The cost of the simplest car wash is 300-400 rubles, which is quite a lot and ineffective, considering that for the cost of 5 such car washes you can assemble your own foam generator for car washing.

Washing a car today is a luxury, even the simplest one, not to mention contactless with the help of a foam generator.

The cost of the simplest car wash is 300-400 rubles, which is quite a lot and ineffective, considering that for the cost of 5 such car washes you can assemble your own foam generator for car washing. Of course, you can buy a new and branded one for 16-18,000 rubles, but again this is not effective and expensive. When assembling this equipment, the most expensive part will be the compressor, which is responsible for pumping air, but you can buy a car compressor, which will cost 1200-1600 rubles.

The structure of the foam generator and the principle of its operation

Before you start assembling your own foam generator, you need to understand exactly how it works. Main purpose of this device is the release of foam and its further smooth and uniform distribution over the body of the machine.

The water jet passes through the solution, which is mixed with air pumped from the compressor. At this process Active foam is formed, which can easily clean the car from dirt. In addition to the fact that the foam has formed, it must be dense, which is achieved by passing slightly foamed soapy water through a tablet (multilayer metal mesh), which intensively foams the solution. Next, the liquid enters parallel plate regulators so that the flow of the solution is flat. A hose is necessary for removing foam; a nozzle for distributing water flows or simply a shower nozzle is attached to it.

The most in a simple way make a foam generator for car washing from a Zhuk-type garden sprayer. In terms of its structure, a garden sprayer is almost identical to a foam generator. In total, you need to spend 1-1.5 hours to change the sprayer to a foam generator, if, of course, you have all the necessary parts for creation.

So, to create a foam generator from a garden sprayer you will need:

• Sprayer capacity;
• Pressure gauge for measuring air flow pressure;
• Single-flow valve that allows air to flow in only one direction;
• Flow regulator or just tap;
• Pipe for injecting air inside;
• A hose with a wall thickness capable of withstanding a pressure of 6-8 atm;
• Metal bandage for connections;
• Mesh for foam formation.

The first thing you need for a foam generator is a container that can not burst at a pressure of 5 atmospheres; the sprayer container is just suitable for these purposes, since the walls can withstand a pressure of 4-6 atmospheres.

The step-by-step process of creating a foam generator from a garden sprayer looks like this:

Two metal hoses: a hose is screwed into the first, air will be supplied to the second

• The final step is to connect a car compressor (cost from 1200 rubles) or a compressor purchased on the secondary market specifically for creating a foam generator.

This method is even easier and simpler than the previous one. To make a foam generator you need:

• Automotive compressor (cost from 1200 rubles);
• Gun;
• Canister (as a container);
• Nozzle;
• Hoses;
• Pressure gauge;
• Union.

All together it will cost a maximum of 1600-1800 rubles, with the cost of one car wash being 300-400 rubles.

The first thing you need to do is take a tube with a length of 60-65 cm (in general, the length of the tube can be different and depends on the size plastic canister, the length of the tube should be 2-3 cm less than the height of the canister from the hole to the bottom) and filled with fishing line, which will act as a foaming tablet. The ends are covered with plugs with threaded holes. A T-shaped transition link is mounted on one of the holes, and a fitting is mounted on the remaining hole. Two hoses are connected to the T-adapter, one of the holes must have a tap to control the water flow, the second is needed to connect a pressure gauge. It should be remembered that the canister must be made of dense plastic that can withstand pressure of 5-6 atmospheres, otherwise all the work will go down the drain.

Many people try to find a compressor on the secondary market, but for car washing purposes a cheap car compressor with a pressure gauge is quite sufficient, the price of which is 1200-1300 rubles, and the pressure created by even the cheapest model ranges from 2 to 7 atmospheres, which is what is needed to create foam generator.

How to make a foam generator with your own hands or where to start?

How to make a foam generator with your own hands? The answer is simple - you need to try. To make a foam generator, it is important to choose not a compressor, but a container that can withstand a huge volume of water and pressure inside. All the variations of creating a foam generator presented above are the simplest and most understandable, but also one of the most dangerous when used due to the body. So, with the slightest deviation in pressure, the device can, at best, crack and leak, and at worst, explode in your hands. The best foundation(capacity) for this type of foam generator will be gas cylinder, but to create a foam generator in this case, you will need experience in using welding and, in fact, welding machine, which is long and problematic, but reliable.

How to use a homemade foam generator?

