Here are some photo's of the progress of the filtration unit

[Jim Gamble]

Here is a photo of the pumps. Both here are 2.5 HP. You can see the workmanship that our plumber had to overcome. There was times it was just a nightmare.

[A.TRKWASH]

hey jim , looks fantastic.. i am anal about when i solder my copper (even when i bury it behind a wall) if you were to sell this rig in a climate that gets very cold would you still use copper?? like i said in my earlier post this is a result of when you put passion into what you do !!!! i will be posting pics of my rig completed as soon as i get it painted and the graffics done.....

[Christopher]

That is a nice looking dually truck.

[810F250]

Looking forward to the test results.

[Jim Gamble]

That is a nice looking dually truck.

Thanks.

[Jim Gamble]

Update. The unit worked very well for it's first run. we will be making some modifications to enhance it's abilities. I am very happy from the results. The issue for clogging filters is over.

We also made the unit self monitoring, meaning..... you turn on the switch and walk away. The unit will sense both tanks for volume and turn on/ off multiple pumps independently for the correct water flow throughout the system.

The unit also has the capabilities to bypass any filter that may be having issues OR if the County/City does not need that certain filters requirements for discharge. This feature will save you time and money.

The LED Flashers ( The same the police and ER vehicles have ) will be installed the following week.

The trailer is balanced correctly and the axles was not over stressed, but you do need over 275 HP to pull the thing. Anything less and you might as well put up a sail. We used this truck because of its modifications. We have installed air ride adjustable suspension, over-sized anti-lock brakes, improved 5 inch SS exhaust ( Instead of the 4 inch we talked about in the past ) and increased the HP to over 400 at the wheels.

[Jim Gamble]

Here is the unit on The Dodge. This unit will be driving the filter from job site to job site.

here you can see the Blue Job site box.

The trailer is very wide. It is 101 inches, wider than the Dodge Dually. The legal max width for all streets in California is 102 inches.

This truck is our back up truck. We do not use the truck except for transporting trailers to and from the job-site. We wanted black, but they gave us a great deal if we took what they had on the lot. Since there are two trucks we operate that are white, we are going to keep them white and the others black.

[Christopher]

How about some more pictures of that trailer a little closer and maybe the other side also??????

Come on now Jim, you promised. hahahahaha

[cparker]

The wastewater treatment system you describe appears to be very complex, large and expensive. Also, the expensive of all the fuel you are using has to be way up there....and what about C02 emissions, particulary if you are cleaning enclosed parking structures. Your workers are inhaling all those fumes.

First, let's address wastewater treatment:

We use a one step batch treatment systems where the wastewater is treated in a single tank, utilizing clay based flocculants and it only takes minutes to clean the wastewater. We process up to 800 gallons of wastewater per hour. There is only one moving part the the system, the mixer motor, so there is very little maintenance. The wastewater goes into the tank, you flip on a switch, pour in the flocculant and that's it. Clean water is ready for reuse or discharge.

This wastewater treatment is the most simplistic way of removing oil, grease, metals and suspended solids, even if you you degreasers, unlike mechanical filtration. Also, the clay floc encapulates all the contaminates removed from the wastewater, rendering a Class II non hazardous solid waste.

Also, we can fit all of our equipment. two each pressure washers, heaters, vacuum recovery, including the wastewater treatment system on a 14-18' trailer.

Let me try to explain...

When Clay flocculant is added to the wastewater in dry form it creates multiple reactions when wetted. Most wastewater generated by pressure washing have suspended solids in them. These solids are made up of dirt, metal particles, and other contaminants. Metals in water can also be soluble and not in particulate form. If separation of suspended solids is the only treatment necessary, most of the mechanical treatment will be effective.

Bust, most of the time, when we pressure wash parking structures or like surfaces, we use degreasers, because it helps emulsify the the used motor oil, transmissions fluids, etc. that are on the surface being cleaned.

Most Mechanical systems fail if you use degreasers, because it causes the contaminates to go into solution, causing the treatment to fail.

Use of our one step based clay-based flocculant treatment systems streamline the wastewater treatment process by allowing removal of soluble metals, suspended solids and emulsified oils with a single chemical addition and and no pH adjustment. They do this by combining pH adjustment, polyelectrolytes, metal sals and collloidal clays in a single dry chemistry.

Clay-based materials have simplified wastewater treatment by maintaining the dry, blended components in a dormant state until they are added to the wastewater. When the clay floc is added to the wastewater and missed for just a few minutes, this dry, blended material packs a powerful punch.

