Pressure Power Systems, Inc.
P.O. Box 917
Kernersville, NC 27285 (USA)

Phone: (336) 996-5585
FAX: (336) 996-6217

e-Mail: Support Staff

1. Can I operate the boom with another portable vac unit other than the one that is part of the Vacu-Boom system?

Yes, however there are four considerations that you need to be aware of:

1. The airflow and vacuum pressure of the vac unit must be properly matched to the boom requirements.
2. The vac unit must have an automatic pump out system built into it, otherwise the operator will have to stop very frequently to manually empty the vac.
3. The vac unit must be very strong and durable to run for long periods of time under the heavy load created by the Vacu-Boom. Most ordinary vacs in the market do not meet this requirement.
4. The vac unit that is part of the system comes with special suction and discharge hoses, cam lever quick couplers for rapid assembly and disassembly and a special trash filter.

It has been our experience that most people are much better off getting the complete Vacu-Boom system.

2. I have a large capacity vac truck. If I use it with the Vacu-Boom will it collapse the boom?

Vac trucks produce much higher suction pressures and airflow than are needed by the Vacu-Boom; however the booms are equipped with adjustable air bypass valves. These valves can be adjusted to allow boom operation with any high volume vac system.

3. Can I get different lengths of boom or larger diameter closed loops than your listed standard sizes?

Yes. The boom is made up of 5 ft. sections that can be joined together to form virtually any length or circle diameter. However, the longer the boom, the more air flow (CFM) is required. For any lengths or configurations other than standard models, please contact Pressure Power Systems Application Engineering Department at 336.996.5585. 

4. I need to wash a lot of trucks parked in one area and I don’t think a 20 ft. or 40 ft long boom system will be big enough. What can I do?

In most cases, you can place a 20 ft. or 40 ft. boom in the run off flow path behind the pressure washer. As you move the pressure washer to new positions, you also move the boom. The boom can be easily moved in a few seconds.

5. The parking lot that I need to work on is flat. Do I need to have the boom go all the way around a truck or vehicle?

All outdoor paved areas are made with at least a slight slope for rainwater drainage even though they may look flat to the eye. A 20 ft. or 40 ft boom on the down slope side is the way to do it.

6. Your standard vac discharge hose from the pump out system is 25 ft. long. Can I get a much longer one?

Longer discharge hoses are available to 150 feet or more. The total vertical rise is limited to 15 ft.

7. Can I get a suction hose from the boom to the vac that is longer than 25 ft.?

No. The suction hose between the boom and vac must not be longer than 25 ft. Use a longer discharge hose. (See number 6 above.)

8. Can I leave the vac unit up in my truck to operate the boom down on the surface?

No. For proper operation the vac recovery unit must be at or below (down slope) the elevation of the boom.

9. How long does it take to set up and take down the boom system?

Normal set up or takes down time for a 20 ft or 40 ft. boom is 4 minutes or less.

10. What are the power requirements for operating the Vacu-Boom system?

Small vac unit (for booms up to 25 ft. long)	10.5 amps/120 volt
Large vac unit	17 amps/120 volt

11. I don’t have power available. How can I use the Vacu-Boom system?

Use a portable generator. The minimum size would be as follows:

20 ft. system (VB20-VR1)	3 KW (3000 watts)
40 ft. system (VB40-VR1)	5 KW (5000 watts)
All closed loops	5 KW (5000 watts)

12. I have an application where I must completely surround a piece of machinery inside a building and I can’t efficiently use a circular shaped boom. What can I do?

There are special fittings available including square corners which allow rectangular shapes and other configurations. For assistance, contact Pressure Power Systems, Inc. Application Engineering Department.

13. Does the Vacu-Boom meet all EPA requirements?

Yes. EPA laws are enforced at state and local levels and this system has been widely accepted by regulators throughout all 50 states and most foreign countries to include Australia, Canada, Europe and Japan.

14. Can the Vacu-Boom be used on rough surfaces?

Yes. The boom is designed to seal over rough surfaces such as asphalt or concrete that is in disrepair.

15. Can I get replacement parts if I need them?

Yes. Parts are readily available from factory stock and can be shipped by U.P.S. or Fed Ex overnight if necessary. Pressure Power Systems has been in business 27 years and guarantees immediate availability of parts.

16. How long can I expect the boom system to last?

The boom system is made to be very durable. The life depends on the way they are used, handled and maintained. The first systems were put into service in 1993 and most are still going strong.

17. What do I do with the wastewater after I pick it up?

EPA laws prohibit wastewater from being discharged onto the ground or storm drains. In most cases the wastewater is collected at the job site and subsequently discharged into a sanitary sewer connection (wash sinks, toilets, etc. that are connected to a sewage treatment plant). The level of contaminants must be below certain limits for sanitary sewer discharge. If the contaminants are too high, the wastewater must first be pretreated before sanitary sewer discharge. Pressure Power Systems, Inc. offers an economical filter system for use with the Vacu-Boom system when necessary. Contact Application Engineering Department for information.

18. I have an existing oil/water separator or water treatment unit. How can I use a Vacu-Boom along with it?

The Vacu-Boom system is compatible with most oil/water separators and treatment units and can be directly connected to the inlet of the treatment unit.

19. How much leakage do you normally get past the boom?

None. The boom forms an absolute watertight seal.

20. How much wastewater will the system pick up?