The step-by-step process of using the generator looks like this:

• Through the main hole - the neck - water is poured, preferably purified, to 60% of the volume;
• Again, detergent concentrate is poured into the water through the neck in a ratio of 10-18 grams per 1 liter of water;
• After the first two stages, the tap and neck are closed;
• The compressor starts;
• Air is supplied to the container;
• A hose with a gun is connected;
• The tap should be opened very slowly;
• Foam is applied (its thickness can be adjusted using a watering nozzle or a pistol, depending on what is installed in the form of a distributor);
• The foam should remain on the surface of the car for 15-20 minutes;
• After applying the foam, you can rinse the container and pour water into it and, in the same way as the foam was applied, wash it off, but with clean water.

Cheap home mini car washes have an insufficiently effective foam nozzle. As a result, even good non-contact foam copes poorly with dirt. You can improve the quality of machine cleaning by using homemade foam generator. It copes with stubborn dirt, which can later be easily washed off with a mini-wash.

Materials:

• body from an old powder fire extinguisher with neck and lid;
• 1/2 inch steel tube;
• a piece of rubber from the chamber for the seal;
• garden hose;
• garden hose nozzle;
• ball valve 1/2 inch;
• quick-release adapter fitting to compressor M1/2 inches;
• fumlenta.

Homemade foam generator device

The foam generator is made using a meringue powder fire extinguisher or an old hand-held steel spray gun. You can use another metal container of 8-10 liters. It must be equipped with a neck with a threaded cap and a rubber seal.

A hole is made at the top end of the container for a 15 mm tube. It will be used to release foam. A short piece of pipe 7-10 cm is welded into it. A thread is cut on it to secure the adapter to the garden hose.

A hole for the tube is drilled on the side of the bottom of the cylinder. It will be used to supply air. A plugged pipe with side holes is inserted into it.

10 holes drilled in a row with a 2 mm drill are enough. The tube is welded so that they look up. Next, a thread is cut on it to secure it ball valve. The compressor hose fitting is screwed onto it. All threads are pre-sealed with fumlente or another method.

How to use

Fill the foam generator about halfway with water. Car shampoo is added to it for contactless car wash. The tank is closed with a lid. A compressor is connected to the lower adapter.

A garden hose is connected to the top fitting.

Wide tube for spraying foam.

After turning on the compressor and opening the ball valve, the supplied air mixes the water, creating foam.

It rises to the top of the tank and, after it is filled, moves along the garden hose, splashing out onto the car.

A foam generator of this design works much better than many standard attachments for a mini-wash. It makes a thick foam, which, when using normal shampoo, allows you to wash even a very dirty car with minimum costs time and effort.

At the end, rinse everything off with water from the sink. high pressure or from a garden hose under normal pressure.

Every car enthusiast knows how important it is to take care of the cleanliness of his iron horse. Liquid dirt, dust, aggressive chemicals used for street cleaning in winter time, can cause irreparable damage to the body of your car. And a neat, clean car looks much better than a dirty, dirty one. Often the car owner is stopped from more frequent washing The cars are only tall and there are long queues. However, these problems can be avoided if you make a foam generator for washing your car at home with your own hands.

Washing a car using foam is non-contact, which means there is no chance of causing damage to the paintwork of the body. Thus, touchless washing using a high pressure steam generator is preferable to other methods. But the cost of special equipment for such a car wash is quite high and does not justify the cost of purchasing it when used periodically to wash one car. A good solution in this case would be a homemade foam generator.

Design features of the foam generator device

A foam generator for a car wash is similar in design to any device that uses compressed air in its operation. It consists of a cylinder, a foamer, a sprayer and connecting hoses. Compressed air under pressure enters the working container, in which it is mixed with shampoo. Thanks to this design, a person avoids the need for contact with chemicals. Foam shampoo removes dirt better, even in hard to reach places. Damage to the paint layer is eliminated; on the contrary, due to the wax content in the shampoo, a protective anti-corrosion film is formed. The washing speed increases and takes only 15-20 minutes.

The principle of operation of the steam generator

The steam generator is characterized by very simple principle works:

1. The washer fills the cylinder aqueous solution and, and then tightly closes the neck to ensure a tight seal.
2. Next, the compressor must be connected and water pumped to the required pressure.
3. When the gun valve opens, the solution is squeezed out with air. This is done through a jet. Primary formation is observed here.
4. The foamed solution, which has a high speed, “crashes” into the barrier - the mesh of the foaming tablet, passing through which it separates. As a result, fine foam is formed.
5. The foam is supplied to the gun and then applied to the washable surface through a nozzle.

If necessary, the washer has the ability to adjust the supply of foam to the gun.

A foam generator for foam concrete is needed to foam ordinary concrete and thereby change its structure and improve thermal insulation properties, reduce density and mass.

The modified material can be used to make building blocks of different configurations or fill structures using formwork.

Foam concrete production - mixture composition

Building materials are obtained with different strengths depending on the proportions of the components included in the composition:

1. Portland cement is needed as a binder.
2. Medium and fine sand should consist of ¾ quartz and with less than 3% impurity level.
3. For foaming you will need a foaming agent, synthetic or natural.
4. Water.

