What can be cooked from squid: quick and tasty

A foam generator for foam concrete is needed to foam ordinary concrete and thereby change its structure and improve thermal insulation properties, reduce density and weight.

The modified material can be used to make building blocks of different configurations or to fill structures using formwork.

Foam concrete production - mix composition

Building materials are obtained with different strengths depending on the proportions of the components that make up:

1. Portland cement is needed as a binder.
2. Medium and fine sand should be ¾ quartz and less than 3% impurity level.
3. For foaming, you need a foaming agent, synthetic or natural.
4. Water.

For the manufacture of 907 kg of raw foam concrete mixture with a density of 800 kg / m³ you will need:

• 420 kg of sand;
• 320 kg of cement;
• 140 liters of water in solution;
• 1.2 kg of foam concentrate.

The composition of the material may differ depending on the purpose. For the first row, you can make more durable and heavier products. For top rows lighter and less heat-conducting blocks are suitable.

DIY foaming agent

The cooking process is time-consuming and labor-intensive, so it makes sense if you plan to produce a large enough amount of building material.

Foaming agent composition

To make foam for the production of foam blocks with your own hands, you will need a solution from:

• wood glue - 0.06 kg;
• rosin - 1 kg;
• caustic soda (caustic soda) - 0.15 kg.

How to do it at home

Stages of making a foaming agent at home:

1. Make glue. 1:10 pour water over dry pieces of glue and leave for 24 hours to swell. Then you need to heat the water with glue, constantly stirring, up to + 60 ° C. When a homogeneous mass is obtained, the composition is ready.
2. To get the lather as a result, you need a rosin soap. To do this, you need to boil the soda and add the previously crushed resin to the boiling water. To dissolve the rosin, you will need to cook the mixture for about 2 hours.
3. The resulting compositions are mixed in a 1: 6 ratio. Rosin soap should be poured into the glue solution.

For further work, in order to obtain a high-density (80 g / dm³) foam, you will need a generator. To visually check its suitability, you can fill the bucket and turn it over. The foam structure must remain in place.

A composition lower in density will reduce the quality of concrete and concrete products.

Making a foam generator

Before making a foam generator, you need to study the principle of its operation:

1. The generator is supplied with a mixture of foaming agent and water, as well as compressed air forced by a compressor or pump.
2. In the device, they are mixed and accelerated due to a decrease in the flow diameter in the nozzle or Laval nozzle. V home version- metal mesh (for cleaning dishes in the kitchen).
3. After passing through the mesh structure and filling with air, the mixture foams.

3 knots

The foam generator includes the following main subsystems:

1. Feeder. In its capacity, for example, a modified gas bottle used, filled with a foaming agent, which is supplied for conversion.
2. Dosing module. It regulates the flow, which means the density of the foam and the characteristics of the final solution - the brand of concrete products.
3. Converting device. In it, foam is obtained from water, air and a foaming agent.

Scheme

It is necessary to include in the device diagram:

• dosing module, most often consisting of valves that regulate the amount of foaming mixture and air;
• tee or mixing chamber;
• Laval nozzle or jet;
• foam cartridge.

There are more complex variations of the schemes, including the container, pipes and hoses, the compressor unit, as well as additional converter designs - a diffuser, a check valve with a suction pipe, a docking flange and a weight.

Assembly - drawing

To assemble the installation, you will need precise drawings of the device indicating the dimensions, diameters and threads, on which all parts of the structure are visible in section.

On the assembly drawing, depending on the type of device used, the following should be presented:

1. Shut-off valve that controls the solution supply.
2. The valve with which the foam density is adjusted (the amount of concentrate and water).
3. Air pressure regulating valve.
4. Coupling.
5. Mixing chamber.
6. Nozzle (washer) 10 mm in diameter.
7. Foam cartridge.
8. "Ruff" with mesh washer and threaded connection.

Manufacturing

The density of the foam and other indicators of its quality depend on the choice of design and the correct assembly of the generator, which must ensure accurate mixing of the construction mixture, water and air.

You will need materials and tools:

• valves for regulation and locking;
• plastic or metal pipe;
• flexible hoses;
• compressor or pump;
• mesh;
• container or metal sheet;
• tees;
• specially turned elements, for example, a Laval nozzle;
• container (ready-made cylinder) or sheet of metal for manufacturing;
• diagram and drawings.

Mixing chamber manufacturing

You will need to take the prepared pipe and weld 2 pipes to it:

1. Air is most often supplied from the end.
2. The emulsion of the foaming concentrate is connected at a 90 ° angle, and in some designs an angle of 45 ° is used.

To make a more reliable device, 2 cranes are mounted in each of the nozzles (side and end):

• adjusting - to change the amount, pressure, delivery head;
• shut-off, allowing, if necessary, to completely block the flow.

2 valves are set so that after making the settings for the quality of the foam, they do not knock them down every time the device is turned off or the supply is stopped.

The nozzle for the mixture is made more air by 20%.

Making a foam cartridge

To exit the finished mixture, a special branch pipe is welded to the 2nd pipe blank.

To limit the rate of foam release, a diffuser - a funnel is made in the branch pipe.

The transformation of the mixture into foam is carried out using filters in the form of nets. In home constructions, ready-made filters are used or cheaper, but not less effective option, - nets, which are made for cleaning kitchen utensils.

You need to take metal wire mesh and fill the pipe with them along the entire length, making it as tight as possible.

The mesh washer, installed at the outlet of the cartridge (in the "Ruff"), serves to prevent pieces of wire from the mesh from getting into the foam.

