification components, offering big capacity and performance, it’s the only real alternative to commercial van mounted systems.
Mobility: Suitable for vehicles with towing capacity of 1,350kg. High capacity baffled tank integrated into lightweight chassis for easy towing. DOT road specification, single axle, integrated lights and indicators with brake assist. Supplied with European standard coupling, jockey wheel and manual parking brake. Conforms to EU regulations.
Safety: The multi-chamber tank design with low centre of gravity is designed to maximise stability during transportation.
Also includes Auto Shut Off features, activated during water production mode when the tank becomes full and during use when the TDS of the outgoing water measures 5ppm (can be changed to lower or higher number).
Flexibility: The flow rates for Wash and Rinse modes can be adjusted anytime at the digital control panel. This allows the operator(s) to choose more or less powerful flow rates to suit the cleaning job, saving and conserving water when less intense water flow is needed. You can also switch between Wash and Rinse modes at the touch of a button using the wireless remote control.
Convenience: Integrated storage compartment fits up to 6 water fed poles up to 1.91m long, with side storage areas for brushes, safety signs and other accessories.
HIGH PERFORMANCE AT A GLANCE:
• Pure Water tank capacity: 750L.
• 1 or 2 man operation via 2x hose reels and 2x 12V / 150 psi pumps.
• Each high quality hose reel is fitted with 100m hose for optimal reach.
• Pure water output - up to 250L per hour per person.
• Digital controller monitors water flow, pressure and battery power.
• Control water flow Rinse / Wash modes manually or by wireless remote control.
• 3 stage water purification production with dedicated 12V / 150 psi pump. (Sediment / Carbon Pre-filter, RO Membrane and nLite HydroPower DI Filter Polisher).
• Integrated TDS meters monitor RO and final polish results.
• High capacity 12 Volt Gel battery offers ‘all day’ operation before requiring recharge.
• Maintenance free 210 amp hour Gel battery with mains charger supplied.
Tuesday, 27 May 2014
OKGO - A New Waterfed Delivery System
![]() |
| This British window cleaning invention could transform your life (and business). |
OKGO - a pure water delivery system used from an enclosed secure van. For Pure water window cleaners everywhere.
In the words of Jordan King (the inventor) - "This British window cleaning invention could transform your life (and business)". One of those new products that just stood out at Mark Munro's Window Cleaning Show was OKGO, a new system of using your waterfed pole on the go. If you have a van system & you are tired of snagged hoses & hooking up each time you stop, this may be the device for you. A conservative estimate shows that this system may give you 20% of your time back by speeding up your workload... but probably a lot more. Watch the videos below for details on how to get futureproofed.
Jordan King of OKGO talks..
I have tried all of the available ways of using WFP system in my area and found that each way had its benefits and drawbacks. Methods have included, back packs, trolleys and sliding racks from the rear of the vehicle. Some of the following drawbacks:
- Lifting heavy items from the rear of the vehicle (reels, trolleys, backpacks)
- Setting items up at each stop
- Dragging equipment over rough ground and over steps leaving the vehicle unlocked
- Hand spooling with a dirty rag
- Bending over to reel in Fighting with hose connectors bruised/wet legs from lifting reels
- Wet van smashing knuckles on the floor, etc, etc, the list goes on!
Many window cleaners will recognise some of the above and trust me, i know first hand how tough it can be because I live it day in day out (although i would not swap jobs with anyone).
So, I have used my knowledge as an engineer to design, patent and produce a system to make life easier for WFP window cleaners..
![]() |
| The OKGO system was mounted for the show, even the pivoting mounting system showed engineering expertise. |
OKGO:
Basically OKGO is a frame which allows spooling and winding from outside of the vehicle therefore, doors can remain locked.
Hoses are diverted via a pulley system through the van floor and can be fitted to almost any vehicle and can divert to anywhere on the sill as required.
Poles are mounted externally and can be left there between stops.
Part of the systems unique characteristics is the remote spool lock which locks the pole tightly against the van allowing transport while externally mounted.
In essence the system has the following benefits:
- No heavy lifting
- No bending
- No hand spooling (toxicariosis)
- Van remains locked
- Totally dry van
- Maximum efficiency
With regards to efficiency we estimate it can be improved by 20% on an established WFP round. In addition though, the other main benefits are peace of mind and well being as the video demonstrates.
