which Unloader is better?

[Hotwaterwizard]

There is a battle going on between the experts on which unloader is better. Flow sensitive or Pressure sensitive.
Which one is better to the guys that use the machines?

1) Flow sensitive.
When you pull the trigger on the gun, the pressure increases slowly as the flow increases. There is a short delay each time you pull the trigger. This unloader relieves all of the pressure from the gun and hose each time the trigger is released.

2) Pressure sensitive.
Sometimes called lock-up unloader. When you pull the trigger you get a sudden burst of pressure at the beginning then it levels off to a steady pressure. When you let go of the trigger the pressure will climb up to the set pressure and stay there in your hose untill you pull the trigger again.

Here is the debate if any one would like to join the experts.
Is it better for heating coils made of metal to expand to the set pressure of an unloader then back down to zero or, is it better to go from the set level up to the set level.
in easy terms here is another way to say it.
If your machine puts out say 3000 psi.
Is it better on the metal to go from 0 to 3000 psi then 3000 psi back to 0 (Flow Unloader) or, is it better to go from 3000 psi up to 3500 psi and back down to 3000 psi again. (Pressure Unloader)

 

[Andy Wheatley]

I like flow actuated unloaders. I believe they are easier on guns and hoses; and the hose is alot easier to work with when it's in bypass. I also use an extension wand and prefer the gradual build-up in pressure that a flow actuated unloader offers.

In respect to which one is easier on the coil - I'll leave that to the experts. Have any tests been conducted to determine the effect each type has on the coil?

 

[rvagnoni]

Andrew,
I have to agree with you. I couldn't say technically which one is better internally. Definitely, I do think the flow actuated is much safer.

 

[Jon]

I prefer the pressure unloaders.

 

[rvagnoni]

Care to to explain why Jon?

 

[Andy Wheatley]

Hey Wiz,

Whats your thoughts on the unloader debate?

 

[Jon]

My first unloader was flow, for some reason it just did not flow fast enough for me, keep in mind I was a newbie back then so was not really in the know as to what to expect.

I kept going back to my supplier and finally he put on the pressure unloader, I took to it right off and for what it is worth feel they are better, for me anyway.

I also run it in by-pass all the time, not able to see my equipment on a lot of my jobs and don't wish to spend hours walking back and forth to shut down and start up.

Try working inside an apartment complex where you can only hear your equipment but not see it, why walk down two flights of stairs, out to the front to shut down so you can add a hose or change a nozzle? Wonderful things those ball valves!

 

[Dan S]

Hey Jon get outa BY_PASS and buy a remote

 

[Glenn]

I agree with Jon on this very sensitive issue.....
Glenn

 

[Glenn]

Nope, couldn't resist so I had to bring this issue to my wife's attention. She confirmed my suspision by saying that 9 out of 10 women prefer a stiff hose over the limp ones.
Glenn

 

[Larry L.]

yel but the 1 out of the 10 is a Lady, ladies know more than what most women think they know.I prefer and comfirm the attention of a lady with a suspision that she's knows its all in the know how as to how to use either one.

 

[Jon]

Dan S.

How will a remote work when I am say 300 feet away, behind a building with all those apartments in between us?

I heard you need a direct line for it to work, right or wrong?

I would love to be able to not have to go around the building to the front and shut down, then back to make changes etc. Why I use ball valves but when adding hose I have little choice since I am not going to ball valve each connection.

REMOTE, do tell more. Can Email me if you want to explain that way.

 

[Dan S]

Jon i would be lying to ya if i told ya that it would work for you between buildings.. But I do know that with my application it works great.... my (pattywagon) is as about 9 feet high and that is where i have the attena mounted ..on roof... i never even have to point it in the idrection of the pattywagon ..most of the time it's hanging on my belt and it's pointing to the ground and it still works......Im not trying to talk ya into this ....Im not getting a commision.....LOL>>>

I do know one thing I would never do without a remote again...

 

[Cavalier]

What is the effect of a flow unloader used with a down stream injecter? Does it grab a slug of soap every time you open the gun or not enough to notice? I've always hap pressure unloaders.
Adrian