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If you’re an owner of a carwash business or something similar, you should know by now that it’s your duty to maintain proper collection and treatment of wastewater and stormwater runoff from your washdown areas. This isn’t only logical but it’s also a legal mandate from the government.
Business owners who are found to violate local environmental laws are bound to face heavy fines or prosecution. It’s therefore imperative for businesses to install appropriate and quality washdown systems like the best first flush system or the automated washdown type.
Both of these have the capability to effectively capture the polluted portion of the runoff and take it to where it’s supposed to undergo treatment. Although both systems serve the same purpose with utter efficiency, there’s only a slight difference between the two. To show how one physically differs from the other, it’s best to present their respective features.
How First Flush System Differs from the Automated Washdown Type
First Flush System
The first flush, most particularly the FF600 diversion system, comes with the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). Such a special design feature enables the system to program and control the collection of stormwater runoff seamlessly up to a volume of 2000L on standard systems and then diverts the first flush volume when it starts to rain.
It’s in the ‘first flush’ that all the loose contaminants like chemicals, debris, oil, detergent and so on, are contained. Upon treatment, the possibility of pollutants entering into the stormwater network is extensively reduced.
In addition, the versatility of this diversion type makes it possible to be utilised in different applications, thanks to the PLC. Likewise, too big wash areas that are difficult to clean using a hose after every washdown application are best suited for first flush. Most importantly, clean stormwater released through the system is the one that’s being used during the hose-cleaning.
Automated Washdown Type
This washdown system plays a crucial role at the onset of the water recycling chain. Although initial investment costs could be a bit higher, the investment is worth it, not only for the current times but also for the years to come.
Since these devices were specifically designed to divert and help store washdown wastewater which then goes through treatment and recycling, an apt name was given to them – Washdown Diversion Systems.
Computerised systems, for instance, the DD600, has the ability to sense a washdown activity and when it does, its diversion valve opens automatically to divert wastewater and runoff either for storage or treatment. The core of the DD600 is the Fox demand valve responsible for sending the signal towards the collection pit for the opening and closing of the valve.
Obviously, its advantage is that washdown operations are done continuously and effortlessly. That’s why it’s ideal for use in sites where a large number of vehicles are being serviced.
All of these environment-friendly diversion systems and treatment equipment could help you a lot in your business. While making you obedient to the law, you also save money in the long run.