As a housing for a foam cartridge, you can use plastic pipes manufactured for sewer systems. Often the end "Ruff" is not used, but various restraints are placed to prevent the nets from falling out.

Mixing chamber and foam cartridge

The foam cartridge must be connected to the end with the mixing chamber. Between them is placed a washer jet or Laval nozzle, which serve to increase the speed of the mixture through the foam generator.

The use of a nozzle increases the useful action systems by 30-40%. Self-made Laval nozzles fit round metal plates with many small holes.

The jet version is cheaper, easier to find and install, and can be used as a temporary measure. It, like the Laval nozzle, is placed in front of the foam cartridge after the mixing chamber (tee).

• hole diameter in the center - 10 mm;
• the outlet diameter relative to the depth is made 3: 1;
• the ratio of inlet diameter to depth must be greater than 30 mm (1: 1).

The optimal dimensions of the foam cartridge, which is made for the production of up to 500 liters of foam, are 600-800 mm in length and 50-80 mm in diameter. For smaller volumes (up to 200 liters), the diameter of the cartridge is 30-40 mm.

Compressor connection

The foam concrete unit includes a compressor, which can be of any design, but with a pressure of about 6 atmospheres.

To adjust the latter, it is better to use a pressure gauge, a pressure reducing valve and a receiver.

If the capacity of the foam generator is a 200 liter tank, then instead of a compressor, a pump with a pressure of 2-3 atmospheres can be used.

Tank connection

It is customary to install the container on a frame with wheels for easy movement on the object. It is connected to the side nozzle using a flexible hose through which the foam concentrate emulsion enters the mixing chamber.

For the production of a large volume of product, a small additional pump is connected to the tank, which contributes to a more efficient supply of the emulsion. But often the system is left running by gravity.

During installation, all parts of the foam concentrate must be connected securely and tightly. For this, gaskets, sealing couplings, Fum tape, etc. are used.

A self-made foam generator for foam concrete will cost less than one bought in a store. The blocks made from the foam he produced will not differ in quality.

A foam generator is a device that is actively used in many areas. For example, car owners use it for non-contact car wash. The main task of the apparatus is to form foam by creating pressure. To buy such a device for use is the desire of many, but the foam generator is very expensive, and not everyone can afford it. It's another matter if you make a foam generator with your own hands.

Structurally, the foam generator is very similar to a conventional sprayer, the basic circuit is almost identical. But there is one caveat that the foam generator is a high pressure equipment.

The main components of this equipment are:

• balloon (from 25 to 100 l);
• mixer;
• a gun;
• hose.

Large equipment with a large balloon capacity can be mounted on the transfer cart for easy movement.

Since the equipment operates under high pressure, cylinders are made of stainless steel or metal with an integral anti-corrosion coating. In some industrial versions, a straight ruler is installed on the cylinder, which makes it possible to control the flow and timely filling.

The foam transformer cannot work on its own. The normal operating pressure for the foam generator is 5 - 6 bar. For control, a pressure gauge is installed in the tank, pressure control is performed by the existing pressure regulator.

Purpose and principle of operation

Foam guns are very popular. They are used at technological service stations, in the fire, pharmaceutical and food industries.

The active composition of the foam contributes to excellent cleaning:

• production equipment;
• road transport;
• premises after renovation;
• swimming pools.

The action of the foam is aimed at cleaning the surface, removing dirt, and disinfecting.

The main component of the device is the so-called foaming tablet. In fact, this is a lattice with a small mesh, closed in several layers and made of corrosion-resistant wire. It is defined in a housing mounted on a cylinder. And it is connected to the supply hose. This tablet ensures that the fine grain foam is delivered at a high frequency.

And then the foam goes to the gun, which is applied to the plane. This hand gun is equipped with a flow regulator, which makes it possible to set the parameters of the jet.

Do-it-yourself washing machine

Considering the hardware system, you will notice that the main component is an expandable tablet, which can be purchased separately. This means that you can make a homemade foam generator without any problems. The easiest way to make a contactless device is to take an ordinary sprayer as a base and recycle it a little.

Thus, you need:

• stabilizer;
• two half-inch drills and nuts for them;
• check valve;
• air duct;
• foam and adapter;
• metal tube.

It is worth considering one of simple designs foam generator, which can be made from improvised means. It is important to follow the instructions.

Work order:

• it is necessary to disconnect the valve and the connecting hose from the sprayer;
• insert bushings into the holes and fix them with nuts on both sides and with gaskets;
• install a pipe on one of the actuators so that it almost reaches the bottom of the tank, a check valve and an air supply connection;
• on the second disk adapter;
• the pump must be cushioned as needed.

It remains only to connect the hose to the outlet. Thus, the product is ready. The device is not as convenient to work with as with the factory equipment, but it is acceptable.

For washing you will need:

• fill the container with a cleaning solution by 2/3;
• connect the compressor and supply air to the cylinder (it is important to monitor the pressure and not exceed the norms);
• after opening the spray valve, the air squeezes out the solution, passes it through the tablet, and at the exit the foam is of quite acceptable quality.

Among the disadvantages of the foam generator, one can single out the need for periodic pumping of pressure, since the controller does not have a regulator. There is also no exhaust flow regulation.

But the described design can always be improved by installing additional equipment to eliminate the disadvantages and improve the usability of the foam generator.