The final product construction has been called 'Bullet proof' and utilises materials, where necessary, such as stainless steel and prudent manufacturing such as powder coating to ensure that it wont let you down and will be with you for years and years to come.
My town Corby, Northants, UK, was once home to one of the biggest iron ore mining and steel manufacturing facilities in the world and it is in the spirit of old fashioned British engineering that we present the 'Bulletproof' OKGO.
Thanks to Mark Munro for his invitation to attend the WCP Trade Show 2014.
More can be found on our Facebook page Waterworks Window Cleaning. Hope to see you there soon!
![]() |
| OKGO at the WCP show. |
Friday, 16 May 2014
Unger HydroPower - Pure Water Solutions
![]() |
| The New nLite HydroPower systems from Unger. |
nLite HydroPower™ Pure Water Filter
The Most Efficient DI Pure Water System Ever! At Unger they are always looking for innovations that are close to your professional needs and that make good products even better. Unger are proud to present a new generation of Deionisation Filters (DI) to you:
DI
nLite HydroPower DI Filters offer you a bundle of great benefits, delivered through innovative design features:
FloWater Technology, QuickChange Resin Bags, FastLock Opening. nLite HydroPower DI Filters exceed the highest requirements to efficiency, workflow organisation and comfort. They are part of the nLite Cleaning System that offers practical solutions to professionals. Discover the benefits of the nLite HydroPower DI systemboasting efficiency & ease of use.
Features
Designed for Efficiency: Time
is money. The innovative ideas that underpin the design the nLite
HydroPower™ DI Filters are inspired by this old business rule. Here's a
rundown on how nLite HydroPower™ DI Filters can help you and your team
to achieve more in less time and at lower cost.
nLite HydroPower DI Filters exceed the highest requirements to
efficiency, workflow organisation and comfort. They are part of the
nLite Cleaning System that offers practical solutions to professionals.
Discover the benefits of the nLite HydroPower DI systemboasting
efficiency & ease of use.
Easy Resin Change: The new Quick Change Resin Bags are an example how effective simple
ideas can be. Pre-packed resin bags save time and simplify resin change
process - no more time-consuming, inconvenient filling up of narrow
vessels and no more spilled, wasted resin. Put simply, Unger have set a new
benchmark for user-friendly design of DI filters. The new QuickChange
Resin Bags facilitate fast and easy use of changing the resin on the spot - anytime and
anywhere! Resin change process as simple as coffee pad change in a
coffee machine - simple removed the used bag and insert a new one! Each
bag is made from a water-permeable material and contains a
pre-proportioned amount of Unger High Capacity Premium Grade Virgin
Mixed Bed resin.
![]() |
| Click to enlarge. Prices in Euros & currently only available in Europe. |
For users who need much capacity and flexibility, Unger offer the nLite HydroPower XXL RO Trailer solution with a 3-stage-RO-filter...
![]() |
| Trailer solution with a 3-stage-RO-filter. |
Fully Integrated Trailer System with RO Filter + 750l water tank. Total
flexibility for producing and transporting 100% pure water for water fed
pole cleaning! High performance at a glance:
Pure Water tank capacity: 750l.
1 or 2 man operation via 2 hose reels and 2 x 12V (150 psi) pumps.
2 high quality 100m hoses for optimal reach.
Pure water output - up to 250l per hour per person.
Digital controller monitors water flow, pressure and battery power.
Control water flow manually or by wireless remote control.
3 stage water purification production with dedicated 12V (150 psi) pump. (Carbon Pre-filter, RO Membrane and nLite HydroPower™ DI Filter Polisher).
Integrated TDS meter.
High capacity 12 Volt Gel battery offers ‘all day’ operation before requiring recharge.
Maintenance free 210 amp hour Gel battery with mains charger supplied.
1 or 2 man operation via 2 hose reels and 2 x 12V (150 psi) pumps.
2 high quality 100m hoses for optimal reach.
Pure water output - up to 250l per hour per person.
Digital controller monitors water flow, pressure and battery power.
Control water flow manually or by wireless remote control.
3 stage water purification production with dedicated 12V (150 psi) pump. (Carbon Pre-filter, RO Membrane and nLite HydroPower™ DI Filter Polisher).
Integrated TDS meter.
High capacity 12 Volt Gel battery offers ‘all day’ operation before requiring recharge.
Maintenance free 210 amp hour Gel battery with mains charger supplied.