The dry material undergoes a series of chemical reactions as it is mixed and wetted in the wastewater. First the acid component in the formula solubilizes to reduce pH in the wastewater and break oils out of emulsion. Next, the cationic polymer attracts the free oils onto it. Folllowing this, the alkaline-based component in the formula solubilizes and preciptiates any metals in the waste stream. (remember, lead, cadmium zinc, mercury, etc. are all toxic to the enivronment and if you are recycling and reusing you wastewater through your system, it behooves you to remove the metal findings.)

The base component in the formula -sodium bentonite clay-has an overall negative charge, so it attracts the metal particles and coats the cationic polymer.

This starts a reaction that results in the contaminants being permanently affixed onto the clay flocculant. Once the flocculant is dewatered, the sludge will pass the U.S. EPA's Toxic Characteristic Leach PRocedure (TCLP) without no further treatment or conditioning. The treated water at this point meets sewer dishcarge standards and can be directed to the sewer or recyled to create a closed-lopp wastewater treatment system.

When designing transportable system, you need to consider the amount of space availalbe for wastewater treatment equipment. Most mechanical systems require a relatively large amount of floor space because separation of solids from water is accomplished over time. Tank size is based on flow rate, and tanks have to be large enoughto allow sufficient time for solids to separate out of the wastewater.

Our clay floc system treatment is done in a single reaction tank, mounted directly over a gravity indiexing fliter bed and clean water collection tank and takes up minimal floor space.

Other factors in your selection will be based on environmental regulations in your area. We are in California and wastewater, as well as solid waste management can vary through out the State. Before selecting your wastewater treatment system, investigate local sewer discharge limits, landfill requirements and wastewater permitting procedures. You may find out that you need to treat for metals that you didn't realize were in your wastewater. The landfill may require resulting sludge to pass a free water test, or may also require the sludge to pass TCLP testing.

Before you buy any wastewater treatment system, be sure to do your research. Bench-scale testing of the wastewater, and detailed analysis before and after treatment from a qualified laboratory, can help you determine how effective any given treatment is for removing contaminants from you wastewater and also how will tell you how effective the treatment is. Ask for independent lab testing results for the wastewater and solid waste from your potential supplier before you make a decision to purchase.

Now, lets address, C02 air emissions and gas/energy consumption/cost

First C02 emissions...

Here in California, the Air Quality Control Agencies hired 1,700 individuals that began inspections in January. Small engines are being scrutinized for meeting air quaility emissions standards. The problem is that small gas engines put out C02 emissions equal to 40 cars, because there are not pollution control equipment included on these systems, such as a catalytic converter.

This monitoring crew go onto job sites without notice bringing air emission testing machines. For instance, if a landscape crew is on a job site, they will arrive without notice to test their lawn mowers and leaf blowers. If the equipment does not meet the air emissions standards, they confiscate it! Seems odd, I know. You would think they would nip it in the bud at the manufacturer. One of our dealers told us about this, because he said they also come to his shop and test the equipment they are selling.

So, the new systems we have made eliminate 4 gas engines, replaced with a 3 point heat exchange system that operates on propane. C02 emissions have been reduced by 75%. Much safer for our workers, because they are not enhaling all those fumes and a lot less maintenance taking care of all the heaters/boilers/engines.

Gas/Energy Consumption

The flip good side of removing all those gas engines is that our fuel/energy cost is reduced by over $1,000./month!

And....better yet, everything fits on a 14' trailer.

[Jim Gamble]

The wastewater treatment system you describe appears to be very complex and outdated.

Our one step batch treatment system that we have been using since 1996 is done in a single tank, utilzing clay based flocculates and only takes only minutes to clean the wastewater. It is the most simplistic way of removing oil, grease, metals and suspended solids, even if you you degreasers, unlike mechanical filtration. Also, the clay floc encapulates all the contaminates removed from the wastewater, rendering a Class II non hazardous solid waste.

Let me try to explain...

When Clay flocculant is added to the wastewater in dry form it creates multiple reactions when wetted. Most wastewaters generated by pressure washing have suspended solids in them. These solids are made up of dirt, metal particles, and other contaminants. Metals in water can also be soluble and not in particulate form. If separation of suspended solids is the only treatment necessary, most of the mechanical treatment will be effective.

Most of the time, when we pressure wash parking structures or like surfaces, we use degreasers, because it helps emulsify the the used motor oil, transmissions fluids, etc. that are on the surface being cleaned.