The apparatus from a plastic canister

This method is even easier than the previous one. It makes it possible to collect a foam source for cleaning from appliances with minimal cost. Not much is needed for the product. It is not difficult to make a foaming agent for washing with your own hands.

This only requires:

• set of wrenches;
• Bulgarian;
• gun;
• plastic containers;
• nozzles;
• compressor;
• flushing hoses.

It is necessary to take a tube 70 cm long. Both ends must be closed with special plugs. The plugs must be fitted over the threaded holes.

On one of the plugs of the foam generator, you need to put an adapter in the form of the letter T. On the second, fix the connection. Connect the hoses to the 2 outlets of the T-adapter. Do not forget about the stopcocks.

One arm of the foam generator for washing will lead to the reservoir of liquid, and the other to the compressor. This kind of method makes it possible to compose a generator at home with your own hands at the lowest cost.

In case include homemade foam generator for washing a car for the first time, you need to supply plain water with a small amount of dye. This will help identify weaknesses in the structure, if any.

Alternative tank view

When assembling a foam generator with your own hands, choosing the right reservoir is of particular importance. Simple ways were pictured earlier. There is another option.

Making a foam generator for a car wash with your own hands will not be difficult. To form a foam generator with your own hands for washing a car from a propane cylinder, you must use welding. It is necessary to weld all the old holes and make 2 new ones: one at the bottom point of the end, the second in the middle. Weld pipes with fittings.

Both collet adapters and couplings can be used. The main thing is that this self-made component of the foam generator installation can withstand the pressure that is generated by the compressor.

For the greatest convenience, the hatch can be made for the foam generator. The container must be completely airtight. The lower tank connection connects directly to the compressor, the upper connection connects to the atomizer. As you can see, the principle of switching on the tank from a propane cylinder is the same. However, the period of work and reliability are many times higher.

Output

Creating a device like a foam generator for a Karcher washing with your own hands takes time and effort. However, the result fully compensates for all costs. Now any car wash will be practically free.

Contactless washing for many car owners it is a luxury, as they spend up to 300 rubles. at the next washing of the car, not everyone will allow himself. Buy a mini-sink, spending up to 15 thousand rubles. also not many are solved.

But to afford a foam generator for washing with your own hands from a sprayer, spending minimal funds, it is quite possible by making it yourself from old sprayers and a few simple parts. Such a foaming agent will provide a constant, almost free, but fast and effective car wash at home.

Principle of operation

The main purpose of the foam generator is the formation of foam from shampoo and water, which, after generation, is evenly distributed over the surface.

The sprayer as a foam generator is based on mixing two foaming components under the pressure of compressed air and supplying the foam to the surface.

In practice, this is done by mixing water and detergent in a container, compressed air pushes the solution through the foam pellet to form a dense active foam.

For more information about the operation of the foam generator from the sprayer, see the video:

Necessary materials

For effective work future foam generator, the purchase of expensive components, as well as the use of new parts and devices are not necessary. When making a device with your own hands, you will need the following parts and materials:

• container from a garden sprayer. For this, containers from sprayers, garden, as well as the "Quasar" or "" models are suitable.

• For these models, the pump or pump is dismantled;
• pressure gauge with a scale up to 10 atm;
• one-way air check valve nipple. two 0.5-inch squeegees with four nuts and gaskets;
• a tap that regulates the supply of foam;
• metal tube and;
• reinforced hose that can withstand pressure up to 8 atmospheres;
• hose adapter;
• clamps for connecting fittings with hoses;
• foam tablet.

When selecting materials, the first thing to do is determined with a container that can withstand pressure up to 6 atmospheres. Undamaged tank garden sprayer is quite suitable for these requirements. You can buy a foam tablet at a store or make it yourself.

The basis of the functioning of the foam generator from the Beetle sprayer is a metal mesh, which is easy to make from a metal brush intended for washing dishes, or a tightly knit lump of fishing line.

Safety engineering

When making a foam generator, it must be borne in mind that the container in the sprayer can withstand pressure up to 4-5 atm... When injecting air into it, it is imperative to follow the pressure gauge reading or control the pressure with a relief valve.

Do not use the device for other purposes by pouring toxic or flammable substances into the container.

How to make a foam generator from a sprayer with your own hands? If you used to make your own for a snow blower, did it, assemble it with your own hands or for a walk-behind tractor, then it will not be difficult for you to make a foam generator yourself from a sprayer.

If the necessary parts and parts are available, the foam generator is assembled in the following order:

• in the container from the sprayer the hand pump is removed and holes are jammed;
• A pair of squeegees, 1.27 cm (0.5 in) in diameter, are installed at the top of the tank. The parts are fastened with nuts on both sides, and their tightness is achieved using gaskets;
• a T-shaped adapter is placed on the squeegee for air supply, a pressure gauge and stop valve, and a tube is attached inside, with a length slightly less than the height of the tank. This is necessary in order for the air to enter from below. Thanks to this, the liquid foams;
• the second squeegee is for the foam outlet. A tap, a foam tablet is installed on it, and for quick connection of the hose - easy removal. A metal tube is connected to the hose, and a nozzle or sprayer is connected to it. The foam maker is ready.

For automatic regulation of the pressure in the tank, the installation of fittings for air injection control in the form of a valve that releases excess atmospheres.

This frees the operator from constantly monitoring the pressure gauge when air is injected, and guarantees the safety of the device, excluding the possibility of a tank explosion under the influence of pressure.

Multifunctional high quality motor vehicles. He will help you in places where the snow is above the roof.

