Why Applying Band-Aids to Water Booster Systems Doesn't Work

There are many water booster systems in operation that are challenged to meet today’s requirements. As production areas expand, the ability of these systems to keep up with demand can be compromised, generally resulting in lower pressure and less effective cleaning.

When water booster systems aren't helping to clean as they should, companies resort to other tactics to get equipment and areas clean. But some of the band-aids applied to these situations can cause issues in other ways.

PORTABLE HIGH-PRESSURE CLEANING EQUIPMENT

In some cases, portable high-pressure cleaning equipment is added to deal with situations where the existing system cannot keep up. Hauling pressure washers around the plant can be inefficient and cumbersome for operators. They have to find a place to plug it in, pull the pump and motor around, and it’s much louder than a central system.

Obviously, pressure washers use electricity to function, so using them in addition to your central water booster system also results in an increase in energy usage.

OPERATOR WORKAROUNDS

When a system doesn’t generate enough pressure to effectively clean, the operator will find a way to make sure it gets clean. One of those ways is to remove the pressure wand nozzle.

Operators know that if the nozzle is removed, they’ll get more flow, and they will be able to get the area clean. On the backside of that, however, your water usage skyrockets.

HELP! I’M USING THESE BAND-AIDS!

If you’ve noticed these band-aids being applied to your water pressure booster system, it may be time to upgrade or replace it. Workarounds that allow you to run a booster pump or system that doesn’t help you meet your cleaning and sanitizing goals is ok in the short term, but it’s not a long-term strategy.

Take a closer look at your current system’s capacity and the demands your facility puts on it. Do a complete evaluation, understanding the procedures that occur, and what their needs are under normal operating conditions. Think about future expansions. Right-sizing your water booster equipment to meet the demands of your operation today will help you avoid pressure problems tomorrow.

Not getting enough pressure from your water booster? Ask us about it! We’ll help you find a solution that’s right for your facility and process.