Where to source a good dilution station?

**ahheck01** · 02-15-2013, 02:36 PM

For the pro`s, what`s a cost-effective but time-saving solution for dilution of chemicals into spray bottles? I`ve heard dilution machines suggested, but finding deeper conversation on them than that is difficult. I`d love to hear your experiences and recommendations.

**Ron Ketcham** · 02-15-2013, 03:32 PM

If one has a shop, with employee`s, do more than 5 or 6 cars a week, can not recommend having them enough!

They will pay for their cost in a year, just on product savings and keeps the employee`s from improperly mixing products, too strong, not enough, the "we always just did this or that at the last place I worked" etc.

Over the years, going back to 1989, when ever we set up a shop for a client, when we did the Driver`s Mart chain,(now part of AutoNation), when we set up all the Delta Sonic Detail Centers, when we set up the Mazda de Mexico Body Shop Detail facilities, we put in mix stations.

Two main suppliers of these units, but can`t recall either name right now.

Need at least a 3 station unit, glass cleaner, all purpose and carwash concentrates.

You can start with one though and connect them together, in the training video for the ABC system on the Valugard.net site is Tim using one to mix the products for using the system.

Like I said, would NEVER have a shop and allow the workers to mix on their own.

**Shane.belzers** · 02-15-2013, 07:02 PM

We just got new mixing units 2 days ago. The one carbrite had given us sucked, mixed 4 solutions but wasn`t pressure regulated and it was the center dial style so there was cross contamination of chemicals.

We now have our wash chemicals diluted in the wash bay and our shop chemicals mixed in the shop with new pressure regulated very high end units curtesy of auto magic. Ill get the brand tomorrow for you. I know they each run around $600.

**ahheck01** · 02-15-2013, 07:11 PM

Wonderful. I apprciate it.

**Ron Ketcham** · 02-15-2013, 10:05 PM

The one they provided is not the ones that I referred to.

And they sure don`t cost that much!

A quality mix system runs off of the water pressure (which does create a problem in places such as some cities in Mexico) and have built in "back flow preventors", which most cities require. No electicity is needed.

All that is required is to put the correct "mix nozzle" in the unit for the needed dilution rate. Set it up and hook up the water supply, and then just "push the button" as shown in the video I referred to.

My old company does not show them on their "product" section of the website, however, if one just calls Beth and asked for what they are needing and ask for the price, she`ll take care of providing the information one requires.

Am sure they have them in inventory, just not shown on the site.

Call for Beth, and always ask for her, no one else, 800-543,7156 or email her at bethb@autoint.com

She will get back to you, that`s the way she rolls.

**Shane.belzers** · 02-15-2013, 10:26 PM

I believe the units i received may not cost $600 either but they are pressure regulated to ensure dilutions are as consistent as possible, they also prevent back flow etc... They are very simple and nice to use units though, much better than the cheapo crap car brite had given us awhile ago before the switch...

**David Fermani** · 02-15-2013, 10:38 PM

This is the one I used:

Streamline Chemical Proportioner

**Shane.belzers** · 02-15-2013, 11:26 PM

I think the ones we just got are Hydro as well. Good units

These are what we got. 3 unit in the shop and a 3+1 unit in the wash area.. Overall very pleased with they`re products.

Hydro Systems Company | Chemical Proportioning and Dispensing Equipment using Venturi technology

**Ron Ketcham** · 02-15-2013, 11:34 PM

That is the one that is out of Cinncinati,Shane, the one`s we remarketed, the other is out of St. Louis.

Originally we used the St.Louis company, good product, but when we compared to the Hydro and no shipping, our warehouse manager could pick up the units on his way to work, no brainer.

The one`s shown in the Valugard video are the Hydro units.

**C. Charles Hahn** · 02-15-2013, 11:38 PM

Meguiar`s sells three different metering units, not sure about pricing though:

http://www.meguiars.com/en/professio...ngle-low-flow/

http://www.meguiars.com/en/professio...gle-high-flow/

http://www.meguiars.com/en/professio...tering-system/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzRnFel1pTg

**Ron Ketcham** · 02-15-2013, 11:43 PM

Don`t know who those are.

They look nothing like the ones that I am farmilar with.

**Greg Gellas** · 02-16-2013, 12:00 AM

Coming from the food service industry, you can pickup a ecolab oasis system for around 100 bucks. They have customizable dilution control. Could be a great option.

Ecolab® Oasis Pro Select 4 Spray Bottle Dispenser w/AirGap Details

**MichaelM** · 02-18-2013, 04:21 PM

I have nine DEMA single unit proportioners set-up in two stations. Only run about $60/unit and you can get them in 4gpm or 1gpm. Well worth the investment.

Dema Engineering Blend Centers - Dultmeier Sales

**ahheck01** · 02-18-2013, 04:43 PM

Originally Posted by MichaelM

I have nine DEMA single unit proportioners set-up in two stations. Only run about $60/unit and you can get them in 4gpm or 1gpm. Well worth the investment.

Dema Engineering Blend Centers - Dultmeier Sales

Is a 5:1 minimum ratio normal? I would imagine there would be plenty of 1:1-1:3 uses?

**Ron Ketcham** · 02-18-2013, 07:53 PM

The units come with a set of "ratio nozzles", all are color coded, which written instructions at what color is what, etc.

You match the "correct" mix ratio for a product, insert that one, and everything is then mixed at the correct ratio.

As Michael points out, there are two base units, a 1 gpm and a 4 gpm. The only one that should be a 4 gpm is your car wash solution.

APC`s, glass cleaner, etc are best to be operated at the 1 gpm ratio.