Motoblocks are a necessary tool for summer residents and farmers. get acquainted with the advantages of the Niva walk-behind tractor.

A home snow blower is a relatively low power device for domestic use. - that's what you need.

After checking the reliability of all connections and the tightness of the tank, water is poured into it through the neck in an amount of 2/3 of the total volume and concentrated shampoo is added according to the instructions (as a rule, this is up to 2 g / l of water). The neck is tightened securely and the outlet valve is closed.

By pump or compressor through a shut-off valve pump air to the required pressure. The hose with the nozzle is directed to the surface to apply the foam and slowly open the tap. Density of application can be adjusted with a nozzle or nozzle.

Conclusion

Self-assembly of the foam generator is quite simple, and does not require special knowledge and skills for this. The cost of making it will be 10-15 times lower than the factory device. To do this, you need to draw up a product diagram and a sequential action plan, as well as correctly select all the necessary materials.

When assembling the device, safety requirements must be taken into account: since the foam generator tank operates under pressure, its permissible value is controlled by a pressure gauge, and all parts and connections must be operable and reliably assembled.

Foam lance, foam kit, injector, and in some cases even a foam generator …

As soon as they do not call this small, but at the same time a very important device used for contactless car wash. And in order not to be confused with the definitions, let's name these devices here in the same way as the title of the article - foam nozzles.

In addition, it is necessary to immediately clarify that this material will focus exclusively on professional devices, i.e. foam lances for household car washes will not be considered. The fact is that most household foam nozzles are, to put it mildly, far from ideal, and their design and performance do not allow achieving the required results when foaming. In other words, the use of non-professional (household) foam lances, at a minimum, can lead to increased consumption of car shampoo and poor quality of washing.

The principle of operation of any foam nozzle is based on the ejection effect. If you do not go deep into physics and, in particular, into the laws of hydrodynamics, then we can say that the essence of the ejection effect is the transfer of energy from one medium moving at high speed to another. According to Bernoulli's law (the great physicist and mathematician Daniel Bernoulli - Wikipedia link), the flow of water inside the foam nozzle creates a reduced pressure of one medium in a narrowing section, which causes another medium to "suck" into it (washing solution from the cylinder), which is then transferred and removed from the place of absorption by the energy of the first medium.

To ensure the maximum cleaning effect, it is not enough to apply a liquid detergent mixture to the surface of the car, because, frankly, this could be done without resorting to a foam nozzle. However, practical experience shows that a much better result can be achieved when the detergent is applied in the form of a foam. To transfer the car shampoo from a liquid state to a foam, a special insert is provided in the design of the foam nozzle, popularly referred to as a "tablet". It is a small cylinder (diameter about 10 mm, height ~ 7 mm) of thin pressed wire made of of stainless steel... At the same time, between its fibers there are so-called "pores", passing through which the cleaning solution is converted from liquid to foam. Just in the foam that is applied to the car and provides a high-quality contactless body wash.

Rice. 1 foam tablet

The design of the foam nozzle also provides for a mechanical regulator of the detergent flow rate - a valve. Its function is to increase or decrease the nominal diameter of the water flow through the foam nozzle. If we go back a little and remember about the great physicist Bernoulli, due to whose law our device works, we can understand how exactly a change in the nominal bore diameter affects the consumption of autochemistry. With a minimum flow diameter (fully turned valve), the water flow rate is maximum, with a maximum (fully turned off valve) - minimum. According to Bernoulli's law, the higher the flow rate, the more liquid from another medium this flow can rush after itself. As a result, we find that at different positions of the control valve, the consumption of the detergent is different: the valve is twisted - the consumption of auto chemicals is large, the valve is unscrewed - the consumption is small. Thus, this simple device, with skillful use, allows you to flexibly adjust the composition of the applied solution, thereby achieving significant savings in detergent.

The last (but not least !!!) thing worth mentioning when talking about the construction of foam nozzles is the foam jet adjustment unit. It consists of two stainless steel plates located inside a cylindrical hollow body (jet regulator). By rotating this adjuster, the plates are either brought together or spread apart, which directly affects the shape cross section jets of foam, which at the same time changes from a round spot of a small diameter to a narrow strip that immediately covers a significant part of the surface of the car body. As practice shows, most washers prefer the latter option, since it allows you to apply the detergent composition more evenly, more economically and much faster.

Foam nozzles Like any other technique, it requires careful handling and, at least occasionally, maintenance.

Key points to look out for during operation and maintenance:

1. The foam "tablet" tends to get clogged with dirt, impurities and other debris that can somehow be present in the water. To increase the life of the "tablet", pay more attention to cleaning / replacing the water filters, as well as to the cleanliness of the detergent solution. It is also necessary to avoid getting dirt on the connecting surfaces of the foam lance and the high pressure washer.
2. It should be remembered that the use of a foam nozzle as a spray of liquid wax significantly reduces the resource of the foam "tablet". Wax clogs her pores like nothing else. Foaming properties drop sharply and, as a result, the performance of the packing deteriorates.
3. Periodic complete disassembly with cleaning of parts, channels and valve will not damage the device. The ingress of sand grains of dirt into the control valve causes an increased consumption of detergents, which can be avoided by simple preventive cleaning.
4. Disassemble and assemble the fixture very carefully. Most parts of the foam lance are made of brass and therefore the likelihood of damage to the device due to inaccurate maintenance is quite high.

In conclusion, we present some classification of professional foam nozzles.