Labels:
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HydroPower,
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Wednesday, 4 December 2013
The Wagtail JetStream
![]() |
| Leaders in window cleaning tool design. |
The Wagtail JetStream: This is another revolutionary piece of equipment from 'Down Under' - the Wagtail JetStream is the latest invention from Willie Erken that will take over the window cleaning World especially in the World of Waterfed poles. Utilizing the same pivotal motion as the world famous Wagtail hand tools, the Wagtail JetStream allows the water fed pole user to access windows where there is an obstacle below or to the side.
![]() |
| Multiple jets for a better rinse. |
Allowing the user to stand diagonal from a window and easily reach each corner of the glass high above and efficiently clean all surfaces with minimal strain. The JetStream not only easily pivots from side to side, but glides across the glass providing overhead jets that saves lifting the washing head off the glass as is normal with Waterfed pole brush heads. Cleaning glass without brush contamination i.e. leaving marks on the glass & multiple jet rinsing ability sets the JetStream apart. You must watch the video below!
![]() |
| A World apart - changes the way you use your wfp. |
Window Cleaning World - Early Adopter Pre-Release version of the Wagtail JetStream (14 inch only) at Window Cleaning World. Get in quick we only have 50! Peter at Window Cleaning World has pre-release orders for the JetStream (how he got them we'll never know!), if you want to be one of the lucky ones - go here now!
![]() |
| In Canada? Click the picture. |
Meanwhile if you missed out on the above offer, Window Cleaning Resource will offer Wagtail tools & equipment for interested parties. Canada here. Also see the Wagtail Orbit blog here.
Friday, 27 September 2013
The WaterFed Pole Wagtail Orbit
![]() |
| The Wagtail Orbit - it will become the new 'must-have' tool. Click to enlarge. |
The latest offering from the Wagtail stable of tools - the Orbit: A swivel brush head that will fit all makes of wfp brush head. Why is this so important? Anyone with a water fed pole can instantly fit this swivel handle to any brush head they own to reach those difficult access areas. Not only that - any traditional window cleaning poles that you would normally use, now instantly become a waterfed pole by adding a brush. Aggressively priced to sell like hot cakes, this tool will become a "must-have" in your arsenal of window cleaning tools.
![]() |
| Side view: See how the collar will grip your brush stock handle. Click to enlarge. |
How does it work? - The swivel handle that fits on the end of your traditional pole has a tightening ring that clamps to the brush stock on the top of the brush. With a waterfed pole you just need to add a cone so that the wagtail handle just pushes on. Very simple & works like a dream! If you are worried about the Orbit falling off, a simple screw can be screwed through into the cone with the pre-drilled hole already on the Wagtail handle. Testers so far have said this is not needed. It may be cautious to add this at much higher heights though (40+ feet) where the weight of the pole could twist the handle.
![]() |
| Head over view of the Wagtail Orbit. Click to enlarge. |
This is another revolutionary piece of equipment from 'Down Under' - the Orbit is the latest invention from Willie Erken that will take over the window cleaning World especially in the World of waterfed poles. Utilizing the same orbiting motion as the world famous Wagtail hand tools, the Orbit allows the water fed pole user to access windows where there is an obstacle below or side. Allowing the user to stand diagonal from a window and easily reach each corner of the glass high above and efficiently clean all surfaces with minimal strain. The Orbit easily pivots from side to side, getting the brush head into corners where previously a large area could be missed or cleaned poorly.
Where can I get the Orbit? Click links below:
USA - Window Cleaning Resource
Canada - The Window Cleaning Store
Australia - Window Cleaning World
UK - Contact Window Cleaning Magazine
Thursday, 24 January 2013
Window Cleaning Magazine January Issue
- How social are you? Using social media
- The Ettore story Lee speaks to Diane Smahilk
- How hard are you working? By Steve Blyth
- Myth busting with Perry Let’s talk water fed poles
- Free online marketing guide Promoting your business on the internet
- WCM talks to MWCoA Master Window Cleaners of America
- Plus much, much more.... Click here or the magazine cover. Members go here.
Labels:
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window washer,
window washers,
window washing
Monday, 19 November 2012
The Future For Water Cleaning
The future for water cleaning: Many companies are coming up with cleaning systems that use water only, claiming these to be sustainable since they remove the need for chemicals. But as water supplies dwindle, are such claims justified? Ann Laffeaty looks at arguments for and against water-based and chemical-based cleaning systems.