To produce 907 kg of raw foam concrete mixture with a density of 800 kg/m³ you will need:

• 420 kg of sand;
• 320 kg of cement;
• 140 l of water in solution;
• 1.2 kg of foam concentrate.

The composition of the material may vary depending on the purpose. For the first row, you can make stronger and heavier products. Lightweight and less thermally conductive blocks are suitable for the upper rows.

Do-it-yourself foaming agent

The cooking process requires time and labor, so it makes sense if you plan to produce enough a large number of building materials.

Foaming agent composition

To make foam for the production of foam blocks with your own hands, you will need a solution of:

• wood glue - 0.06 kg;
• rosin - 1 kg;
• caustic soda (caustic soda) - 0.15 kg.

How to make at home

Stages of making a foam concentrate at home:

1. Make glue. 1:10 pour water over dry pieces of glue and leave for 24 hours to allow it to swell. Then you need to heat the water with glue, stirring constantly, to +60°C. When you get a homogeneous mass, the composition is ready.
2. To get foam as a result, you will need rosin soap. To do this, you need to boil the soda and add pre-crushed resin to the boiling water. To dissolve the rosin, you will need to cook the mixture for about 2 hours.
3. The resulting compositions are mixed in a ratio of 1:6. Rosin soap should be poured into the glue solution.

For further work, to obtain high-density (80 g/dm³) foam, you will need a generator. To visually check its suitability, you can fill the bucket and turn it over. The foam structure should remain in place.

A composition that is less dense will reduce the quality of concrete and products made from it.

Making a foam generator

Before making a foam generator, you need to study the principle of its operation:

1. The generator is supplied with a mixture of foaming agent and water, as well as compressed air pumped by a compressor or pump.
2. In the device they are mixed and accelerated due to a decrease in the bore diameter in the jet or Laval nozzle. IN home version- a metal mesh (for cleaning dishes in the kitchen).
3. After passing through the mesh structure and filling with air, the mixture foams.

3 knots

The foam generator includes the following main subsystems:

1. Feeding device. Its container, for example, a modified used gas cylinder, is filled with a foaming agent, which is supplied for conversion.
2. Dosing module. It regulates the supply, and therefore the density of the foam and the characteristics of the final solution - the brand of concrete products.
3. Converting device. It produces foam from water, air and a foaming agent.

Scheme

The device diagram must include:

• a dosing module, most often consisting of valves that regulate the amount of foam mixture and air;
• tee or mixing chamber;
• Laval nozzle or jet;
• foam cartridge.

There are more complex variations of schemes, including containers, pipes and hoses, compressor unit, as well as additional converter designs - diffuser, check valve with suction pipe, connecting flange and weight.

Assembly - drawing

To assemble the installation, you will need accurate drawings of the device indicating the dimensions, diameters and threads, on which all parts of the structure are visible in section.

Depending on the type of device used, the assembly drawing should show:

1. Shut-off valve that controls the supply of solution.
2. A valve with which the foam density (amount of concentrate and water) is adjusted.
3. Air pressure regulating valve.
4. Connecting coupling.
5. Mixing chamber.
6. Jet (washer) 10 mm in diameter.
7. Foam cartridge.
8. “Ruff” with a mesh washer and a threaded connection.

Manufacturing

Foam density and other indicators of its quality depend on the choice of design and correct assembly of the generator, which must ensure accurate mixing construction mixture, water and air.

Materials and tools you will need:

• valves for adjustment and locking;
• plastic or metal pipe;
• flexible hoses;
• compressor or pump;
• grids;
• container or metal sheet;
• tees;
• specially machined elements, for example, a Laval nozzle;
• container (finished cylinder) or sheet of metal for manufacturing;
• diagram and drawings.

Making a mixing chamber

You will need to take the prepared pipe and weld 2 pipes to it:

1. Air is most often supplied from the end.
2. The foam concentrate emulsion is connected at a 90° angle, and some designs use a 45° angle.

To do more reliable device, 2 taps are installed in each of the pipes (side and end):

• adjusting - to change the quantity, pressure, supply pressure;
• shut-off, allowing, if necessary, to completely shut off the flow.

2 valves are installed so that after making adjustments to the quality of the foam, they are not knocked down every time the device is turned off or the supply is stopped.

The mixture pipe is made larger than the air pipe by 20%.

Making a foam cartridge

To exit ready mixture a special pipe is welded to pipe blank 2.

To limit the rate of foam release, a diffuser is made in the nozzle - a funnel.

The mixture is converted into foam using mesh filters. In home designs, they use ready-made filters or cheaper ones, but no less effective option, - meshes that are made for cleaning kitchen utensils.