Their main difference is in the "trigger-nozzle" docking elements. Each manufacturer of car wash equipment prefers to use its own connecting parts, be it quick-release couplings of various configurations, a nut, a union or a swing-wedge locking mechanism.

Rice. 2 Classification of foam lances by type of docking station

At modern car washes, one of the most demanded and high-quality types of services is a contactless car wash. This method will allow not only to quickly clean the car from dust and dirt, but also save the paintwork of the car, without leaving chips and scratches on it. The same "bath" for your iron horse can be arranged at home. To do this, you need a foam lance. Making it with your own hands or buying it in the store & minus is everyone's personal business. It is, of course, easier to buy, but making it yourself will cost less, although it will require certain skills.

Contactless washing

The washing effect of this type of washing is achieved due to a special car shampoo, which is applied using special devices & minus - these are the foam nozzles. The process itself looks like this:

How the foam generator works

The principle of non-contact washing is very simple & minus - the more foam, the cleaner the car. You will need a foam generator to get a good result. This is a special bottle or other container with a volume of 20-100 liters, into which a car shampoo or a special reagent diluted with water is poured. With the help of a compressor, a pressure of at least 60 bar is supplied to the vessel - this is enough to eject the mixture through a special hose-gun.

The foam generator nozzle can have several nozzles (up to 4), which allows you to increase the amount of active foam. Such devices are usually used in industrial washes, where a large number of cars need to be washed in a short time. At home, a sprayer cylinder is usually altered for a foam generator, and instead of a compressor, manual air injection is used. It turns out such a homemade "Karcher". Foam tablet, nozzle, car shampoo & minus - and your car shines clean!

The device and principle of operation of the foam nozzle

Now let's talk about what a good foam device is. A special foam nozzle with your own hands & minus is quite troublesome, laborious and, most likely, will require special skills. Honestly, it's easier to buy ready-made, well, if not all, then at least some parts. The kit includes:

Video: How to modify a foam lance or foam kit

The foam sprayer has special regulators:

• The first & minus is a thumbscrew, located on top of the device. It is a special micrometric screw with a nozzle for adjusting the nozzle opening and is used to regulate the supply of car shampoo to the mixing chamber.
• The second & minus is cylindrical, located in front and represents special "legs" such as a duck's beak, opening at an angle of up to 40. This allows you to turn the usual stream of the mixture into a vertical fan and increase the spray area.

Another very important element of the spray gun & minus is the foam tablet. It is very easy to make it with your own hands, and this is important. The & minus tablet is a consumable that requires periodic replacement, especially if the device is used incorrectly.

Foam lances: causes of breakage

In order for the device to work properly, you need to follow a few simple rules:

• do not throw the foam nozzle on the ground, this can cause clogging of the tablet or nozzle of the solution supply;
• do not throw the device on hard surfaces, as the nozzle has many plastic parts that can crack;
• rinse the foam lance after using it;
• do not leave the prepared solution in the nozzle tank; it is better to pour it into a separate container and hide it away from children.

What is a foam tablet? Why does it fail?

One of the main parts of the device is the foam lance tablet. It is she who is responsible for the quality of the foam and its quantity. Failure of this element can completely paralyze the operation of the sink.
The cause of the breakdown may be the following:

• the foam tablet has worn out due to frequent use of the device;
• the mesh was clogged with sand or dirt, since the device was often thrown to the ground;
• the remains of the cleaning solution have dried inside the tablet, since the device was not washed after previous use;

On large commercial sinks, the mesh changes quite often & minus - once every 2-3 months, and at home, one tablet is enough for several years, of course, provided it is used correctly.

How to make a pill with your own hands

What to do if a faulty mesh became the cause of the breakdown, and the car needs to be washed urgently, and you don't want to spend money. There is only one way out & minus - to make such a device, a foam tablet, with your own hands, especially since it is very simple to do this. The fact is that this thing is called a tablet only because of its shape, but in fact it is a small cylinder made of pressed wire. Therefore, making a foam tablet with your own hands is very simple. To do this, you need to take an ordinary metal washcloth for washing dishes and compress it into a tight lump.

In order to give the tablet the desired shape, you can take the usual plastic bottle and cut it into a funnel. Place it on the table and stuff the neck tightly with a metal mesh for the dishes. Leave the mesh in the neck of the bottle for a while to fix the shape well, then gently squeeze it out. That's all & minus - a do-it-yourself foam tablet is ready.

Changing the mesh step by step

It remains only to replace the foaming element. In order to change the tablet, it is not at all necessary to completely disassemble the foaming agent. You need to do it like this:

• on one of the plastic parts there is a pin & minus - we take it out with a thin drill or slotted screwdriver;
• remove the plastic cover of the jet regulator;
• now we take out the guide block & minus- "duck";
• with help spanner the right size unscrew the holder of the foam mesh;
• using a screwdriver or drill, push the foam mesh out of the holder's body;
• we press in a new tablet;
• tighten the foam tablet holder again, remembering to apply on threaded connection a layer of sealant;
• then we perform all the actions in the reverse order: insert the "duck", put the cover and the pin back in place.

That's it, the foamer is ready for use again.

Video: Easy Foam Lance Repair, Bottle Replacement # 1

How to rinse the foam lance

In order for the foam mesh to serve you longer, you must rinse the foam concentrate after each use. You need to do it like this:

Carry out this procedure after each use of the sink, otherwise the foam tablet may become clogged. Detergent foam residues can clog the jet or the mesh tablet itself, compress inside and block the foam outlet. If this happens, you can try to fix the mesh. To do this, take it out and soak it in kerosene for a while, then try to clean it mechanically with a knitting needle or a thick needle. If the above manipulations did not bring the desired result, then the foam tablet will have to be replaced.