Products and systems were once considered to be environmentally-friendly if they minimised the use of potentially harmful chemicals. Manufacturers then began coming up with new, eco-friendly chemicals said to be less aggressive and kinder to the environment. Soon chemicals were dispensed with altogether in certain applications, and systems that used water alone - such as water-fed poles, microfibre cloths and high pressure cleaning machines – began to gain ground.
But the world is now facing a water crisis. A UN report issued this summer claimed that water supplies are falling while demand is growing at an unsustainable rate. In fact the average supply of water per person worldwide is expected to drop by a third over the next 20 years.
So does this mean that water-based cleaning systems are no longer sustainable?
Water-fed pole window cleaning is one of the services offered by facilities management services company OCS. Regional operations manager Michael Chambers admits that such systems require more water than traditional window cleaning methods using a ladder and squeegee.
Many advantages
“However I think the advantages of water-fed pole window cleaning outweigh the disadvantages, both from a financial and sustainability point of view,” he said. “For one thing this method allows you to clean windows 60 ft up, which is much better for the safety of staff than using ladders. Access equipment often runs on diesel, too, which can cause pollution. And traditional cleaning methods use chemicals whereas water-fed systems of course use only water.”
He adds that the extra water used for window cleaning is not wasted in any case. “All the run-off goes into the drains and ends up back in the system,” he said. “The fact that the water is pure means it is more or less equivalent to rainwater.”
High pressure cleaning also uses large quantities of water to remove dirt from indoor and outdoor surfaces. However this is still an eco-friendly cleaning method according to Karcher environmental PR David Wickel.
“The narrow diameter of a high pressure nozzle reduces water consumption considerably in comparison with an ordinary hose,” he said. “Furthermore, mechanical cleaning is an environmentally-friendly alternative to using chemicals, and in many cases leads to better cleaning results in a much shorter time.”
He argues that high pressure cleaning keeps chemical use to a minimum since detergent consumption can be reduced under higher pressure. “Pressure cleaners also have dosing devices that enable detergent to be added precisely and in minimal quantities.”
He claims Kärcher’s high pressure cleaners save up to 50 per cent more water, electricity and time than most other high pressure systems. In some cases, too – particularly in car-washing applications - the water can be recycled.
“With our WRH 1200 eco it is possible to recycle the oily waste water arising from washing engines and vehicle under-bodies with a high pressure cleaner,” he said. “Using this method, fresh water consumption can be reduced by as much as 85 per cent.”
Wickel adds that the company’s scrubber dryers can also be adapted to save water. “When using scrubber dryers with disk brushes, aquamisers –or aprons fitted behind the disks on the brush head - confine the cleaning solution to the area being cleaned,” he said. “This makes it possible to reduce water and detergent consumption by up to 30 per cent.”
PHS Washrooms offers a number of products designed to save water including flush control systems for toilets and urinals, and a water saver system for taps. When attached to a siphon in the toilet cistern, the Flush-wiser WC Flush Control can reduce the amount of water flushed by up to three litres according to marketing manager Keri Reynolds. “This can be adjusted to suit each cistern, taking into account cistern size and performance in order to make optimum
savings without compromising on hygiene,” she says.
Reduction in wastage
The PHS SaverTap is designed to make existing taps work more efficiently by preventing them from being allowed to be left to run. “This reduces water wastage by up to 80 per cent,” says Reynolds. “Using water more efficiently is a smart way for businesses to save energy and money, while also delivering on commitments to cut energy and resource wastage.
“The washroom is somewhere that energy-saving schemes can easily be put into action by installing products that are economical with water, yet still deliver the best performance and hygiene standards. As well as the financial benefits, by demonstrating your company’s water efficiency you may attract new, more environmentally-aware customers and employees.”
Nilfisk-Advance has developed a cleaning system said to cut water consumption by 50 per cent and reduce the need for detergents by between 35 and 100 per cent. The company’s Ecoflex System allows the operator to vary the quantity of detergent used and also to switch between chemical-free cleaning and water-only cleaning.
“The Ecoflex System enables the operator to select the right blend of pad pressure, water and detergent for any given task,” says group corporate responsibility manager Ulla Riber. “This means the decision on how to balance the use of detergent and water is managed at the point of cleaning which allows the operator to achieve the best possible results.”
The company also offers the Nilfisk-Advance Cyclone 4500 system which collects and filters waste water. All contaminants are removed and contained and the clean water is recycled and reused.
