Static! No, not the static that makes your hair stand on end, although given some of the prices we researched in the current market, I am sure it would do just that. Maybe raise an eyebrow or two as well. We are talking about ‘static systems’. A static system sits in a shed/out building, garage or premises and generates pure water for window cleaning 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.
Why buy a static system?
There are varied reasons for opting to purchase a static system. It might be that you don’t want to have your van filling up overnight with hoses all over the garden path when ready water can be pumped into your tank in minutes prior to work. You might have a small tank in a van and need to fill up more frequently. You might be a larger company with more than one van on the road and simply cannot have every van you own tethered up to the water supply, whatever the reason and whatever the size of your business, choosing a static tank right for your business and pocket can be a minefield.
This article may not give you a definitive answer for your choice but we hope by showing these examples of static systems that you can then choose something that best suits your needs. They are all pretty similar ( there are others on the market and models have changed since this article) but as you can see the cost can vary. Of course there is the option of sourcing all of the parts for a static system and assembling it yourself, here we are looking at ‘off the shelf’ static systems for DIY phobes like me. We will do a follow up article at some point with updated systems as more brands and models come onto the market.
We looked at three static systems compared all three. We wanted to look at the value for money of each system and also functionality and aesthetics.
So let’s take a look at our first static system:
1000L RO Static system from Pure Freedom
This system says what it does on the tin. The cheapest on the market and you might say that it looks it but it’ still way up a level from that. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder because what this system does for your pocket makes up for its look overall.
Pure Freedom static systems are defiantly aimed at the savvy (looks don’t matter) and for those with less money to spend. But it’s not all bad in the cosmetic department. We like the neat and tidy panel that is well put together by Pure Freedom and comprises of standard filter units that you can buy replacement filters from just about anywhere.
Sitting between these is the resin vessel. The RO sits snug at the top of the IBC tank. A bare bones of a system with no TDS meter or gauges and no digital functions.
Cost: At £787.50+vat it’s the cheapest on the market and most basic.
Pumps: Purchase extra
Positives: The cost
Negatives: You have to guestimate the filter changes yourself and crack out the personal TDS wand.
Looks: The Pure Freedom plate stops it from being hit with the ugly stick.
Footprint: 1 metre squared approx.
1000L RO Ionic V4-P
We have got to hand it to Ionic they do get a bashing from a lot of window cleaners because of over engineering claims and higher prices, but you got to give them credit for creating some beautiful looking systems. Systems that promote a different image than the first system on our list, maybe.
Hey, but who cares anyway aren’t these all indoors hidden away? Well yeah, I guess it very much depends on if you are bothered about what the CEO of that Blue Chip company thinks when he tours your depot before signing that 6 figure contract. I am teasing of course. Ionic is not just for the ‘high flyers’ in our industry. These systems offer the buyer a quality feeling built with quality parts and materials from scratch. No IBC tank in sight.
The V4 looks attractive and I am sure they are now sporting the latest cartridge design than the picture shows. It has a robust steel frame and standardised 30 inch linear 4 – stage filters all racked in a row. The only problem is you can only buy the replacement cartridges from Ionic, as they are a bespoke cartridge.
Cost: Ouch! 2,556+vat ( you can pick your jaw up now)
Pumps: Purchase extra. Ionic recommends that the PSI into your RO should be 60. They recommended a Boosted Fill upgrade, which is a 230v mains driven booster pump that raises the pressure to 120 PSI (180 when stainless steel), if you’re running lower at say, 40 or 50 for another GRAND!
Positives: Inline TDS reading after RO and resin.
Negatives: Cost. High filter replacement costs and tied into Ionic.
Looks: Looks the dogs. The other van-mounted systems are way sexier tho.
Foot print: Tank 1 metre squared and the frame coming in at 1200mm wide, 1000mm high and 400mm deep.
Bulkflow 1000L RO by Brodex
Another basic set up with a basic ball cock water shut off. It has a nice feature showing the amount of waste water versus pure water production. Pressure gauges are useful for a quick visual look. No TDS reader or digital functions. In this list the Brodex static system using standard replacement filters that you can buy anywhere comes in at only £341 pounds cheaper than the most expensive, Ionic. For its real basic nature we are ‘foxed’ at the high price justification here. The panel layout is neat and tidy and well spaced out. It can be installed on the wall or on the floor next to the tank.
Cost: At £2,215+vat for its basic functions and standard components we are baffled as to why it costs so much and priced into the Ionic bracket almost.
Pumps: 1 Powerful Integral Submersible Pump
Positives: At least you get a pump. The 3 year guarantee is a nice touch.
Negatives: High price.
Looks: Looking good in the hood.
Footprint: 1 metre squared approx..