Most Mechanical systems fail if you use degreasers, because it causes the contaminates to go into solution, causing the treatment to fail.

Use of our clay-based flocculant treatment systems streamline the wastewater treatment process by allowing removal of soluble metals, suspended solids and emulsified oils with a single chemical addition and and no pH adjustment. They do this by combining pH adjustment, polyelectrolytes, metal sals and collloidal clays in a single dry chemistry.

Clay-based materials have simplified wastewater treatment by maintaining the dry, blended components in a dormant state until they are added to the wastewater. When the clay floc is added to the wastewater and missed for just a few minutes, this dry, blended material packs a powerful punch.

The dry material undergoes a series of chmical reactions as it is mixed and wetted in the wastewater. First the acid component in the formula solubilizes to reduce pH in the wastewater and break oils out of emulsion. Next, the cationic polymer atracts the ree oils onto it. Folllowing this, the alkaline-based component in the formula solubilizes and preciptiates any metals in the waste stream. (remember, lead, cadmium zinc, mercury, etc. are all toxic to the enivronment)

The base component in the formula -sodium bentonite clay-has an overall negative charge, so it attracts the metal particles and coats the cationic polymer.

This starts a reaction that results in the contaminants being permanently affixed onto the clay flocculant. Once the flocculant is dewatered, the sludge will pass the U.S. EPA's Toxic Characteristic Leach PRocedure (TCLP) without no further treatment or conditioning. The treated water at this point meets sewer dishcarge standards and can be directed to the sewer or recyled to create a closed-lopp wastewater treatment system.

When designing your mobile system, you need to consider the amount of space availalbe for wastewater treament equipment. Most mechanical systems require a relatively large amount of loor space because spearation of solids from water is accomplihsed over time. Tank size is based on flow rate, and tanks have to be large enought to allow sufficient time for solids to separate out of the wastewater.

Our clay floc system treatment is done in a single reaction tank, mounted directly over a gravity indiexing fliter bed and clean water collection tank and takes up minimal floor space.

Other factors in your slection will be based on environmental regulations in your area. This will require investigation of local sewer discharge limits, landfill requirements and wastewater permitting procedures. You may find out that you need to treat for metals that you didn't realize were in your wastewater. The landfill may requiare resulting sludge to pass a free water test, or may also require the sludge to pass TCLP testing.

Before you buy any wastewater treatment system, be sure to do your research. Bench-scale testing of the wastewater, and detailed analysis before and after treatment from a qualified laboratory, can help you determine how effective any given treatment is for removing contaminants from you wastewater and also how will tell you how effective the treatment is. Ask for independent lab testing results for the wastewater and solid waste from your potential supplier before you make a decision to purchase.

Well Cathy, I am glad you follow my posts.

You are right in saying that cartridge filters are old school. You are also right in saying that there are other techniques that maybe better in filtration, such as Electrocoagulation units which is far superior then what you describe above.

All filtration units have their strengths and weakness. I am well aware of the system you describe above as most who have heard stories of the issues after they bought units with polymers as the primary chemical for filtration. However, there is a simple issue that you left out. When it comes to cationic polymers or any polymers, I do not know of ANY Sanitation District that will allow you to dump that stuff unchecked into their sewer lines. If you contaminate the stuff with oil, sludge, etc., you are now even in more of a pickle.

As far as Clay, CLAY IS HEAVY, and with contaminates inside the clay..... WOW. You pay by the pound to get rid of it.

A Class II landfill in Northern California only disposes or treats non hazardous waste. The landfill charges $18.00+ /- yard tipping fees for Class II land fill, non-leachable solids in the 20% moisture range. Non hazardous waste recyclers in Northern California charge processing fees from $0.45 - $3.00 per gallon depending on solids and / or hydrocarbon content. Hazardous waste tipping fees for F listed sludge in Northeastern Colorado range from $400 to $600 per yard.
Hauling charges are significant and may be more than the tipping fee. Hauling charges range from $55 to $70 per hour for short runs and $2.20 to $2.50 per loaded mile for runs over 100 miles for a 3,500 to 7,000 gallon (10 to 20 Yard) truck. In addition there is a $200 truck washing fee. Electrocoagulation vs. Chemical Coagulation . I do believe this is a few years old since the costs have tripled in some areas. ( There is an added charge for Polymers and or the standard landfill will not accept the stuff either once they know what is in the stuff. )

Polymers are nothing new. Been around a long time. They are messy, they are also somewhat difficult to get ride of.