Needs protecting
“Water is a main component for delivering the highest standards of effective cleaning - but it is a natural resource and we all need to protect it,” says Ruber.
“There is no doubt that water will be high on the agenda in our industry in years to come. Both we and our customers see potential in developing products that provide equal or enhanced cleaning efficiency while using less energy, less water and less detergent. We want to take a key position in this development.”
Ecolab also aims to reduce the use of water during cleaning. However senior marketing communications manager Nick Burchell feels that water alone is rarely a substitute for chemicals in any case.
“If you want to remove limescale you will need an acid-based product, and if you want to disinfect a surface you will require a QAT-based or chlorine bleach product,” he said.
Chemicals are also sometimes required even when cleaning with microfibre, according to Burchell. In a 2005 laboratory study carried out by Ecolab, two surfaces were charged with pathogens and cleaned using different methods - one with microfibre plus chemicals and one with microfibre and
water alone.
“There was a significant log reduction when chemicals were used,” said Burchell. “Also the fresh smell associated with a chemical clean is often important. Patient studies in the UK have shown that if a hospital smells clean, patients feel that it must be clean. Cleaning methods that use water alone do not generate this clean smell.”
Ecolab offers a mop impregnation system for hospitals designed to be ergonomic for the cleaner while minimising the use of water and chemicals. The Vario Maxx Healthguard system is said to reduce water and chemical consumption by up to 80 per cent while also facilitating the task of hospital cleaning.
“We design our trolleys around the workforce and take into account how people use them,” said Burchell. “A calculation is made as to how many microfibre mops are required to clean each bay and ward, and these mops are then lined up in a box on the trolley ready for use.
“The mops are then moistened in a bucket that contains a powerful concentration of detergent plus two litres of water at most. This solution is absorbed by the mops so that they become only damp, with no wringing required.”
Ecolab also offers a rinse-free product for manual and machine cleaning that is said to save water. Magic Maxx contains a blend of active cleaning agents to create what Ecolab calls 'super-wetting technology'.
Diversey corporate communications director Rafael Echevarria agrees that besides any sustainability issues, water alone is not always an effective cleaning medium. “With a chemical-free system it is not necessarily the amount of water that is the issue,” he said. “The water will need to be hotter which gives rise to safety and environmental issues. Also more abrasion may be required which could lead to damage to the cleaning surface or the user. And when using water alone it may take significantly longer to clean which will lead to productivity and cost issues.”
He argues that chemicals play an important role in hygiene-critical environments such as kitchens and washrooms. “Although water alone could be used in these areas, the germs would have to be physically removed by microfibre or through thermal disinfection,” he said.
Scientific assessment
“Very few microfibre systems have been scientifically assessed for their ability to remove harmful bacteria. As regards thermal disinfection, you would have to use either very high temperatures for relatively long contact times, or steam. This may be fine in a closed system such as a laundry machine, but elsewhere there will be some environmental impact regarding how the water is heated, damage to materials and personal safety.”
He says it is misleading to categorically claim that water-only systems are more sustainable than those that use chemicals. However he adds that a sustainable cleaning regime should successfully balance both water and chemical use.
“Around 1.5 billion people live in river basins where water is physically scarce, while another billion live in river basins where water is economically scarce,” he said. “Water management and conservation is critical to any regime - cleaning or not. The water-only/chemical balance can be extremely complex and the only certain answer is: whatever the answer, it doesn’t apply to everyone.”
Products and systems were once considered to be environmentally-friendly if they minimised the use of potentially harmful chemicals. Manufacturers then began coming up with new, eco-friendly chemicals said to be less aggressive and kinder to the environment. Soon chemicals were dispensed with altogether in certain applications, and systems that used water alone - such as water-fed poles, microfibre cloths and high pressure cleaning machines – began to gain ground.
But the world is now facing a water crisis. A UN report issued this summer claimed that water supplies are falling while demand is growing at an unsustainable rate. In fact the average supply of water per person worldwide is expected to drop by a third over the next 20 years.
So does this mean that water-based cleaning systems are no longer sustainable?
Water-fed pole window cleaning is one of the services offered by facilities management services company OCS. Regional operations manager Michael Chambers admits that such systems require more water than traditional window cleaning methods using a ladder and squeegee.