You need to take metal wire mesh and fill the pipe with it along the entire length, doing it as tightly as possible.

The mesh washer installed at the outlet of the cartridge (in the “Ruff”) serves to prevent pieces of wire from the mesh from getting into the foam.

Can be used as a housing for a foam cartridge plastic pipes, produced for sewer systems. Often the end “Ruff” is not used, but various limiters are installed to prevent the mesh from falling out.

Connection of mixing chamber and foam cartridge

The foam cartridge must be connected to the end with the mixing chamber. A jet washer or Laval nozzle is placed between them, which serves to increase the speed of movement of the mixture through the foam generator.

The use of a nozzle increases the efficiency of the system by 30-40%. Do-it-yourself Laval nozzles have round metal plates with many small holes.

The jet option is cheaper, easier to find and install, and can be used as a temporary measure. It, like the Laval nozzle, is placed in front of the foam cartridge after the mixing chamber (tee).

The most common parameters for a Laval nozzle:

• hole diameter in the center - 10 mm;
• the output diameter relative to the depth is made 3:1;
• the ratio of inlet diameter to depth should be more than 30 mm (1:1).

The optimal dimensions of the foam cartridge, which is made to produce up to 500 liters of foam, are 600-800 mm in length and 50-80 mm in diameter. For smaller volumes (up to 200 l), the cartridge diameter is made 30-40 mm.

Compressor connection

The foam concrete unit includes a compressor, which can be of any design, but with a pressure of about 6 atmospheres.

To adjust the latter, it is better to use a pressure gauge, pressure reducing valve and receiver.

If the capacity of the foam generator is a tank with a volume of 200 liters, then instead of a compressor you can use a pump with a pressure of 2-3 atmospheres.

Connecting the container

The container is usually installed on a frame with wheels for easy movement on site. It is connected to the side pipe using a flexible hose, through which the foam emulsion enters the mixing chamber.

To produce a large volume of product, a small additional pump is connected to the container to facilitate more efficient supply of the emulsion. But they often leave the system running on its own.

During installation, all parts of the foam concentrate must be connected securely and tightly. For this purpose, gaskets, sealing couplings, Fum tape, etc. are used.

A self-made foam generator for foam concrete will cost less than one bought in a store. The blocks made from the foam he produces will not differ in quality.

Foam nozzle, foam kit, injector, and in some cases even a foam generator …

Whatever they call this small, but at the same time very important device used for contactless car washing. And in order not to be confused with definitions, let's call these devices here similar to the title of the article - foam nozzles.

In addition, it is necessary to immediately clarify that this material will focus exclusively on professional devices, i.e. Foam nozzles for residential car washes will not be considered. The fact is that most household foam nozzles, to put it mildly, are far from ideal, and their design and execution do not allow achieving the required results when foaming. In other words, the use of non-professional (household) foam nozzles, at a minimum, can lead to increased consumption of car shampoo and poor quality sinks

The operating principle of any foam nozzle is based on the ejection effect. Without delving into physics and, in particular, the laws of hydrodynamics, we can say that the essence of the ejection effect is the transfer of energy from one medium moving at high speed to another. According to Bernoulli's law ( great physicist and mathematician Daniel Bernoulli - Wikipedia link) the flow of water inside the foam nozzle creates a reduced pressure of one medium in the tapering section, which causes a “suction” of another medium into it (a cleaning solution from a cylinder), which is then transferred and removed from the place of suction by the energy of the first medium .

To ensure maximum cleaning effect, it is not enough to apply the washing mixture in liquid form to the surface of the car, because, frankly speaking, this could be done without resorting to a foam nozzle. However, practical experience shows that much better results can be achieved when applying the detergent in the form of foam. To transfer car shampoo from a liquid state to foam, a special insert is provided in the design of the foam nozzle, popularly called a “tablet”. It is a small cylinder (diameter about 10 mm, height ~ 7 mm) of thin compressed wire made of of stainless steel. At the same time, between its fibers there are so-called “pores”, passing through which the washing solution is converted from liquid into foam. Just the foam that is applied to the car and provides high-quality contactless body washing.

Rice. 1 foam tablet

The design of the foam nozzle also provides mechanical regulator consumption detergent- valve. Its function is to increase or decrease the nominal diameter of the water flow through the foam nozzle. If we go back a little and remember about the great physicist Bernoulli, according to whose law our device works, we will be able to understand exactly how a change in the nominal bore diameter affects the consumption of auto chemicals. At a minimum flow diameter (fully screwed valve), the water flow rate is maximum, at a maximum (fully unscrewed valve) - minimum. According to Bernoulli's law, the higher the flow speed, the more liquid from another medium this flow can rush along with it. As a result, we find that at different positions of the control valve, the consumption of detergent is different: the valve is tightened - the consumption of auto chemicals is high, the valve is unscrewed - the consumption is small. Thus, this simple device, when used skillfully, allows you to flexibly regulate the composition of the applied solution, thereby achieving significant savings in detergent.