Every car owner always stopped by the car wash. Water treatments help to keep the vehicle clean, and special products that are applied during washing create an additional barrier for dirt and protect the body paintwork. For high-quality cleaning, a thick active foam is used, obtained by foaming in a special device. Some motorists use self-made foam generators when washing.

Benefits of using a foam generator for car wash

The foam generator is sold in a shop that sells equipment for professional car wash. The price of the purchased foam generator is from 10 thousand. And if you take a branded device, you will have to pay twice as much. Not everyone can afford such costs. Therefore, below is a small instruction on how to make a foam generator yourself and spend only 500 to 2 thousand rubles on its manufacture. Besides saving Money, the owner of a homemade generator receives the following benefits:

• saving time - washing the car with active foam is faster, by about 10-15 minutes;
• detergent is consumed more efficiently and more economically;
• active foam eliminates the use of a sponge, which helps to protect the paintwork from mechanical stress;
• the foam generator allows you to thoroughly wash hard-to-reach places.

Do-it-yourself assembly: schematic drawing and manufacturing instructions

To understand the principle of operation of the foam generator, below is a diagram. Water is poured into the container and the detergent concentrate is added. Air from the compressor is supplied through a shut-off valve. To control the pressure in the container, a pressure gauge must be used. The outlet is a mixture of water and detergent. It passes through a foamy tablet which produces a dense active foam.

A simple and clear diagram of the foam generator helps to understand the principle of operation of the device

What you need to build

To make a generator yourself, you will need:

1. Capacity.
2. Pressure gauge.
3. 1 shut-off valve (it only allows air to pass in one direction).
4. 1 tap (they regulate the supply of finished foam).
5. Metal tube.
6. Reinforced hoses that can withstand a pressure of 6-8 atmospheres.
7. Metal clamps for secure connection of hoses and fittings.
8. Foam tablet.

First of all, you need to decide on the capacity. The main requirement is the ability to withstand a pressure of 5-6 atmospheres. If it is possible to carry out welding work, then a receiver from a truck or an old compressor can be used for the generator. Weld 2 1/2 inch fittings and filler neck onto the body from above. Optimal volume 20-30 liters is enough for personal use.

If an old water heater is lying around in a garage or shed, then it can be used to create a foam generator. In this case, no welding work is necessary.

How to make a foam generator without welding: video

will not be needed. How to do it, watch the video: https://youtu.be/yF8xmbzRuBw

Homemade unit from an old sprayer

In the household of every summer resident, there is always an old sprayer, which is a pity to throw away. With a small upgrade and using the drawing attached above, it can be easily converted into a foam generator. Let's get started:

Remember that the sprayer body is capable of withstanding a pressure of 4-5 atmospheres. Do not overdo it, control the pressure on the pressure gauge.

We buy a foam tablet in a store or make it ourselves. The main element of the tablet is a metal mesh. It is easy to make from a regular metal dish brush. It is sold at any hardware store.

Using a DIY device: highlights

Pour water through the neck by ⅔ of the total volume of the container and add the detergent concentrate in the amount indicated on the package. Usually it is 10-20 g per 1 liter of water. We close the neck and the outlet valve securely. We supply compressed air from the compressor to the inlet. Be sure to monitor the pressure on the arrow of the manometer.

At the outlet, we connect a hose with an irrigation nozzle. We gradually open the tap. We direct the hose to the car and apply the foam. Density can be adjusted with a garden irrigation nozzle.

Dense active foam quickly corrodes dirt and removes it from the surface without a sponge

The foamed car should stand for 10-15 minutes. Active foam flows down with the dirt. Then it is enough to rinse off the foam with plain water and wipe the surface of the car.

As you can see, it is not difficult to assemble a foam generator with your own hands. No special skills or abilities are required. It will cost 10-15 times cheaper than purchased. The quality of the sink will increase several times, and the savings in time and detergent are noticeable. Remember that the eyes are afraid, but the hands are doing. Good luck!

The safest for car body paintwork is a non-contact washing method using a foam generator (we also call it foam generators). The essence of this method is to apply a chemical detergent to the surface of the body in the form of fine foam. After application, it softens dirt and dust, then it remains to rinse everything off with a stream of water. with a paint-and-lacquer coating (rag, brush, etc.) excludes damage to the surface layers of the varnish, that is, the formation of the so-called "cobweb" is completely excluded. Therefore, this method of car washing is now a higher priority and advanced.

The efficiency of washing is in many respects - the higher its density, the better the cleaning properties, the lower the consumption of water and chemicals. And the foam is given just by the foam generator. Therefore, the main task of the foam generator is to obtain a finely dispersed dense foam, as well as its uniform distribution over the surface of the car body.

Structurally, the foam generator is very similar to a conventional garden sprayer, circuit diagram they have almost the same. But there is one significant nuance - foam is a high pressure equipment.

The main building blocks of this equipment are:

1. Cylinder (the volume is different - from 25 to 100 liters).
2. Mixer.
3. Gun.
4. Connecting hose.

Large-sized equipment, with a large-capacity cylinder, can be installed on a transport trolley to ensure easy movement.

Since the equipment operates under high pressure, the cylinders are made of stainless or ordinary steel, but with the obligatory coating with anti-corrosion agents. In some factory models, a measuring ruler is installed on the cylinder, which allows you to control the flow and timely refuel.