Many advantages
“However I think the advantages of water-fed pole window cleaning outweigh the disadvantages, both from a financial and sustainability point of view,” he said. “For one thing this method allows you to clean windows 60 ft up, which is much better for the safety of staff than using ladders. Access equipment often runs on diesel, too, which can cause pollution. And traditional cleaning methods use chemicals whereas water-fed systems of course use only water.”
He adds that the extra water used for window cleaning is not wasted in any case. “All the run-off goes into the drains and ends up back in the system,” he said. “The fact that the water is pure means it is more or less equivalent to rainwater.”
High pressure cleaning also uses large quantities of water to remove dirt from indoor and outdoor surfaces. However this is still an eco-friendly cleaning method according to Karcher environmental PR David Wickel.
“The narrow diameter of a high pressure nozzle reduces water consumption considerably in comparison with an ordinary hose,” he said. “Furthermore, mechanical cleaning is an environmentally-friendly alternative to using chemicals, and in many cases leads to better cleaning results in a much shorter time.”
He argues that high pressure cleaning keeps chemical use to a minimum since detergent consumption can be reduced under higher pressure. “Pressure cleaners also have dosing devices that enable detergent to be added precisely and in minimal quantities.”
He claims Kärcher’s high pressure cleaners save up to 50 per cent more water, electricity and time than most other high pressure systems. In some cases, too – particularly in car-washing applications - the water can be recycled.
“With our WRH 1200 eco it is possible to recycle the oily waste water arising from washing engines and vehicle under-bodies with a high pressure cleaner,” he said. “Using this method, fresh water consumption can be reduced by as much as 85 per cent.”
Wickel adds that the company’s scrubber dryers can also be adapted to save water. “When using scrubber dryers with disk brushes, aquamisers –or aprons fitted behind the disks on the brush head - confine the cleaning solution to the area being cleaned,” he said. “This makes it possible to reduce water and detergent consumption by up to 30 per cent.”
PHS Washrooms offers a number of products designed to save water including flush control systems for toilets and urinals, and a water saver system for taps. When attached to a siphon in the toilet cistern, the Flush-wiser WC Flush Control can reduce the amount of water flushed by up to three litres according to marketing manager Keri Reynolds. “This can be adjusted to suit each cistern, taking into account cistern size and performance in order to make optimum
savings without compromising on hygiene,” she says.
Reduction in wastage
The PHS SaverTap is designed to make existing taps work more efficiently by preventing them from being allowed to be left to run. “This reduces water wastage by up to 80 per cent,” says Reynolds. “Using water more efficiently is a smart way for businesses to save energy and money, while also delivering on commitments to cut energy and resource wastage.
“The washroom is somewhere that energy-saving schemes can easily be put into action by installing products that are economical with water, yet still deliver the best performance and hygiene standards. As well as the financial benefits, by demonstrating your company’s water efficiency you may attract new, more environmentally-aware customers and employees.”
Nilfisk-Advance has developed a cleaning system said to cut water consumption by 50 per cent and reduce the need for detergents by between 35 and 100 per cent. The company’s Ecoflex System allows the operator to vary the quantity of detergent used and also to switch between chemical-free cleaning and water-only cleaning.
“The Ecoflex System enables the operator to select the right blend of pad pressure, water and detergent for any given task,” says group corporate responsibility manager Ulla Riber. “This means the decision on how to balance the use of detergent and water is managed at the point of cleaning which allows the operator to achieve the best possible results.”
The company also offers the Nilfisk-Advance Cyclone 4500 system which collects and filters waste water. All contaminants are removed and contained and the clean water is recycled and reused.
Needs protecting
“Water is a main component for delivering the highest standards of effective cleaning - but it is a natural resource and we all need to protect it,” says Ruber.
“There is no doubt that water will be high on the agenda in our industry in years to come. Both we and our customers see potential in developing products that provide equal or enhanced cleaning efficiency while using less energy, less water and less detergent. We want to take a key position in this development.”
Ecolab also aims to reduce the use of water during cleaning. However senior marketing communications manager Nick Burchell feels that water alone is rarely a substitute for chemicals in any case.
“If you want to remove limescale you will need an acid-based product, and if you want to disinfect a surface you will require a QAT-based or chlorine bleach product,” he said.
Chemicals are also sometimes required even when cleaning with microfibre, according to Burchell. In a 2005 laboratory study carried out by Ecolab, two surfaces were charged with pathogens and cleaned using different methods - one with microfibre plus chemicals and one with microfibre and
water alone.