I prefer to filter the particles to exceed any requirements for the next 15 years. I do not have to transport the waste to any " Special Location". This filter also takes the high pH and lowers it to 7.1 pH as well. And yes, we spent the $1,800 for lab tests that was required to dump into the Sanitation District's sewer lines.

We are also testing the unit to see if we can get down to 5 microns, even though it is designed to work at 40 GPM's.

Though you and I have bidded on a few jobs as competitors, those customers also ask about how you are getting rid of this stuff. As you know, you always come in with great pricing at 1/3 to 1/2 of our bids. To date, we have not lost a public / Government bid to any of our competitors. I believe this is do to our rep and experience in the Parking Garage Cleaning field.


Price is NOT the reason anymore for the choosing of a contractor in a Parking Garage Cleaning Contract.

[cparker]

Clay based flocculates are different than just plain polymers, even though one of the components of the formula is polymers. Clay based flocculates immediately and permenately encapsulate (lock up) all the contaminates, rendering a non leachable, non hazardous solid , Class II solid waste which we dispose of for $75.00 a ton, after we decant it by 50%. Yes, we manifest the waste. Clay based flocculants also removes 700 other contaminants whether we use degreaser or not. One step, within minutes, we have clean water ready for reuse or legal discharge.

Also, not sure where anyone would allow you to rinse a garage down at a rate of 80 gallons per minute to "the drain", particularly in drought stricken areas. Nothing but rain down the storm drain is Federal Law. Most parking structures we have cleaned only have storm drains in the floors, no interceptor system, nothing.

[cparker]

I'm not sure you understand the process of our wastewater treatment system, probably because I didn't describe the flocculation process. When you pour the clay based floc into the batch treatment tank, you turn on the mixer motor. Immediately all the solids, oil, grease metals, paints, PAH,s etc., attach to the clay based flocculant, creating a "floc" that kind of looks like big gray popcorn, which floats to the top of the tank. Takes about 3 minutes to separate out all the contaminates. Then we turn the mixer motor off and open the valve and the clean water and the sludge gravity flow down through a 15 micron filter media, where the sludge and the clean water separate. The clean water is ready for reuse or legal on site sewer dischage.

Solid Waste Management
Many times, particulary if is a job we are doing for the first time, we will have independent lab testing of the sludge to confirm to the local authorities and the customer that we generate a non hazardous, non leachable Class II solid waste. Many times it is less expensive to forget profiling and just incinerate the waste, eliminating any cradle to grave responsibility.

In alot of states, not California, the encapsulated sludge may be recyclable to seal coat companies.

If a job generates small amounts of non hazardous waste, we take it back, decant it, drum it up and accumulate it until we have enough to manifest and haul.

Regarding Electrocoagulation - Great for removing solids with magnetic properties, such as, particulate metals, which is the stronghold of this technology. The downside of the technology, just like all mechanical filtration, it does not remove the emulsified oils and dissolved solids (metals in solution)

[Adrian]

cparker, please go to your profile and complete your signature line so we know who we are talking to. House rules.
You clearly bring a wealth of knowledge and information.
Welcome to TGS.

[cparker]

Okay, I am a newbie..how do I provide a profile and signature. Instructions, please.

[Ron Musgraves]

So your saying this filter stuff is BS?

Or the overkill is, I know who you are. You might add your signature line in and it would lend a ton more credit on what your talking about.

Is that after you separate with that special product you use?

I'm not sure you understand the process of our wastewater treatment system, probably because I didn't describe the flocculation process. When you pour the clay based floc into the batch treatment tank, you turn on the mixer motor. Immediately all the solids, oil, grease metals, paints, PAH,s etc., attach to the clay based flocculant, creating a "floc" that kind of looks like big gray popcorn, which floats to the top of the tank. Takes about 3 minutes to separate out all the contaminates. Then we turn the mixer motor off and open the valve at the bottom of the tank where clean water drains over a filter media cloth to a holding tank for reuse or legal discharge to the on site sewer. The encapsulated non hazardous solid waste drains out over the filter media cloth and drains into the holding tank as well.

If we are doing a large parking structure, the crew just puts it all into a disposal bin, which is hauled by a licensed hauler. If it is a small job and generates small amounts of non hazardous waste, we take it back, decant it, drum it up and accumulate it until we have enough to haul. At a cost of $75.00 a ton, not bad.