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Rotary pump vs. Flojet

S

slash007

Well-known member
I currently have rotary Procon/Vane pumps for all low pressure functions at my washes, but as I have been shopping for a new pump stand, I see that a lot of companies are using FloJet pumps for low pressure. Is one better than the other?
 
The Procon setup is more reliable IMO, but the FloJet is cheap and very easy to replace with the quick-change bracket. I just changed one Friday, took me less than a minute. They need to be protected from high pressure backing up and must have clean, dry air supply, and you have to use Viton pumps on harsh chemicals, and covering all that they will last 3-5 years even with it dead-headed against the solenoids. A Procon will last longer and can make more pressure but it costs at least three times as much for the pump and motor together.
 
20 years ago we were having problems with the longevity of the Flo-Jet pumps on the Tire cleaner/Presoak. We installed our first Procon pump then and have never gone back to the Flo-Jet pumps on the Tire Cleaner/Presoak. In the 20 years that they’ve been installed I’ve replaced 1 $90.00 Procon pump head. I wonder how many Flo-Jet pumps I would have replaced in the last 20 years.

The reason equipment manufactures use the Flo-Jet pumps is to make there equipment less expensive and more attractive to the buyer. The cheaper the better right, at least that’s what some operators think.
 
Thanks for the posts guys. I have only replaced one procon head in almost 9 years, so they have been very reliable. Replaced only one motor as well, but it was 20 years old at least. I figured it might be a cost savings to go with flojet over procon. I would much rather pay more now and have less worries later.
 
Procon Rotary Pump Clamp Style Model 102A100F11XX at one wash, not sure what' being used at the other. It's whatever comes with the Coleman Super Saver, I never changed them.
 
I previously was having serious aggravation with the flo-jets. I was sending multiple units back under KR 16 month warranty. They were being covered, but they always failed when busy. As a last straw before changing to procons, I added a point of use provider filter (PUP) at one location. (KR part # REA425- $159.50) This has made all the difference in the world. I have not had to change a flo-jet since adding it. So I put them at all locations. It requires a $66 yearly element change, but is well worth it.

So, I would recommend the flo-jets as long as you get the filter; mostly for the reason MEP said: Easy, quick change out. And all my attendants can do it.

As a side note to flo-jets-- I have an A-OK pump stand from 1997 that has 2 of the original 4 flo-jets on it--when they were made in the U.S.A. They are now made in China.
 
Looks like the price went up to $240.. What does that do exactly? Do you just install it near the compressor so that everything that needs air benefits?
 
We still have a few Flo-Jet pumps on the Foam brush system. They seemed to fail mostly on the Tire Cleaner and Presoak system. We don’t use any filters or water separators on our air compressor or air supply, moisture in the air has never been an issue, the humility today is 88%.
 
washnvac said:
I added a point of use provider filter (PUP) at one location. (KR part # REA425- $159.50) This has made all the difference in the world.
Click to expand...

So is that product just an oil / water separator? Or did you already have an oil / water separator installed and you also added this?
 
Randy said:
We still have a few Flo-Jet pumps on the Foam brush system. They seemed to fail mostly on the Tire Cleaner and Presoak system. We don’t use any filters or water separators on our air compressor or air supply, moisture in the air has never been an issue, the humility today is 88%.
Click to expand...

At one wash, moisture is a huge problem. I blame it for most of my issues with mac valves an regulators. I do have an auto drain on the compressor and also drain it manually daily, but there is always water in the lines. Air is used for so many things there, I don't know if one of the PUP's would even help.
 
slash007 said:
At one wash, moisture is a huge problem.
Click to expand...

So you do not have any oil / water separator installed? Everyone sells them.... it seems like that is what this is also? You can purchase them at almost any price point.


Maybe you need an air dryer?
http://m.northerntool.com/categories/shop~tools~category_air-compressor-accessories+air-compressor-dryers/products
 
Last edited:
slash007 said:
I do have oil/water separators installed in various areas, but it doesn't seem to be enough.
Click to expand...

Maybe you have a different problem? Try turning off the air compressor auto drain for a day. I have a feeling your air compressor will fill up with a certain low pressure chemical. Then you can troubleshoot from there.
 
From the ingersoll rand website regarding the pup:
A Point-of-Use Provider (PUP) is a 3-in-1 solution for the bottom of a compressed air drop.
In one compact unit, the PUP is a filter, automatic drain, and manifold for multiple
distribution. PUP incorporates a high efficiency 1-micron coalescing filter, which will
remove solid particles, moisture, and oil contamination leaving the air clean and your
system protected. PUP’s unique design provides the solution for condensate removal and
multiple outlet connections all in one compact unit. From a 1" female top entry connection,
up to four outlet connections can be made to PUP. Two 1/2" ports and two 3/8" ports are
positioned around the head of the unit allowing for any piping configuration.

What I can tell you, is that the flo-jet failures have stopped with this unit installed just before the pumps.
 
lilb93 said:
I would purchase a refrigerated air dryer. you can find the on craigslist for 3 to 8 hundred. We have a larger one for 40cfm, in our service garage. Never a drop of water in the lines, The air tools now last a lot longer.
https://reading.craigslist.org/tls/5531578259.html It is not my air dryer.
Click to expand...

WOW.... Thanks! I recommend using an air dryer for his air compressor.... now I want to call someone Monday to try and purchase an air compressor and dryer. LOL :)

washnvac said:
What I can tell you, is that the flo-jet failures have stopped with this unit installed just before the pumps.
Click to expand...

I did read about the product and the auto drain seems nice but I never get that much in my trap. (Our humidity average is 77% apparently.)
http://www.usa.com/birmingham-al-weather.htm

I believe sometimes a check valve could cause the same symptoms? All this auto draining would mask the problem.
 
The moisture that accumulates in the compressor tank has almost no bearing on how much air gets into the lines (unless you let the tank get full of water up to the outlet).
 
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