BKF HydroControl

What is BKF HydroControl and what tasks does it perform at a car wash?

BKF HydroControl is a set of devices ensuring constant pressure in the car wash supply system. The set consists of:

• a high-performance pump that provides enough water for the largest car washes
• a pump control inverter
• an analogue pressure sensor
• a diaphragm tank
• the connection installation to the car wash.

In the BKF offer you will find 2 options of our solution: HydroControl and HydroControl Plus. The differences between them are explained later in the article.

Why is BKF HydroControl unique?

For two reasons: the pump control inverter and the software.

An inverter is a frequency converter, a device that can power the pump in such a way that it works at any level from 0 to 100%. Without it, the pump could work only at 0% or 100%.

There are several benefits of using an inverter. The first is that the pump starts up gradually, without generating a water hammer, which shortens the life of the hydraulic system components, especially the boiler or softener. Another advantage is the ability to control the pump accurately. As long as water is being drawn (i.e. at least one washing bay is running or osmotic water is being produced), the pump will keep running. This reduces the number of pump starts, which extends its service life. Leaving the pump on allows it to react faster to changing conditions, which translates into significantly smaller pressure deviations.

However, the inverter alone cannot do anything without the right software. The algorithm designed by BKF engineers constantly compares data from the analogue pressure transmitter with the setpoint on the car wash controller. It performs complex calculations, and the result is smooth and reliable operation of the HydroControl device.

What is the difference between HydroControl and HydroControl Plus?

The main difference is that HydroControl Plus is additionally equipped with a buffer tank with a capacity of 750 or 1000 litres (depending on the size of the car wash). The tank is filled by means of a solenoid valve and a level sensor, which informs the controller when the tank needs topping up. In addition, the tank has two additional safety sensors for critically low and critically high levels.

The critically low level sensor protects the car wash against dry running. If the water level drops below this level, the car wash shuts down immediately. This may be due to a lack of water from the mains or a failure of the filling solenoid valve.

The critically high level sensor detects buffer tank overflow. This may be due to a failure of the filling solenoid valve, which keeps letting water into the tank.

When and where will the system be useful?

HydroControl is great for locations that suffer from low water pressure from the mains. However, if you have problems with too low flow or frequent interruptions in the water supply, you should choose HydroControl Plus.