“There was a significant log reduction when chemicals were used,” said Burchell. “Also the fresh smell associated with a chemical clean is often important. Patient studies in the UK have shown that if a hospital smells clean, patients feel that it must be clean. Cleaning methods that use water alone do not generate this clean smell.”
Ecolab offers a mop impregnation system for hospitals designed to be ergonomic for the cleaner while minimising the use of water and chemicals. The Vario Maxx Healthguard system is said to reduce water and chemical consumption by up to 80 per cent while also facilitating the task of hospital cleaning.
“We design our trolleys around the workforce and take into account how people use them,” said Burchell. “A calculation is made as to how many microfibre mops are required to clean each bay and ward, and these mops are then lined up in a box on the trolley ready for use.
“The mops are then moistened in a bucket that contains a powerful concentration of detergent plus two litres of water at most. This solution is absorbed by the mops so that they become only damp, with no wringing required.”
Ecolab also offers a rinse-free product for manual and machine cleaning that is said to save water. Magic Maxx contains a blend of active cleaning agents to create what Ecolab calls 'super-wetting technology'.
Diversey corporate communications director Rafael Echevarria agrees that besides any sustainability issues, water alone is not always an effective cleaning medium. “With a chemical-free system it is not necessarily the amount of water that is the issue,” he said. “The water will need to be hotter which gives rise to safety and environmental issues. Also more abrasion may be required which could lead to damage to the cleaning surface or the user. And when using water alone it may take significantly longer to clean which will lead to productivity and cost issues.”
He argues that chemicals play an important role in hygiene-critical environments such as kitchens and washrooms. “Although water alone could be used in these areas, the germs would have to be physically removed by microfibre or through thermal disinfection,” he said.
Scientific assessment
“Very few microfibre systems have been scientifically assessed for their ability to remove harmful bacteria. As regards thermal disinfection, you would have to use either very high temperatures for relatively long contact times, or steam. This may be fine in a closed system such as a laundry machine, but elsewhere there will be some environmental impact regarding how the water is heated, damage to materials and personal safety.”
He says it is misleading to categorically claim that water-only systems are more sustainable than those that use chemicals. However he adds that a sustainable cleaning regime should successfully balance both water and chemical use.
“Around 1.5 billion people live in river basins where water is physically scarce, while another billion live in river basins where water is economically scarce,” he said. “Water management and conservation is critical to any regime - cleaning or not. The water-only/chemical balance can be extremely complex and the only certain answer is: whatever the answer, it doesn’t apply to everyone.”
Sunday, 12 August 2012
The Latest Window Cleaning Magazine Videos
Lee Burbidge (pictured) from WCM (Window Cleaning Magazine) gives some videos to ponder on..
If you don't have the money to invest in pure water technology for starting your window cleaning business but you still want to avoid using ladders, then watch this video.
Wagga from the Window Cleaning Magazine shows you a new, more effective way to 'dog ear' the squeegee of your choice.
Wagga shows us how he made his trolley for pure water window cleaning.
Lee Burbidge of the Window Cleaning Magazine takes you with him as he attends three appointments. He meets the GrippaMax team that sell the new GrippaMax water fed pole systems and he meets Jeff Temperley the guy that will be setting up a window cleaning business in the US and doing Brit style.
Take a look at this system designed by GrippaTank and Gardiner Pole Systems.
GrippaTank is the new kid on the block taking the window cleaning industry by storm with its lower cost wfp pole system that can be fitted by a GrippaTank engineer right on your doorway. A system that has been tested for crash worthiness by MIRA. An awesome system!
Lee Burbidge promises to share his knowledge to take your business further.
When Ionics met WCM (Window Cleaning Magazine).
Window cleaning - a day with High Shine Ltd.
Lee Burbidge of the Window Cleaning Magazine takes you with him as he attends three appointments. He meets the GrippaMax team that sell the new GrippaMax water fed pole systems and he meets Jeff Temperley the guy that will be setting up a window cleaning business in the US and doing Brit style.
Wednesday, 9 May 2012
Ionic Systems Unveils ZERO - Ultimate Pure Water System
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| The ZERO system is launched, with fully automated backwash and regen cycle, producing 18mohm water to zero parts per billion quality. |
Ionic Systems at ISSA Interclean, Amsterdam present the new ZERO™ system - pure water anywhere. Vehicle and Trailer based systems offer the greatest amount of flexibility, allowing the window cleaner to take the supply of pure water wherever it is needed. With no need to access a water or power supply, mobile systems allow pure-water cleaning to be performed even in the most remote areas.