The foam generator cannot work independently, since the supply of compressed air is required. For this, a compressor connection is provided on the cylinder. Typically, the operating pressure for a foam generator is 5-6 bar. To control the pressure, a pressure gauge is installed on the container, the pressure is adjusted by the pressure regulator available in the design.

Foam tablet

The main element of the mixer is the so-called foaming tablet. In reality, it is a fine mesh, folded in several layers and made of corrosion-resistant wire. It is installed in a housing mounted on a cylinder. And it is to it that the supply hose is connected. This tablet provides a breakdown of the primary foam supplied to it, into a finely dispersed fraction of high density.

The principle of operation of the foam generator

DIY foam generator

The principle of operation of the foam is very simple:

1. The washer fills the bottle with a solution of water and a foaming agent (detergent). Then the neck is tightly closed, which ensures the tightness of the container.
2. The compressor is connected and air is pumped to the required pressure.
3. When the valve of the gun is opened, the air begins to squeeze out the solution through the nozzle, where the primary foaming occurs.
4. Moving at a high speed, the foamed solution hits the foaming tablet grid and, passing through it, is separated, which is accompanied by the formation of a finely dispersed foam.
5. The finished foam is fed to the gun and then through this nozzle to the surface of the body.
6. If necessary, the washer can adjust the feed on the gun (make the spray front wider, increase the speed of the jet).

It is noteworthy that another equipment for contactless washing works approximately according to this principle - a sprayer. But unlike the foam generator, at the exit from the pistol, it forms an emulsion, in which the washing effect is lower than that of the foam.

The difference between the two comes down to the different spray guns used. An emulsion is a slightly different state of a liquid than a foam, so a nozzle with an enlarged opening is needed to spray it. In addition, it is impossible to adjust the parameters of the emulsion supply with the sprayer, that is, there are no adjusting elements on the gun. These nuances will help you easily distinguish the foam generator from the spray.

The main advantages of the foam generator are:

• economical consumption of detergent;
• the foam obtained at the exit has an excellent washing function;
• the ability to adjust the flow of the jet;

The main disadvantages of this equipment are two - large dimensions and the need to connect a compressor. Of these qualities, the foam generator is considered to be equipment that is not very suitable for home use.

Foam kit as a type of foam generator

In garage conditions, it is better to use a foam kit - a variation of equipment for a contactless car wash.

A gun with a sink attachment. Connected via a hose to a pressure washer

This equipment works in a slightly different way. It also has a capacity, but it is much smaller in volume than that of a foam generator - only 1 liter. It also includes a foaming agent, which immediately plays the role of a gun for application. But unlike foam, the foam kit does not work from the compressor, it is a nozzle for high pressure washers.

A container with a foaming agent, otherwise called a foam nozzle for contactless washing

The foam kit works like this:

1. It fits over the water supply hose from the pressure washer.
2. After the washing is switched on, high pressure water is supplied to the foaming agent, and from there to a container filled with detergent, where primary foaming occurs.
3. The resulting solution in the container is squeezed by the supplied water again into the foaming agent, where it passes through the foaming tablet.
4. At the exit from the tablet, finely dispersed foam is formed, which is fed through the bell to the surface of the body.

For the convenience of work, extension cords (spears) of different lengths can be connected to the foam concentrate in order to ensure the application of foam to any surface of the car, including the roof and bottom.

The jet obtained at the outlet of the foam set can also be regulated using a valve installed on the foam concentrate.

Video: DIY foam nozzle

The foam kit is different:

• small overall dimensions;
• good quality foam obtained at the exit;
• ease of refueling (no water is required to create a solution);

But without a high pressure washer, the foam set will not be able to work.

Due to the powerful jet received at the outlet, the consumption of the detergent for such equipment is slightly higher than that of the foam. In general, this is a perfectly acceptable option for contactless car wash at home. And the foam kit is much cheaper than the foam generator.

Video: DIY foam generator for $ 2

DIY foam generator

Foam generator assembly

Considering the design of both types of equipment, you will notice that their main component is a foaming tablet, which can be bought separately. This means that it is quite possible to make a homemade foam generator.

The easiest way to make foam is to take a regular garden sprayer as a base and redesign it a bit. At the beginning, it was mentioned that structurally the foam generator and the sprayer are similar, and this fact is often used when creating a homemade foam generator.

Foam tablet assembly

• sprayer (the volume may be different);
• two ½ ”squeegees and nuts for them;
• check valve;
• air fitting;
• foaming tablet and adapter for it;
• metal tube.

Having all this, you can start reworking:

1. Cut off the pressure relief valve and the hose connection from the sprayer.
2. We insert squeegees into the holes obtained and fix them with nuts on both sides and using gaskets.
3. On one of the squeegees, we install a tube (so that it almost reaches the bottom of the container), a check valve and an air fitting.
4. On the second squeeze through the adapter, we wind a foaming tablet.
5. The hand pump for pumping the pressure of the sprayer must be completely shut off, since it is not needed, and will only serve as a tank lid.

Video: DIY foam generator

It remains only to connect the hose to the tablet outlet, on the other end of which to put on a garden spray gun. On this, the product can be considered finished.

It is not as convenient to work with as with factory equipment, but it is quite acceptable. To wash your car you need:

• fill the container with detergent solution (2/3);
• connect the compressor and pump air into the cylinder (it is important to monitor the pressure and not exceed the permissible limits);
• after opening the sprayer valve, the air will squeeze out the solution, push it through the tablet, and at the exit from the gun we will get foam of quite acceptable quality;

The idea of ​​a non-contact car wash is based on minimal impact on the paintwork by regularly cleaning the body panels. In practice, it is the car wash foam generator that allows you to perform this kind of car care.

