Galaxy Manual 1/7/15 Page 9 of 33
UNDERSTANDING YOUR SOIL EXTRACTOR
OVERVIEW
Extraction machines generally consist of two
mechanical parts, a solution pump and fan type
vacuum motor(s) - both operated by independent
electrical switches located on the main housing.
The pump forces a cleaning solution under pressure
from a housing tank to the face fibre of the carpet
via a solution feed hose and carpet wand. The
carpet wand has a spray jet system that is
compatible with the pressure from the pump and
delivers just the right amount of solution to the
carpet. The solution has a short amount of time to
be forced into the fibres and emulsify the soil
particles before it is extracted by the powerful
suction of the vacuum motor. Because both these
functions take place at the carpet wand, it will
soon be realised that the speed at which the
operator moves the wand is an important factor.
RECOVERY SYSTEM
The recovery tank has a built-in shut-off system that
works on the principle of a rising ball. As the waste
water or foam level rises and comes in contact with
the ball (which in turn is secured in a filtered
container) the ball floats and eventually is sucked
into the aperture of the vacuum pipe and seals the
air flow.
It is important to understand that shut-off devices
where fitted are there to act as a precautionary
measure. Care should be taken to empty the
recovery tank frequently and to use a defoamer
if heavy foam build-up occurs due to previous
shampoo residue in the carpet. Emptying of the
recovery tank is either by way of a positive drain
valve or removable bucket. Where fitted, care
should be exercised when opening the valve,
particularly when the tank is full as the force of dirty
water may overshoot the bucket. The drain valve
should be cleaned and kept free of soil sediment
regularly.
Do not let the recovery tank overfill and cut out
the vacuum motor.
At the same time do not completely empty the
recovery tank until the job is finished as this may
leave abrasive sediment in the drain valve rubbers.
A suggested method is to drain 10 litres of dirty
water regularly and at the same time refill with clean
hot solution using a separate bucket. By using
this technique, the solution tank is kept topped up
and the recovery tank is always below warning level
all in one journey.
•The filter in the recovery tank should be kept
clean and this should be carried out at the end
of each carpet cleaning session when cleaning
out the recovery tank.
When cleaning out the recovery tank, follow
these steps -
Place an empty bucket under drain valve and open
drain valve slowly. Empty tank and replace bucket
leaving drain valve open. Rinse tank with at least 10
litres of hot water, or Prochem deodorising solution.
If there is unused solution in solution tank, close
drain valve, then switch on the vacuum. With the
vacuum hose connected to recovery tank, place the
open end of vacuum hose in the solution tank and
extract all clean solution into recovery tank. This
will clean the inside of vacuum hose as well as
finally rinsing out the recovery tank. Remember to
leave the vacuum running for a few minutes after
you have extracted, as this will help dry out the
hose and avoid dripping hoses.
WARNING - Do not use extraction
machines for dry vacuuming
The vacuum motor on your soil extractor is not
protected by a dry dust filter. You should only use
the vacuum in conjunction with the solution spray.
Any pre-dry vacuuming operation should be carried
out using a normal dry vacuum machine.
SOLUTION SYSTEM
The quick connectors on each end of the solution
hose are connected to the machine and the carpet
wand, completing the solution circuit from the
solution tank via the pump to the wand head. The
female connectors incorporate a pull-back release
ring which houses steel ball bearings. These
should be lubricated regularly otherwise connection
may become difficult. The carpet wand heads are
made from stainless steel. Do not attempt to use
the carpet wand on hard floor surfaces or concrete,
which may result in damage to the wand head.
•Always check that the filter in the solution
tank is in good condition. Remember that
the filter is there to protect the pump from dirt
and fibres and it is a lot easier and cheaper to
replace the filter than it is the pump!
•Always use a clean bucket when you
replenish your solution tank. This help will
prevent soil and sediment from entering the
cleaning solution tank and pump system!