The last thing in order (but not least!!!) that is worth mentioning when talking about the design of foam nozzles is the unit for adjusting the foam jet. It consists of two stainless steel plates located inside a cylindrical hollow body (jet regulator). When this regulator is rotated, the plates are either brought together or spread apart, which directly affects the cross-sectional shape of the foam jet, which changes from a round spot of small diameter to a narrow strip that immediately covers a significant part of the surface of the car body. As practice shows, most washers prefer the latter option, since it allows you to apply the detergent composition more evenly, more economically and much faster.

Foam nozzles , like any other equipment, require careful handling and, at least occasionally, maintenance.

Key points to pay attention to during operation and maintenance:

1. The foam “tablet” tends to become clogged with dirt, impurities and other debris that may somehow be present in the water. To increase the service life of the “tablet”, be more careful when cleaning/replacing water filters, as well as the cleanliness of the detergent solution. It is also necessary to avoid getting dirt on the connecting surfaces of the foam nozzle and the high pressure washer.
2. It must be remembered that using a foam nozzle as a liquid wax sprayer significantly reduces the life of the foam “tablet”. Wax, like nothing else, clogs her pores. Foaming properties drop sharply and, as a result, the performance characteristics of the nozzle deteriorate.
3. Periodic complete disassembly and cleaning of parts, channels and valves will not damage the device. If grains of dirt get into the control valve, it causes increased consumption detergents, which can be avoided by simple preventive cleaning.
4. Be very careful when disassembling and assembling the device. Most parts of the foam nozzle are made of brass and therefore the likelihood of damage to the device due to careless maintenance is quite high.

In conclusion, we present some classification of professional foam nozzles.

Their main difference is in the “trigger-nozzle” connecting elements. Each manufacturer of car wash equipment prefers to use their own connecting parts, be it quick-release couplings various configurations, nut, fitting or wedge-turn locking mechanism.

Rice. 2 Classification of foam nozzles by types of docking unit

	Name	Connection
	Foam nozzle for household Karcher	Quick release 90°
	Foam nozzle for prof. Karcher
	Foam nozzle for Comet, Kranzle, Portotecnica.
	Foam lance with nipple “KW” for Alto, Wap (long nipple)	Quick coupling KW
	Foam nozzle LS3 with PA nipple (short nipple)	Quick-release connection PA, washing equipment, and car care products. For any questions, please contact us by phone and e-mail specified in the section.

At modern car washes, one of the most popular and high-quality types of services is contactless washing. This method will not only quickly clean the car from dust and dirt, but will also protect the car’s paintwork, without leaving chips or scratches on it. You can arrange the same “bath” for your iron horse at home. To do this you will need a foam nozzle. Making it with your own hands or purchasing it in a &minus store is everyone’s personal choice. Buying, of course, is easier, but making it yourself will be cheaper, although it will require certain skills.

Contactless washing

The washing effect of this type of car wash is achieved through a special car shampoo, which is applied using special devices - these are foam nozzles. The process itself looks like this:

How does a foam generator work?

The principle of contactless washing is very simple - the more foam, the cleaner the car. For getting good result you will need a foam generator. This is a special bottle or other container with a volume of 20-100 liters, into which car shampoo or a special reagent diluted with water is poured. A pressure of at least 60 bar is supplied to the vessel using a compressor - this is enough to release the mixture through a special hose gun.

The foam generator nozzle can have several nozzles (up to 4 pieces), which allows you to increase the amount of active foam. Such devices are usually used in industrial washes, where it is necessary to wash a large number of cars in a short time. At home, a sprayer bottle is usually converted into a foam generator, and manual air injection is used instead of a compressor. It turns out this is a home-made Karcher. Foam tablet, nozzle, car shampoo &minus - and your car shines clean!

Design and principle of operation of the foam nozzle

Now let's talk about what a device for getting good foam is. Making a special foam nozzle with your own hands is a rather troublesome, labor-intensive task and, most likely, will require special skills. Honestly, it’s easier to buy a ready-made one, well, if not all, then at least some parts. The kit includes:

Video: How to modify a foam nozzle or foam kit

The foam sprayer has special regulators:

• The first &minus is a wing-type one, located on top of the device. It is a special micrometric screw with a jet for adjusting the opening of the fitting and is used to regulate the supply of car shampoo to the mixing chamber.
• The second &minus is cylindrical, located in front and represents special “legs” like a duck’s beak, opening at an angle of up to 40. This allows you to turn a regular stream of mixture into a vertical fan and increase the spray area.

