Car wash reclaim systems are becoming more prevalent all across the United States. In some areas the driving force is a lack of available fresh water resources, in other areas it is to lessen the burden on the municipal wastewater treatment facilities, and occasionally the goal is general water conservation. In any case, the addition of a water reclamation system poses special challenges to the car wash operator.

When a reclaim system gets out of hand it can lead to very foul odors that will make the entire car wash site unpleasant. In addition, the soils and chemicals can build up in the system creating greater wear on pumps and equipment and make cars harder to both get clean and rinse properly. Even a well-run reclaim system will need to be pumped and cleaned on occasion.

There are many manufacturers of car wash reclamation systems and each has its own methods and philosophy on the best approach to cleaning the water for reuse.

Some systems rely on filtration and chemical treatment to eliminate bacterial growth that can cause the foul odors that can develop.

Some systems use Ozone which is a very powerful oxidizing agent to chemically burn up any organic matter that is added to the system from the on-line chemicals and the soils washed from the vehicles.

More recently there have been a number of "Biological Reclaim Systems" that operate as mini sewage treatment plants and rely on maintaining a growth of desirable microorganisms to breakdown the chemicals and oils in an aerobic environment to prevent odor problems.

CSI can provide chemicals that have proven to work well in all types of reclaim systems, but it is important to know that choosing the proper chemicals are not the only issue and that proper application of the chemicals is also a factor.

It is important to understand that there are no industry standards for what defines a "Reclaim Compatible Product" and that products that can be used successfully can also be misused and contribute to problems.

At CSI we have two groups of products that we feel are appropriate for use in reclaim systems. One that we just know through experience that they have been used successfully in reclaim systems. The other includes a group of detergents that we have formulated to help gather small particles of suspended dirt in the pits and pull them together for easier filtration or faster settling.

The use of the second group of chemicals has proven helpful in many systems but also requires that only chemicals that do not interfere with the settling properties are used with these special detergents.

In all types of reclaim systems and with any chemicals there are some basic rules to follow that will help the operator avoid problems. These are:

1. Chemical use should be kept to a minimum.
2. Use highly effective products to keep use to a minimum.
3. Do not use high foaming products if possible. Always use "Polish" type product that are made from amphoteric and cationic surfactants and avoid anionic surfactants that are generally less expensive higher foaming products.
4. Avoid over use of "Show Products". Do not use three colors of foam if one will do the job.

The following products have been used successfully in reclaim systems throughout the United States. Product with an * indicate that they will help gather and settle small particles in reclaim pits.

*The EDGE® Bold & Fresh

*Advantage®

*Performix®

The Option™

Spectrum® Drum Pack

*UltraClear™

*Reclaim Formula Spectrum® Foam Brush

Lift-Off®

MiraClean™

*Reclaim Formula Spectrum® Tire & Wheel

Lustra™ Low pH Foaming Polish

Ultra Lustra™ Foaming Polish

Reclaim Formula Pearl® Sealant & Drying Agent

Reclaim Formula ProShield®

Bug-Goo®

Rust-Ban™

High Pressure Soap – Spectrum® Drum Pack

Low Pressure Presoak – The Option™, Advantage®, Performix®

*Reclaim Formula Spectrum® Tire & Wheel

*Reclaim Formula Spectrum® Foam Brush

Spectrum® Polish

Reclaim ProShield®