Cold Water Wrap

As mentioned in yesterday's blog, "Hot water vs. cold water pressure washer,"

our coil actually forms the combustion chamber with no troublesome insulation, and no hot chambers.

When incoming cold water flows through the cold water wrap, it picks up heat as the coil forms the wall. The water is preheated 40 degrees to 80 degrees prior to the heating portion of the coil. This provides greater fuel efficiency, less fuel used, and less operating costs. The even spirals allow better air flow which in turn provides better combustion and greater fuel effeciency.

Hot water vs. cold water pressure washers

Depending on what you are cleaning and how fast you want to get the job done will determine whether you should get a hot or cold water pressure washer.  If you need to clean grease or oil, hot water will do a better job of breaking down the grime. Hot water can decrease cleaning time and help detergents and chemical cleaners work better. They also sanitize in areas where bacteria is a problem.

Hot water power washers typically do cost more. Hot water units heat the water using a heating coil, and this component is complex. Make sure the coil on the unit has at least 1/2" inner diameter. A narrower coil could become lined up with build-up, reducing the pressure of the machine. The coil should also be spiral wound with even spacing to prevent soot build up, which interferes with combustion.

On Alkota pressure washers, the coil actually forms the combustion chamber, so there is no troublesome insulation. The even coil spirals also allow adequate air flow, improving combustion and fuel efficiency.

   

Units of cleaning power

What's more important, PSI or GPM?

It's actually the combination of the two (units of power) that determine the size of machine you should get.  The measurement units of cleaning power is an easy way to rate pressure washers. To determine the units of cleaning power for a machine, multiply the PSI by the GPM (PSI x GPM). This calculation helps you compare different washers, to determine which one is most powerful. The higher the number, the more powerful the pressure washer.

For example, let's say you are considering one washer with 2 GPM and 3000 PSI and another washer with 4 GPM and 2000 PSI. Which is better? The units of cleaning power on the first washer are 6,000, while the second unit has 8,000 cleaning units. The second machine is more powerful and will likely be the best choice for your needs.

Units of Cleaning Power

GPM        PSI     Units of Cleaning Power

2.0          1600                 3,200

3.0          1100                 3,300

3.0          2000                 6,000

4.0          1800                 7,200

4.0          3000                 12,000

4.8          1800                 8,640

5.0          3000                 15,000

July 4th Parade Float

Here's our July 4th, 2013 parade float in Blooming Prairie, MN

This is an animation used in Alkota's service school to help educate people on how the head of a triplex plunger pump is assembled/disassembled.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5kNpVuBoAA&feature=c4-overview-vl&list=PLKaGYY0CshvrE2m2tl6OxGWZMtFjH9JvD

Unloader valve breakdown

Here's Alkota's unloader valve breakdown video.

See how the unloader valve is put together and the many different parts involved. The unloader valve is one of the key components for regulating pressure.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp8l_Dv8DXs&list=PLKaGYY0CshvrE2m2tl6OxGWZMtFjH9JvD

Spray tip patterns

Check out Alkota's video on spray tip patterns.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlHQr8afH9s