Another very important element spray foam &minus - foam tablet. It is very easy to make it with your own hands, and this is important. The &minus tablet is consumables, which requires periodic replacement, especially when improper use device.

Foam nozzles: causes of failure

In order for the device to work properly, you need to follow a few simple rules:

• Do not throw the foam nozzle on the ground, this may cause clogging of the tablet or solution supply nozzle;
• do not throw the device on hard surfaces, since the nozzle has many plastic parts that can crack;
• After using the foam nozzle, rinse it;
• Do not leave ready solution in the nozzle tank, it is better to pour it into a separate container and hide it away from children.

What is a foam tablet? Why does it fail?

One of the main parts of the device is the foam nozzle tablet. It is she who is responsible for the quality of the foam and its quantity. Failure of this element can completely paralyze the operation of the sink.
The cause of the breakdown may be the following:

• the foam tablet has worn out due to frequent use of the device;
• the mesh became clogged with sand or dirt because the device was often thrown to the ground;
• Remnants of the cleaning solution have dried inside the tablet because the device was not washed after previous use;

In large commercial car washes, the mesh is changed quite often - once every 2-3 months, but at home, one tablet lasts for several years, of course, provided that it is used correctly.

How to make a tablet with your own hands

What to do if the cause of the breakdown is a faulty mesh, but the car needs to be washed urgently, and you don’t want to spend money. There is only one way out - to make such a device, a foam tablet, with your own hands, especially since it is very easy to do. The fact is that this thing is called a tablet only because of its shape, but in fact it is a small cylinder of pressed wire. Therefore, making a foam tablet with your own hands is very simple. To do this, you need to take a regular metal dishwashing sponge and press it into a tight lump.

To give the tablet the required form, you can take the regular one plastic bottle and cut it into a funnel shape. Place it on the table and fill the neck tightly with a metal mesh for dishes. Leave the mesh in the neck of the bottle for a while to fix the shape well, then carefully squeeze it out. That's all - the DIY foam tablet is ready.

Changing the mesh step by step

All that remains is to replace the foam element. In order to change the tablet, it is not at all necessary to completely disassemble the foaming agent. You need to do it like this:

• there is a pin on one of the plastic parts - pull it out using a thin drill or slotted screwdriver;
• remove the plastic casing of the jet regulator;
• Now we take out the guide block &minus- “duck”;
• with help wrench the right size unscrew the foam mesh holder;
• using a screwdriver or drill, push the foam mesh out of the body of the holder;
• press in a new tablet;
• tighten the foam tablet holder again, not forgetting to apply threaded connection layer of sealant;
• Then we perform all the steps in the reverse order: insert the “duck”, return the casing and pin to their place.

That's it, the foam generator is ready to work again.

Video: Simple foam nozzle repair, replacing bottle #1

How to clean the foam nozzle

In order for the foam mesh to serve you longer, you must wash the foaming agent after each use. You need to do it like this:

Carry out this procedure after each use of the sink, otherwise the foam tablet may become clogged. Residues of washing foam can clog the nozzle or the mesh tablet itself, become compressed inside and block the exit of the foam. If this happens, you can try to repair the mesh. To do this, you need to take it out and soak it in kerosene for a while, and then try to clean it mechanically using a knitting needle or a thick needle. If the above manipulations do not bring the desired result, then the foam tablet will have to be replaced.

Attention, TODAY only!

Every car owner has to go to a car wash. Water procedures help keep the vehicle clean, and special products that are applied during washing create an additional barrier to dirt and protect the paintwork of the body. For high-quality cleaning, thick active foam is used, obtained by foaming in special device. Some car enthusiasts use homemade foam generators when washing.

Benefits of using a foam generator for car washing

The foam generator is sold in a store that sells equipment for professional car washes. The price of a purchased foam generator is from 10 thousand. But if you take a branded device, you will have to pay twice as much. Not everyone can afford such costs. Therefore below is small instructions, how to make a foam generator yourself and spend only 500 to 2 thousand rubles on its production. In addition to saving Money, owner homemade generator receives the following benefits:

• saving time - washing a car with active foam is faster, by about 10–15 minutes;
• detergent is used more efficiently and economically;
• active foam eliminates the use of a sponge, which helps protect the paintwork from mechanical stress;
• The foam generator allows you to thoroughly clean hard-to-reach places.

We assemble it with our own hands: drawing diagram and manufacturing instructions

To understand the operating principle of the foam generator, below is a diagram. Water is poured into the container and detergent concentrate is added. Air from the compressor is supplied through the shut-off valve. To control the pressure in the container, a pressure gauge must be used. The output is a mixture of water and detergent. She's going through foam tablet, which produces dense active foam.

