What this tool does
Separates gross applied water from non-recoverable carryout, collection efficiency, treatment recovery and the fresh-only spot-free stream.
When to use it
Use after measuring or estimating gross applied water per vehicle and obtaining current recovery information from the proposed reclaim equipment.
Inputs and supported units
Each labelled field explains the quantity it expects. Unit-system changes convert existing numeric entries once and keep calculations on a single SI internal basis. Supported shared units include L/min and GPM, metres and feet, kPa and psi, millimetres and inches, kW and hp, and °C and °F as relevant.
Calculation or decision method
Reclaim used = min(potential recovered, gross applied − fresh-only spot-free demand)
How to interpret the result
Read the primary result with the supporting breakdown and warning. A plausible number is not evidence that every input, operating case or design constraint has been included.
Worked example
At 180 L applied, 20 L spot-free, 30 L carryout, 90% collection and 80% treatment recovery, 108 L/vehicle can return as reclaim and fresh requirement is 72 L/vehicle.
Assumptions
Steady representative operating periods; user-entered meter, equipment, tariff and operating data; volumes are quantity balances rather than water-quality claims.
Limitations
No treatment technology, discharge route, oil-water separation, chemical compatibility, permit condition or manufacturer package is selected or approved.
Sources
- U.S. EPA WaterSense at Work — Vehicle Washes
- U.S. Department of Energy — Vehicle Wash Water-Use Estimating Methods
- International Carwash Association — Water Use, Evaporation and Carryout
- U.S. Department of Energy — Handbook of Water Use and Conservation