Guide to water and recycle systems for car wash water
It's much easier to explain over the phone or on a site visit but we can cover the basics here, bearing in mind the typical issues we experience on such sites.
It is important to consider that each site and their circumstances are very different from another, and most systems have to be specified on a bespoke basis.
Firstly in order to conform with EA regulations, the wash bay should be an impermeable surface surrounded by a kerb. Water from the wash bay would need to be collected into a central point. It is normally advisable to have a silt trap which acts both as a collection point and also helps with the settlement of silt and solids. The wash bay structure itself would normally be provided by a civil contractor.
1] Recycling Plant
We have several options of machines that recycle water, the difference is entirely based on the volumes of water and the nature of the water. This can be easily worked out by looking at how many cars you wash, and for how long. Also any COSHH or Data sheets would help so that we could calculate the type of machine you would need.
2] Housing
Any reclaim needs housing in a frost free and protective environment. Typical reclaims have a foot print from 1x1M to 3x1M depending on the site. We can use steel or GRP housings or a building of your own. It's common for the high pressure washer etc to be all put in the same place and so housings tend to be 3 x 3M or 3 x 4M.
3] Interceptor
The main issue for you to consider is the interceptor. An interceptor to suit a reclaim can be at least 3 cubic metres. This would take up a car park space unless you could install this underground. The interceptor is necessary before reclaiming the water as we firstly need to settle the water, and condition it prior to recycling.
4] Drainage
We need to also be sure at this stage if your site has a mains foul drain or not. If not (and it's only a surface drain) then you need to be aware that you cannot discharge waste water including car wash water to a surface drain.
5] Overflow
The remaining issue then is too much water (if the car wash is not covered). If there is a possibility of excess rain water falling onto the wash pad then we have to allow for this with maybe an overflow tank, if there is no foul drain to discharge to.
6] Cost
Once we have determined all of the above, we can provide a budget cost, which may vary from site to site.
Based on the above, it would always be best to speak to one of our technical advisors who can advise you further, or email us at info@morclean.co.uk. Alternatively, call us here on free phone 0800 1300 402.