A simple and understandable diagram of a foam generator helps to understand the principle of operation of the device

What you will need for assembly

To make your own generator you will need:

1. Capacity.
2. Pressure gauge.
3. 1 shut-off valve (it only allows air to flow in one direction).
4. 1 tap (they regulate the supply of finished foam).
5. Metal tube.
6. Reinforced hoses that can withstand pressure of 6-8 atmospheres.
7. Metal clamps for reliable connection of hoses and fittings.
8. Foam tablet.

First of all, you need to decide on the capacity. The main requirement is the ability to withstand pressure of 5–6 atmospheres. If it is possible to carry out welding work, then for the generator you can use a receiver from a truck or an old compressor. Weld two one and a half inch fittings and a filler neck onto the top of the body. Optimal volume 20–30 liters, this is enough for personal use.

If you have an old water heater lying around in your garage or barn, you can use it to create a foam generator. In this case, welding work is not necessary.

How to make a foam generator without welding: video

won't be needed. How to do it, watch the video: https://youtu.be/yF8xmbzRuBw

Homemade unit from an old sprayer

Every summer resident's household must have an old sprayer that is a pity to throw away. With a little modification and using the drawing included above, it can easily be converted into a foam generator. Let's get started:

Remember that the sprayer body can withstand a pressure of 4-5 atmospheres. Do not overdo it, monitor the pressure using the pressure gauge.

We buy a foam tablet in the store or make it ourselves. The main element of the tablet is a metal mesh. It is easy to make from ordinary metal brush for dishes. It is sold at any hardware store.

Using a homemade device: highlights

Pour water through the neck to ⅔ of the total volume of the container and add detergent concentrate in the amount indicated on the package. Usually this is 10-20 g per 1 liter of water. Close the neck and outlet valve securely. We supply compressed air from the compressor to the inlet. Be sure to monitor the pressure according to the pressure gauge needle.

At the outlet we connect a hose with a nozzle for watering. Gradually open the tap. We direct the hose to the car and apply foam. The density can be adjusted using a garden watering nozzle.

Thick active foam quickly corrodes dirt and removes it from the surface without a washcloth.

The foamed car should stand for 10–15 minutes. Active foam flows off along with the dirt. Then just rinse off the foam with plain water and wipe the surface of the car.

As you can see, it is not difficult to assemble a foam generator with your own hands. No special skills or abilities are required. It will cost 10-15 times cheaper than purchased. The quality of washing will increase several times, and the savings in time and detergent are noticeable. Remember that the eyes are afraid, but the hands do. Good luck!

The safest method for car body paint is a non-contact washing method using a foam generator (we also call it foam). The essence of this method comes down to applying a chemical detergent to the surface of the body in the form of fine foam. After application, it softens dirt and dust, then all that remains is to wash it off with a stream of water. With paint coating(with a rag, brush, etc.) eliminates damage to the surface layers of varnish, that is, the formation of the so-called “cobwebs” is completely excluded. Therefore, this method of car washing is now a higher priority and more advanced.

The effectiveness of washing is in many ways - the higher its density, the better the cleaning properties, the lower consumption of water and chemicals. And it’s the foam generator that produces the foam. Therefore, the main task of a foam generator is to obtain finely dispersed dense foam, as well as its uniform distribution over the surface of the car body.

Structurally, the foam generator is very similar to a conventional garden sprayer, circuit diagram they have almost the same. But there is one significant nuance - penogen is equipment that operates under high pressure.

The main components of this equipment are:

1. Cylinder (volume varies - from 25 to 100 liters).
2. Mixer.
3. Gun.
4. Connecting hose.

Large equipment, with a large capacity cylinder, can be installed on a transport trolley to ensure easy movement.

Since the equipment operates under high pressure, the cylinders are made of stainless or ordinary steel, but with mandatory coating with anti-corrosion agents. In some factory models, a measuring ruler is installed on the cylinder, which allows you to control consumption and timely refill.

Penogen cannot work independently, since it requires a supply compressed air. For this purpose, there is a fitting on the cylinder for connecting the compressor. Usually operating pressure for a foam generator it is 5-6 Bar. To control the pressure, a pressure gauge is installed on the container; pressure adjustment is carried out using a pressure regulator included in the design.

Foam tablet

The main element of the mixer is the so-called foaming tablet. In reality, it is a fine-mesh mesh, folded in several layers and made of corrosion-resistant wire. It is installed in a housing mounted on the cylinder. And it is to this that the supply hose is connected. This tablet ensures that the primary foam supplied to it is broken down into a finely dispersed high-density fraction.

