Finish Thompson BE-15/15C - Manual (Page 4)

4
Getting Started
SEQUENCE OF OPERATION: To better service a BE-Series coolant reclaimer, understanding each step
of the operational sequence is necessary. Below is an outline of the operation:
1. FILL - The operator pours or pumps 15 gallons of waste antifreeze/coolant into the Process Tank through
the Fill Funnel. A Level Control Probe senses the presence of liquid, activating a relay on the Level
Control Board (a slight “click” will be heard).
2. START - The On/off Switch is depressed, energizing the Heater Band and Pump Motor.
3. WATER PROCESS - As the water is heated and vaporizes, it passes through the tubes of the Condenser.
Coolant is circulated through the shell of the Condenser, reforming the vapors into a distilled water
product. This distilled water product gravity drains out of the Processed Water Hose. It takes
approximately an hour for the water to begin processing, and eight to ten hours to complete the water
cycle.
4. GLYCOL PROCESS - When most of the water has been processed, the temperature inside the process
tank will begin to rise. When this temperature reaches 280
F, a switch closes, energizing the coil on the
Divert Solenoid Valve. During this portion of the process, the glycol is vaporized under a vacuum
(reducing it’s boiling point). The Recycled Glycol is drawn into the Pump Reservoir. The Pump
Reservoir fills with the reclaimed glycol, then gravity drains out of the Processed Glycol Hose. The
glycol process takes approximately four to six hours.
5. AUTO SHUTDOWN - The BE unit will automatically terminate the process when the liquid in the
process tank reaches a low level (approximately 3 1/2 gallons). This low level sensor de-activates the
Process On/off Switch, shutting the unit off. The entire processing cycle takes approximately 14 hours.
6. DRAIN RESIDUES - After each cycle is complete (and the residue in the tank has cooled for two hours),
the residues must be drained into a collection pan. This residue is stored for future processing.
As necessary:
 RESIDUE RUN - After 12 to 15 gallons of residues have accumulated, it is processed like waste
antifreeze. Little to no water will process, and the residue run can yield up to 11 gallons of Recycled
Glycol. The Process Tank is drained, and this residue should be disposed of according to local, state, and
federal regulations. Under no circumstances should residues be processed a second time or mixed
back into the waste antifreeze.
 MAINTENANCE - Flush the Process Tank by filling the unit with 5 to 7 gallons of clean water and
turning the unit on. Allow the unit to process the water and automatically shut down after a couple of
hours. The remaining water is drained from the Process Tank. This flushing process is repeated until the
drained water is somewhat clear (see maintenance schedule on page 6).
 REINHIBIT - After the process is complete, the Recycled Glycol can be mixed with processed water to
obtain the desired freeze/boil protection and reinhibited with FTI’s “BE-Series Engine Coolant
Treatment” to re-make engine coolant.