Excavating Grit And Sand

Perforated pipe at the tank bottom causes problems with a pressure system. Can I cut it off?

This feature in Pumper reports noteworthy conversations that take place at the Pumper Discussion Forum, an online forum for industry professionals found at www.pumper.com. Pumper Discussion enables exchange of information and ideas on septic and drainfield installation and maintenance, trucks and equipment, portable sanitation, chemical and additives and much more. Information and advice in “Overheard Online” is offered in good faith by industry professionals. However, readers should consult in depth with appropriate industry sources before applying such advice to a specific business situation.

◆  ◆  ◆  ◆  ◆  ◆  ◆

Question

I just bought a used tank for my truck. It has the vacuum hose coming out of the top, and the pressure line and a pipe lie in the bottom of the tank with holes drilled in it. Gravel and sand lie in the bottom along this pipe, and it will not blow out. Does anyone else have one like this? I am thinking about cutting the pipe out. That way I can use a long hoe and clean the belly out or take the front cap off and use a pressure washer and clean it out. About 10 years ago, I bought a field slurry tank and it basically had the same set up and seemed to have the same problem. I cut it out. Any opinions?

Answers

It’s an “air stir” that doesn’t work very well at the 6 o’clock location; 4 o’clock would be better. I would also remove the horizontal pipe. Check-valve the elbow and have a front air-stir, or plumb it to a 2-inch water pump and drink a Coke while the grit is washed out. Either way, the tank needs a manual vent.


The best way to keep your tank clean is by dumping using an outlet of 6 or 8 inches, which exits from the bottom on your tank on the rear. The liquid goes out fast and powerful enough to take everything with it. This comes from more than 40 years of experience. If you have to dump from a smaller opening due to your disposal requirements, I have nothing for you.

◆  ◆  ◆  ◆  ◆  ◆  ◆

Question

I have an aluminum tank that has four large rings around the outside. Is it better to vinyl-wrap or paint this tank? It looks good now but a (graphic) design would bring in a lot of new business.

Answers

Because the aluminum is a polished surface, it needs to be prepared for paint to stick to it. Etching primers are used for this. Over the years, I’ve done lots of vinyl wraps. The polished aluminum surface is ideal for vinyl graphics wraps to stick to as long as it is clean and degreased by wiping down with a solvent. Also, if you peel the vinyl off years down the road, the aluminum will still look brand-new underneath.


It won’t have any glue residue stuck to the tank? Will I have to go around the whole thing with Goo Gone to get rid of it? Will it rip real easy when backing in a customer’s driveway and the tree limbs hit it?


I wrap my trucks and have a lot of aluminum to cover so it’s rather expensive. My guys are not very careful, so it takes a lot of abuse. My oldest truck, which was done in 2007, is getting close to needing a re-cover. If it was paint, it wouldn’t have made it near this long.

Add to or join in the conversations on our Pumper Discussion Forum.



Discussion

Comments on this site are submitted by users and are not endorsed by nor do they reflect the views or opinions of COLE Publishing, Inc. Comments are moderated before being posted.