The Zero Reach & Wash system represents a leap forward in pure-water cleaning. With several unique technologies, it is simply the most advanced system available. The Zero will make the working lives of everyday window cleaners more efficient and more productive. Replacing manual maintenance with fully automatic maintenance cycles, the Zero will keep the filters in the best possible working order. A high degree of control is available by means of the Zero’s new digital control panel, making the Zero easy to operate and simple to use.
- Automated flush & regen cycle: The Zero is designed to keep the RO membrane and other filters in the best condition possible by automatically flushing the RO membrane before each fill and regenerating the water-softener filter at the end.
- Digital control: Auto-compensating digital flow control allows precise operation of the pumps. Simple operation and clear display makes setting and adjusting flow straightforward. When filling, the control panel also shows the status of the flush & regen' cycle.
- Zero parts per Million: Multi-stage water treatment with advanced recirculation system produces water with purity of less than 1 part per million of TDS. (The Zero PPB system has additional filtration which enables it to produce water a thousand times purer.
- Split-charge relay: As well as a mains charger, the Zero has a split-charge device. This maintains the system’s battery by actively monitoring and managing the charge available from the vehicle’s alternator.
- Twin pumps: The Zero has, as standard, two independently controlled pumps allowing more than one pole to be used at the same time. This allows the option of several operators working from the same system.
- Refillable filters: Completely redesigned filter housings allow the filter media to be replaced without the need to replace the whole unit. The new filter housings are extremely robust with non-leaking John Guest® fittings.
Pure water window cleaning systems fall into three categories;
Only Just Zero: De-mineralising (DI) systems employ resins to purify tap water but have to work hard to achieve water at zero parts per million, consequently they have to be replaced frequently and are not recommended for use in hard water areas because of their short life and high operating costs.
Zero: Combining Reverse Osmosis (mechanical filtration) with DI usually supported by carbon, 5 micron and sometimes a water softener
(recommended) can produce water at 0 parts per million (1mohm) quality water. Five stage systems deliver consistently better quality pure water in high volumes even in hard water areas, the annual running cost per litre is significantly lower than de-mineralising systems.
Absolute Zero: Employing seven stages of filtration to remove all minerals, organics with 100% bacteria kill rate ensures the very purest water at zero parts per billion (also known as 18 Mohm water). 18Mohm water delivers the most spectacular cleaning results with less water needed for rinsing. These systems are fully automated ensuring both water quality as well as lower annual running costs.
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| Why Zero Parts Per Billion? • Less Water Needed for Rinsing • Spot-free Results Even on First Cleans • More Aggressive Cleaning • Lower Running Costs |
A THOUSAND TIMES BETTER: Window Cleaners who use Reach & Wash systems know that the purity of their water is of paramount importance. Even a relatively low TDS value can lead to spotting, as these dissolved solids are left behind after the water dries. But there is more to consider than the impurities in the water to begin with. A certain volume of water has the capacity to dissolve only so much before it becomes saturated. For example, a glass of water can only dissolve so much table salt. If any more is added after saturation, it simply sits in the bottom of the glass in solid form.
Similarly, the water used for cleaning can only dissolve a certain amount before it becomes saturated. If you have fewer impurities to begin with, then there is more dissolving capacity for cleaning. The purer the water used, the better it will be at dissolving dirt. This means less water is needed for rinsing, and a far greater certainty of spot-free results!
Optional Extra: The Zero’s Hot Water upgrade enables the system to heat the pure water (using a diesel burner) up to 80°C in minutes. Heated pure water gives fantastic cleaning results, powering through first cleans effortlessly and keeping your working even when the temperature drops. In Poland and Russia, Thermopure™ operators keep on working even in temperatures as low as -15°C. The diesel burner can be fed with diesel either from the vehicle’s own fuel tank, or a separate remote tank.
Similarly, the water used for cleaning can only dissolve a certain amount before it becomes saturated. If you have fewer impurities to begin with, then there is more dissolving capacity for cleaning. The purer the water used, the better it will be at dissolving dirt. This means less water is needed for rinsing, and a far greater certainty of spot-free results!
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See the last time Ionic were at the ISSA Amsterdam Interclean show here. Interview with Ionic systems here.
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