Alexei Volkov
Plastic sprayer tanks are a convenient and durable option for many, but they do require some maintenance and care to keep them in good condition. The tanks are susceptible to damage from the sun, which can cause the plastic to weaken and crack over time. Additionally, the type of chemical used in the tank and the thoroughness of the rinsing process can impact the longevity of the tank. Proper storage is also key to preserving the tank, as moisture in the air can cause rust and other issues. This article will explore the best practices for maintaining and repairing plastic sprayer tanks, ensuring that they last for years to come.
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What You'll Learn
- Rinse the tank, hoses, filters and nozzles thoroughly after each use
- Store the tank in a dry building to protect it from the elements
- If cracks appear, use a plastic welder to repair them
- To prevent cracks, bore a small hole at both ends of the crack
- If the tank is dropped, use a hot air plastic welder to reshape it
Rinse the tank, hoses, filters and nozzles thoroughly after each use
Rinsing the tank, hoses, filters and nozzles thoroughly after each use is vital to keeping your plastic sprayer tank in good condition. This process can be done in several steps. Firstly, drain the tank and rinse the inside by spraying clean water with a pressure washer or a general garden hose with a nozzle. Then, fill the tank with water and rinse it through the spray boom for about five minutes. If you are using the same product mixture the next day, flushing the sprayer with just water will be enough. However, if you are swapping spray chemicals, you will need to add the right amount of a recommended cleaning solution to your tank of water. Operate the agitator inside your sprayer for 5-10 minutes to mix the cleaning solution with the water.
Next, leave the sprayer for 8 hours with the water and cleaning solution inside. This will allow the solution to remove any herbicide from the residues inside the tank. Once the solution has been flushed through, rinse all your nozzles, screens and filters. To clean these components, put them in a bucket of cleaning agent and water. Then, turn on your pump and spray the cleaning solution through the boom and hand wand. Finally, once you have put all nozzles, screens and filters back into place, give the entire system a complete rinse to ensure all cleaning solution is flushed through.
It is important to note that there are several locations where residues can remain trapped within the sprayer, such as the filters and nozzles. To get the system completely clean, you must remove these components to eliminate particles or paste from the screens at the ends of the booms. It is also important to pay attention to where the chemical will run when flushing your sprayer, and to clean in an area that will not contaminate water supplies, streams or crops.
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Store the tank in a dry building to protect it from the elements
Storing your plastic sprayer tank in a dry building is the best way to protect it from the elements. This will shield it from the harmful effects of snow, rain, sun, and strong winds. Moisture in the air, whether from snow or rain, can cause the metal parts of your sprayer to rust. The sun can also damage your equipment, as ultraviolet light softens and weakens rubber materials such as hoses and tires and degrades some tank materials.
Storing your tank in a dry building also gives you the opportunity to work on it at any time during the off-season, regardless of the weather. If storing your tank in a building is not possible, be sure to provide some sort of cover. For example, when storing trailer-type sprayers, put blocks under the frame or axle and reduce tire pressure during storage.
Before storing your tank, it's important to prepare it for the off-season. Start by thoroughly rinsing the whole system, including the tank, hoses, filters, and nozzles. This will prevent issues such as cross-contamination of products and clogging of nozzles. Leaving chemical residues in the nozzles can lead to changes in flow rates and spray patterns, resulting in uneven distribution of chemicals. If your tank is relatively new and equipped with special rinsing nozzles, this process will be easier. If not, manual rinsing of the tank interior can be more challenging and may pose safety concerns due to inhaling fumes of leftover chemicals. Consider replacing your tank with one that has interior rinse nozzles or installing an interior tank rinse system.
In addition to rinsing, there are several other maintenance steps to take before storing your tank. Check lights and flashers, change fluids and filters, lubricate grease fittings, fill fuel and hydraulic oil tanks, inspect engine belts, and remove, clean, and store batteries. Inspect hoses for wear and deterioration and upgrade to better hose clamps if needed. Finally, tighten straps, hoops, and bolts on the tank and look for signs of sun degradation.
To winterize your sprayer, focus on removing as much water as possible from the system, including the tank, hoses, and booms. Then, add antifreeze to prevent any remaining water from freezing and damaging the sprayer parts. Water expands when it freezes, and this expansion can crack steel and plastic parts. By adding antifreeze, you lower the freezing point of the water. Always remember to remove water and add antifreeze to a clean sprayer.
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If cracks appear, use a plastic welder to repair them
If cracks appear in your plastic sprayer tank, it is likely the result of dropping the tank or exposure to freezing temperatures. You can repair cracks in plastic using glue, hot water, or plastic slurry, but for larger cracks, you may need to weld the plastic. Here is a step-by-step guide to repairing cracks in a plastic sprayer tank using a plastic welder:
First, clean the damaged area thoroughly. Use a rotary tool with a teardrop-shaped cutting bit to create a V-groove and remove any crusty, oxidized plastic along the crack line. Make sure to wear proper safety gear during this process.