The principle of operation of the foam generator

DIY foam generator

The principle of operation of penogen is very simple:

1. The washer fills the cylinder with a solution of water and foaming agent (detergent). The neck is then tightly closed, which ensures the container is sealed.
2. A compressor is connected and air is pumped to the required pressure.
3. When the gun valve is opened, air begins to squeeze out the solution through the nozzle, where primary foaming occurs.
4. Moving at high speed, the foamed solution hits the mesh of the foaming tablet and, passing through it, separates, which is accompanied by the formation of fine foam.
5. The finished foam is fed to the gun and then through the nozzle to the surface of the body.
6. If necessary, the washer can adjust the flow on the gun (make the spray front wider, increase the speed of the jet).

It is noteworthy that another equipment for contactless washing, a sprayer, works approximately on the same principle. But unlike a foam generator, at the exit from the gun it forms an emulsion, whose cleaning effect is lower than that of foam.

The difference between them comes down to the different application guns used. Emulsion is a slightly different state of liquid than foam, so to spray it you need a nozzle with an enlarged hole. In addition, it is impossible to adjust the emulsion supply parameters of the sprayer, that is, there are no adjustment elements on the gun. These nuances will help you easily distinguish a foam generator from a sprayer.

The main advantages of the foam generator are:

• economical consumption of detergent;
• the resulting foam has excellent cleaning function;
• possibility of adjusting the jet flow;

There are two main disadvantages of this equipment - large dimensions and the need to connect a compressor. Of these qualities, the foam generator is considered equipment that is not very suitable for home use.

Foam kit as a type of foam generator

IN garage conditions It is better to use a foam kit - a variation of equipment for contactless car washing.

Gun with nozzle for washing. Connects via hose to high pressure washer

This equipment works a little differently. It also has a capacity, but it is significantly smaller in volume than the foam generator - only 1 liter. Also included in its design is a foaming agent, which immediately plays the role of a gun for application. But unlike foam, the foam kit does not work from a compressor; it is an attachment for high-pressure washers.

A container with a foaming agent, otherwise called a foam nozzle for contactless washing

The foam kit works like this:

1. It fits onto the water supply hose from the high pressure washer.
2. After the washer is put into operation, water under high pressure is supplied to the foam generator, and from there to a container filled with detergent, where primary foaming occurs.
3. The resulting solution in the container is squeezed back into the foaming agent by the incoming water, where it passes through the foaming tablet.
4. At the exit of the tablet, finely dispersed foam is formed, which is supplied through a socket to the surface of the body.

For ease of use, extensions (spears) of different lengths can be connected to the foam generator to ensure the application of foam to any surface of the car, including the roof and underbody.

The stream obtained at the outlet of the foam kit can also be adjusted using a valve installed on the foam generator.

Video: Do-it-yourself foam nozzle for washing

The foam kit is different:

• small overall dimensions;
• the resulting foam of good quality;
• ease of filling (no water required to create a solution);

But without a high-pressure washer, the foam kit will not be able to work.

Due to the powerful jet produced at the output, the consumption of detergent for such equipment is slightly higher than for foam. In general, this is a completely acceptable option for contactless car washing at home. And the foam kit costs much less than a foam generator.

Video: DIY foam generator for $2

Do-it-yourself foam generator for washing

Foam generator assembly

Considering the design of both types of equipment, you will notice that their main component is a foaming tablet, which can be purchased separately. This means that it is quite possible to make a homemade foam generator.

The easiest way to make foam is to take a regular garden sprayer as a basis and modify it a little. At the beginning it was mentioned that the foam generator and the sprayer are structurally similar, and this fact is often used when creating homemade foam.

Foam tablet assembly

• sprayer (volume may vary);
• two ½-inch bends and nuts for them;
• check valve;
• air fitting;
• foaming tablet and adapter for it;
• metal tube.

Having all this, you can start remaking:

1. We cut off the pressure relief valve and the fitting for connecting the hose from the sprayer.
2. We insert the brackets into the resulting holes and secure them with nuts on both sides and using sealing gaskets.
3. We install a tube on one of the pipes (so that it almost reaches the bottom of the container), a check valve and an air fitting.
4. On the second run, we wind the foaming tablet through the adapter.
5. The manual pressure pump of the sprayer must be completely turned off, since it will not be needed and will only serve as a tank cap.

Video: DIY foam generator

All that remains is to connect the hose to the outlet fitting of the tablet, and attach a garden spray gun to the other end. At this point the product can be considered ready.

Working with it is not as convenient as with factory equipment, but it is quite acceptable. To wash your car you need to:

• fill the container with cleaning solution (2/3 full);
• connect the compressor and pump air into the cylinder (it is important to monitor the pressure and not exceed the permissible limits);
• after opening the sprayer valve, the air will squeeze out the solution, push it through the tablet, and at the exit from the gun we will get foam of quite acceptable quality;