Purpose and principle of operation of a finely dispersed generator

During operation, the foam generator for washing, due to the high pressure inside the working cylinder, creates foam, which is applied to the body panels to clean them. The composition successfully fights the most stubborn dirt. In this case, the exerted mechanical effect is minimal.

The use of an active foam composition allows for complex cleaning from contamination:

dust and dirt;

persistent organic compounds;

microflora.

The main obstacle for the individual use of the structure of the current type is high price professional product. An expensive car does not justify the costs if it is periodically used to wash one car. Therefore, they are popular homemade installations for contactless washing.

WATCH THE VIDEO

Structurally, a foam concentrate for a car wash is similar to any overpressure installation - from a garden sprayer to a bottle for pumping liquefied gas. The device includes the following elements:

High pressure cylinder.

Foaming agent for substances.

Sprayer that provides delivery and atomization fineness.

The connecting hoses are long enough.

Taking into account the volume of the injection tank, it should be possible to transport the equipment, taking into account the total weight.

The foam is generated from a special foam tablet. This element is a fine-pored mesh made of corrosion-resistant wire. After the passage of the tablet, a liquid fraction with a high specific gravity is formed.

Manufacturing a functional and safe structure

Before starting manufacture, it is required to realize that high pressure will become the main hazardous factor during the operation of the device. When assembling a foam generator with your own hands, you should not save on installation elements.

Requirements for the capacity of the foam generator

It is more convenient to make a homemade foam generator from a container of 25 liters or more. This will be enough for a one-time wash. The main requirement for the cylinder will be the manufacture of stainless steel, or it is allowed to use ordinary steel, subject to treatment with an anti-corrosion compound. Durable plastic is also actively used.

Additional conditions will be:

• pressure resistance up to 6 bar;

the presence of a measuring ruler to control the filling level of the container;

the presence of threaded holes for the sprayer, pressure gauge.

Sprayer requirements

The structure includes a foam sprayer. This element must be different from a similar sprayer device. Such equipment is designed to obtain an emulsion, which is inferior in purification efficiency.

A suitable nozzle for a car wash in a steam generator compares favorably with a simpler sample:

• has a thinner spray;

allows you to adjust the degree of feed;

saves detergent solution.

High pressure cleaning solution

It is impossible to create a foam generator with your own hands for a car wash without a pressure source. For normal operation of the equipment, the generated pressure should be in the range from 4 to 6 atmospheres.

When completing the installation, the compressor will be the most expensive of the elements. If you purchase a second-hand sample, you should discard the copy with signs of wear. In this case, a compact unit for pumping wheels will not cope with the work either.

We assemble a foam generator for washing with our own hands

We make installation drawings

Start assembly work only after sketching a perspective design on the diagram, which shows the device for a foam generator for a car wash. This will allow you not to miss the following positions:

• determine the sequence of assembly operations;

to form full list parts and materials for assembly;

prepare the necessary tool.

Mandatory tool kit includes:

set of wrenches;

grinder;

pliers;

• flat and Phillips screwdrivers;

Diagram of a foam generator from a fire extinguisher

Used metal containers are ideal for making a foam generator for a compressor. When selecting a container from a fire extinguisher, give preference to a cylinder with a large diameter to avoid falling.

The work is carried out according to the following algorithm:

1. Prepare a standard hole for pouring the mixture.

New holes will be needed in the bottom end and in the central part.

Tubes with fittings of the required size are welded into the holes to build pressure and drain the liquid to the gun.

Sprayer version

The option to make a foam generator for washing with your own hands from a sprayer is the most preferable. This is due to the closeness of the performance in comparison with the factory product. It will be necessary to disassemble the foam generator by dismantling the valve and the mounting fitting. There must be two mounting holes available prior to assembly.

Subsequent work is carried out in accordance with the algorithm:

We screw the squeegees into the holes and fix them with nuts. Installation of gaskets is required.

Install the fitting with check valve on one of the squeegees for air pumping.

We fix a special tank with a tablet on the second squeegee.

A DIY foam generator created from a garden sprayer will work correctly only if air is supplied from the bottom of the tank. A normally functioning device with an operating pressure of at least 4 bar consumes only 40 grams of shampoo.

How to make your device better

The practice of building homemade foam generators allows us to highlight all the new directions of their modernization. And if the basic drawings remain the same, then individual elements are easily replaced.

For example, a wire or line based foam can be easily replaced with a piece of foam sponge. It is enough to fix it well in the wire tube. Instead of a fire extinguisher, a propane cylinder is successfully used.

Alternative reservoir

An alternative option to make a manual foam generator will be the usual plastic canister... In this case, it is possible to use a filler cap to secure both fittings.

We attach a plastic tube to one fitting from the inside. Inside, due to dense packing with fishing line, we prepare a foaming device. Outside, we fix the hose with a spray at the end.

We leave the second fitting free to connect the compressor. This is how the simplest is prepared contactless washing do it yourself.

Contactless cleaning from a portable steam generator

Design manual device differs not only in overall dimensions, but also in the principle of operation. The passing stream of compressed air raises the liquid under the action of a vacuum, and then, under pressure, the solution is sent to the foaming agent.

WATCH THE VIDEO

The devices are sold both ready-made and easily assembled on their own.