Next, use a hot air plastic welder to soften the plastic. You can then use a screwdriver handle or a similar tool to push the plastic back into shape, filling the crack. For larger cracks, you may need to use a wider strip of polyethylene to bridge the gap and add thickness and strength to the repair.
Once the plastic has cooled, you can smooth out the weld and melt down any curled edges with an airless plastic welder. Test the tank for leaks after the plastic has cooled.
You can also use a nitrogen plastic welder for this type of repair, which has some benefits over a regular hot air plastic welder. Additionally, if you are repairing a polyethylene tank, you will need to use a polyethylene welding rod, such as an LDPE or HDPE rod.
By following these steps, you can effectively repair cracks in a plastic sprayer tank using a plastic welder, ensuring your tank is ready for use again.
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To prevent cracks, bore a small hole at both ends of the crack
Plastic sprayer tanks are prone to cracking, especially if they are dropped or exposed to freezing temperatures. While some adhesives may work as a temporary fix, the only way to permanently repair a polyethylene chemical spray tank is to weld the plastic.
To prevent cracks from spreading, it is recommended to bore a small hole at both ends of the crack. This technique is effective even for metal tanks. Once the holes are in place, you can use a soldering gun with a flat tip and some white or clear plastic zip ties to repair the crack. Clean up the crack with a file, shaping it into a groove. Melt the zip ties and fill the groove with the melted zip tie, which should stick well to the tank wall as they are both made of polyethylene.
If you do not have zip ties, you can also use a plastic welder to repair the crack. Clean the damaged area with a plastic cleaner, and use a rotary tool with a teardrop-shaped cutting bit to create a V-groove and remove any crusty, oxidized plastic. Then, use the plastic welder to soften the plastic and push it back into shape. You can use a screwdriver handle or a similar tool to do this. Make several passes with a strip of polyethylene to bridge the gap, thicken the plastic, and add strength. Smooth out the weld and melt down any curled edges with an airless plastic welder. Once the plastic cools, it will be ready to use, though you can speed up the process with compressed air.
Remember to test the tank for leaks after the plastic has cooled.
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If the tank is dropped, use a hot air plastic welder to reshape it
If your plastic sprayer tank gets damaged due to dropping, you can use a hot air plastic welder to reshape it. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Firstly, inspect the tank for any cracks or deformities caused by the impact. Clean the affected area with a plastic cleaner to remove any dirt, chemicals, or debris. You can use a product like Super Clean Plastic Cleaner or Super Prep Plastic Cleaner for this step.
Once the tank is clean, use a rotary tool with a teardrop-shaped cutting bit to grind away any crusty or oxidized plastic along the crack line or deformed area. Create a V-groove with the rotary tool to smooth out the surface. Be careful not to cut too deep into the plastic, as you only want to remove a thin layer.
Now, it's time to reshape the plastic. Use a hot air plastic welder to soften the deformed area. Once the plastic is softened, use a tool like a screwdriver handle to gently push and reshape the plastic back to its original form. You can also use a wider strip of polyethylene to bridge any gaps or holes that may have formed during the process. Make several passes with the strip to increase the thickness and strength of the plastic.
After reshaping, you may want to smooth out the weld and use an airless plastic welder to melt down any curled edges, ensuring a neat finish.
Finally, allow the plastic to cool. You can use compressed air to speed up the cooling process if desired. Once cooled, test the tank for leaks to ensure that your repair was successful.
By following these steps, you can effectively use a hot air plastic welder to reshape your plastic sprayer tank and restore its functionality. Remember to always wear proper safety gear when working with tools and hot plastic.
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Frequently asked questions
To store your plastic sprayer tank, make sure there is no liquid left inside to prevent freezing and rusting of metal parts. Store the tank in a dry building to protect it from the harmful effects of snow, rain, sun, and strong winds.
Rinse the tank, hoses, filters, and nozzles thoroughly after each use to prevent clogging and chemical residue buildup. Circulate clean water through the sprayer parts for several minutes before flushing out the rinsate through the nozzles. Dispose of the rinsate according to the recommendations on the labels of the pesticides used.
If your plastic sprayer tank is cracked or damaged, you can repair it using a plastic welder or a nitrogen plastic welder. Clean the damaged area, then use a rotary tool to create a V-groove and remove any crusty, oxidized plastic. Soften the plastic with the welder, then push it back into shape using a tool like a screwdriver. You can also use products like Super Prep (formerly Super Clean plastic cleaner) or SealAll to clean and repair the tank.
