APG’s Role in Car Wash Water Reclaims

In car washes, water reclaim is an important tool in everyday operations. Industrial sensors are important for managing the water levels inside the underground tanks. At Automation Products Group, Inc. (APG), we provide several industrial sensors that assist with this process.

What is Water Reclaim?

Water reclaim is the systematic collection and treatment of wastewater so that it can be recycled. Wastewater in car washes contain materials such as salt, oil, and grease that can cause environmental damage. By treating the wastewater coming from normal operations and removing contaminants from the water, car washes can recycle their water and become more environmentally friendly. With a water reclaim system in place, car washes can significantly lower their freshwater demand and consumption. Sewer costs also drop, as the water isn’t disposed of after initial use. These cost-saving benefits, along with the environmental benefits, are another way water reclaim is appealing to car washes.

Car Washes and Water Reclaim

Water reclaimed inside a car wash can’t be immediately used in the wash: it must be cleaned and filtered first. Here are the steps through the water reclaim process:

1. Contaminated water from the wash bays is collected.
2. Solid waste is separated from the water.
3. The water is run through a filter system, further removing solid contaminants.
4. The water is then disinfected and stored, ready for use in the car wash.

Using Industrial Sensors in Water Reclaim

Industrial level sensors are important in tank level management, and water reclaim in car washes requires several tanks. It’s important to monitor and record the amount of liquid inside each tank. Valves, alarms, and pumps can be triggered by the sensor when the liquid reaches certain levels. Real-time monitoring assists in inventory management while at the same time prevents tanks from overflowing or running too low.

Ultrasonic Level Sensors in Water Reclaim

Ultrasonic level sensors are great in water reclaim applications. They bring non-contact, precise measurement readings for tanks, and their smaller design allows them to fit into tight areas. They’re also resistant to certain environmental conditions, such as chemical exposure and humidity.

In reclaim storage tanks, these sensors can be configured with NPN trip points that can trigger a pump to start or shut off at your pre-defined level. You can also integrate the sensors with a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system to see real time tank levels and trigger complex automations.

Float Level Sensors in Water Reclaim

Float level sensors are another excellent choice for water reclaim. They measure the levels of water, chemicals, and other liquids inside holding tanks. They aren’t bothered by vapor or foam.

Float switches are great for determining the level in tanks, as they only use a float that moves up and down with the liquid. A switch is triggered when the liquid level reaches a certain point. They can prevent tanks from overflowing by triggering alarms or pumps when the liquid in the tank reaches a certain capacity. These sensors can be integrated with a control system to trigger activity at specific levels. Their low cost is also a bonus.

Continuous float level transmitters are also commonly used in liquid-based measurement applications. They use floats that move up and down a stem. As electrical pulses travel down the wire inside the stem, they interact with the magnets inside the floats, and it results in a return signal to the transmitter. This identifies where the float is and the level of the liquid surface. These sensors are great for a tank that’s filling more rapidly than an ultrasonic or radar level sensor can track.

With float level sensors and ultrasonic level sensors, tank monitoring for water reclaim has never been easier. At APG, we offer a wide variety of these industrial level sensors for your car wash water reclaim operation. For more information, reach out to APG today to get started!