Maintenance, Tank Care And Winter Storage - Fimco 3PT-200-NR-1225FX4 Owner's Manual

Spraying Solutions Other Than Water
Since all the tabulations are based on spraying water, which weighs 8.34 lbs. per USA gallon, conversion factors must be used when
spraying solutions which are heavier or lighter than water. To determine the proper size nozzle for the solution to be sprayed, first
multiply the desired GPM or GPA of solution by the rate conversion factor. Then use the new converted GPM or GPA rate to select
the proper size nozzle.
Example: Desired application rate is 20 GPA of 28% Nitrogen.
Determine the correct nozzle size as follows:
GPA (Solution) x Conversion Factor = GPA
20 GPA (28%) x 1.13 + 22.6 GPA (Water)
The applicator should choose a nozzle size that will supply 22.6 GPA of water
at the desired pressure.
Miscellaneous Conversion Factors
One Acre = 43,560 square feet = 0.405 Hectare
One Hectare = 2.471 Acres
One Gallon Per Acre = 9.35 Liters Per Hectare
One Mile = 5,280 Feet = 1,610 Meters = 1.61 Kilometers
One Gallon = 128 Fluid Ounces = 8 Pints = 4 Quarts = 3.79 Liters = 0.83 Imperial Gallons
One Pound Per Square Inch = 0.069 bar. = 6.895 Kilopascals
One Mile Per Hour = 1.609 Kilometers Per Hour
Higher pressure not only increases the flow rate of the nozzle, but it also influences the droplet size and the rate of orifice wear. As
pressure is increased, the droplet size decreases and the rate of orifice wear is increased. The values given in the tabulation section
of this owners manual indicate the most commonly used pressure ranges for the associated spray tips.
Tank Care & Maintenance
Warning: Do not use the tank as a container for fuel oils, kerosene, gasoline or any other petroleum distillate product. All polyole-
fins are softened and permeated by such products. In an enclosed area the vaporization of these materials from the outside sur-
face of the tank could create a dangerous condition.
The tank should not be used as a pressure vessel nor used with chemicals or solutions having a weight of more than 12 pounds per
gallon.
Store the tank in a dry dark place when not in use. Storage out of sunlight will prolong the life of the tank.
Do not drop, strike or kick the tank, especially at low temperatures. Tanks become brittle and are subject to cracking at tempera-
tures below 20° Fahrenheit.
Always flush the tank with water and a neutralizing agent at the end of each use, to prevent contamination of solutions.
Maintenance During/After Spraying
Periodically close the suction line valve and check the strainer and clean the screen.
Proper care and maintenance will prolong the life of your sprayer.
After use, fill the sprayer tank part way with water. Start the sprayer and allow the clear water to be pumped through the plumbing
system and out through the spray nozzles. Refill the tank about half full with plain water and use FIMCO Tank Neutralizer and
Cleaner and repeat cleaning instructions above (If no tank cleaner is available, you may substitute dish soap for this step, about 1-2
oz. per gallon). A neutralizer/cleaner should be used to thoroughly clean the system.
Flush the entire sprayer with the neutralizing/cleaning agent, then flush out one more time with plain water.
Follow the chemical manufacturer's disposal instructions of all wash or rinsing water. For the boom (if applicable) remove the tips
and screens from the nozzle assemblies. Wash these items out thoroughly. Blow the orifice clean and dry. If the orifice remains
clogged, clean it with a fine bristle (NOT WIRE) brush or with a toothpick. Do not damage the orifice. Water rinse and dry the tips
before storing.
WARNING: Some chemicals will damage the pump valves if allowed to soak untreated for a length of time! ALWAYS
flush the pump as instructed after each use. DO NOT allow chemicals to sit in the pump for extended times of idleness. Follow the
chemical manufacturer's instructions on disposal of all waste water from the sprayer.
Winter Storage
Drain all water out of your sprayer, paying special attention to the pump, handgun and valve(s). These items are especially prone to
damage from chemicals and freezing weather.
The sprayer should be winterized before storage by pumping a solution of automotive antifreeze (containing a rust inhibitor)
through the entire plumbing system. This antifreeze solution should remain in the plumbing system during the winter months.
When spring time comes and you are preparing your sprayer for the spray season, rinse the entire plumbing system out, clearing
the lines of the antifreeze solution. Proper care and maintenance will prolong the life of your sprayer.
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