ducting for pressure-washer in a van

[jpowell79]

Hi guys I was wondering if you could offer some advice on some work I need to do to my van.

Basically I recently purchased a self-contained pressure-washing van, but the ducting-work of the former owner leaves a lot to be desired!
I’m looking to replace the connectors and hoses, but have zero experience of this kind of thing, so would appreciate some advice.

First of all there is the exhaust coming of the Vanguard Engine. It is roughly 3.5cm in diameter. I need a hose capable of withstanding high exhaust temperatures to run off this. Here’s a pic for reference

Next there is the small diesel-powered boiler. It has a rectangular shaped exhaust approximately 11.5cm wide.

What then happens is that the two pipes run into a splitter, which then feeds a single pipe (approx. 11cm in diameter) up to the roof of the van and out the top. Here is a pic of the pipe going out of the roof:

All of this ducting needs replacing, and I have a rough idea of what I need to do, but need some advice.

First of all, I’ve been looking for “round to rectangular” transition adaptors, so that I can run hose from the boiler. Presumably a galvanised adaptor would be best because of the strength and heat requirements of the boiler. I’ve found something similar to what I “think” I need (http://www.deflecto.com/advp/produc...-to-Round-Universal-Boot-Fittings-269p234.htm), but am struggling to find a UK supplier of these online. Maybe I’m looking for the wrong thing, and it’s called something different in the UK? If anyone knows a direct link to the thing I need (UK supplier) it would be appreciated!

The next bit are the actual hoses. I would need one for the boiler and one for the vanguard engine exhaust. Is there any type of hose I should be buying? I was looking on this website which shows all different types of hose (http://www.masterflex-uk.com/products.asp?catid=64&showprods=true) there seems like all different ones to choose and presumably they will all vary in price. Is there any of this that I need in particular? Perhaps someone could say, “you need hose X because it is blah, blah” – I’m guessing I need something crush-proof and prefer something flexible so I can cable-tie the hose to the side wall of the van out of the way.

Then I need some kind of splitter to get the two hoses going into one. Also I probably need some kind of “reducer” to make the two pipes get bigger ready for the single, larger pipe going up to the roof of the van. This looks like the kind of thing I need, but again am struggling to find a UK supplier on-line (http://www.midwesthydroponics.com/duct-y-splitter-6x4x4.html)
As for the single hose going up to the roof…I know I need a wider diameter of pipe as its channelling out two pipes, but does the material of the pipe need to be enforced, or will the same material for the engine exhaust and boiler hoses suffice? Also, maybe there is some kind of special calculation required, e.g. “two pipes of diameter X must go into a single pipe of diameter Y to work effectively”?

Last but not least, the actual connecting process of these bits…. Should I just use large hose clips, or do I need to apply some kind of sealant to the connectors? Also, is there some special kind of connector to be able to connect the pipe securely to the roof of the van, or perhaps I should get one of these things for the roof of the van? (http://www.pexsupply.com/Fantech-RC6-Galvanized-Steel-Roof-Cap-6-Duct) – yet again, can’t seem to find what I’m looking at on a UK website!

Sorry it’s a long posting, but any advice would be much appreciated.

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

Someone like http://www.ducting-online.co.uk/ may offer what you're looking for, alternatively an engineering company specialising in fabricating ductwork may be able to build what you require. Will need to provide a flexible joint to the engine/pressure washer if using rigid ducting though, or it'll snap something with the vibration when in use.

Alternatively flexi exhaust pipe in various diameters is readily available from commercial vehicle factors, but I would use an appropriate sized exhaust clamp to secure it, cable ties will probably melt. Really dont want anything going wrong in the back of the van that could cause a fire hazard.....

The Vanguard engine exhaust could terminate through the floor of the van, rather than trying to link the two. Most tyre fitters vans with an independant compressor have the exhaust ducted through the floor.

 

[jpowell79]

thanks, it never occured to me to go straight through the floor! The simple solutions are usually the best, so will probably go that route.

One other question.... if I route directly off the boiler to the roof, would using a standard plastic rectangle to round adaptor together with standard 100mm hose, be ok for the boiler? -

Or do I need to try and track down galvanised adaptors (can't find any UK suppliers) and invest in the expensive insulated hose?

 

[Burnerman]

I'm afraid plastic ducting wouldn't do here - it would need to be galvanised, and maybe twin wall stuff, too.
(I'm assuming your boiler is similar to the ones fitted to hot jet wash machines).
John

 

[jpowell79]

I'm afraid plastic ducting wouldn't do here - it would need to be galvanised, and maybe twin wall stuff, too.
(I'm assuming your boiler is similar to the ones fitted to hot jet wash machines).
John

thanks john, yes the boiler looks like a standard jet wash boiler with the rectangular connector on top.

I don't suppose you have any links to the stuff I need, which you could share? I'm struggling to find UK suppliers whenever I google search this stuff!

 

[Happyplumber]

You need to visit a local met fabricating company in your area ,normally the guys making canopies and extraction equipement will be able to knock up something for you