weedingtech Foamstream L12 User manual

EPA Est. No 94946 –GBR –1
USER MANUAL
For L12-019 and above
ENGLISH (EU/USA) –15/01/2020 –ISSUE 4

L12 –User manual –English (EU/USA) –15/01/2020 - ISSUE 4

L12 –User manual –English (EU/USA) –15/01/2020 - ISSUE 4
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1SAFETY INFORMATION _______________ 4
1.1 OPERATOR ATTENTION ________________________________________ 4
1.2 CARBON MONOXIDE HAZARDS___________________________________ 4
1.3 ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARDS______________________________________ 4
1.4 FIRE AND BURN HAZARDS ______________________________________ 4
1.5 ENGINE FUEL WARNING _______________________________________ 4
2INTRODUCTION ____________________ 6
3IMPORTANT INFORMATION ___________ 6
4PRODUCT DESCRIPTION _____________ 7
5FOAMSTREAM® ___________________ 10
5.1 HOW FOAMSTREAM® KILLS WEEDS_____________________________ 10
5.2 INDICATORS_______________________________________________ 10
5.3 CAUTION –POISONOUS WEEDS__________________________________ 11
5.4 THE EFFECT OF THE SYSTEM ON PLANTS ____________________________ 11
6PRE-START CHECKS ________________ 13
7START PROCEDURE ________________ 14
8USING THE L12 ___________________ 15
8.1 GREEN TOWER LIGHT (AND USE OF TRIGGER) _____________________ 15
8.2 BOILER SWITCH __________________________________________ 15
8.3 THERMOSTAT ___________________________________________ 15
8.4 TACHOMETER ___________________________________________ 15
8.5 PRESSURE GAUGE ________________________________________ 15
8.6 CHANGING LANCE ________________________________________ 15
8.7 AUTOMATIC PROTECTION__________________________________ 16
9FOAMSTREAM® APPLICATION (KILLING
WEEDS)____________________________ 17
10.1 HOSE REEL ________________________________________________ 17
10.2 SPEED ___________________________________________________ 17
10.3 USE OF THE LANCE___________________________________________ 17
10.4 TREATMENT OF THICK WEEDS ___________________________________ 18
10.5 CONFIRMATION OF TREATMENT__________________________________ 18
10.6 CORRECT POSTURE __________________________________________ 18
11 SHUT-DOWN PROCEDURE ___________ 19
12 BASIC FAULT FINDING______________ 19
13 SERVICE CHECKS AND INTERVALS ____ 23
14 LOADING AND HANDLING ___________ 26
14.1 ON-VEHICLE SET UP __________________________________________ 26
15 SCHEMATICS _____________________ 27
16 WARRANTY_______________________ 30
17 PRODUCT CERTIFICATION ___________ 32

L12 –User manual –English (EU/USA) –15/01/2020 - ISSUE 4
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1Safety Information
To ensure safety while operating the L12, please carefully
read the following information.
1.1 Operator Attention
WARNING
•Read and understand this user manual before operating
the L12.
•The L12 should only be used by trained operators.
•Proper PPE is to be worn at all times while operating the
L12 (see section 0).
•Major repair work should only be carried out by
professionally trained service engineers.
1.2 Carbon Monoxide Hazards
WARNING
•Boiler and engine exhaust contains poisonous carbon
monoxide gas.
•Never run the L12 indoors, even if a door or window is
open. ONLY USE IN A WELL VENTILATED AREA.
•Do not use the L12 in potentially explosive
atmospheres.
1.3 Electric Shock Hazards
WARNING
•Do not operate the L12’s electrical components with wet
hands.
•Always ensure electric cables are in good condition.
1.4 Fire and Burn Hazards
WARNING
•Petrol/gasoline
•and diesel are explosive and flammable. Always ensure
no sparks or fire sources are present while refueling.
•Do not refill petrol/gasoline or diesel while machine is
in use.
•Clean up any overflowing fuel prior to turning on the
L12.
•Never smoke while operating the L12.
•Do not touch the working components in the L12 while
in use or immediately following use. Allow sufficient
time to cool before servicing.
1.5 Engine Fuel Warning
WARNING
•NEVER PUT
PETROL/GASOLINE IN THE
DIESEL TANK

L12 –User manual –English (EU/USA) –15/01/2020 - ISSUE 4
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L12 –User manual –English (EU/USA) –15/01/2020 - ISSUE 4
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2Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Foamstream L12!
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT ALL OPERATORS READ AND
UNDERSTAND THESE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING
THE MACHINE
Having read these instructions, the operator will:
•Understand how the L12 works
•Identify key components in the L12
•Know how to carry out pre-start and start-up
procedures
•Observe safe operating practices
•Be able to effectively operate the L12
•Be able to shut down and clean the L12
•Be able to perform basic maintenance and
troubleshooting tasks
PLEASE KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS IN A SAFE PLACE
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
3Important information
The following PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) are
recommended when operating the L12:
•Eye protection is required when handling
Foamstream® concentrate
•Gloves are required as the lance assembly will get hot
•Safety Footwear suitable for working in the areas
concerned is recommended
•No specific protective clothing is required, although
use of overalls and a HI-Viz vest is suggested as best
practice.
IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE OPERATOR TO WEAR
APPROPRIATE PPE
Never operate the machine without checking that there are
adequate supplies of clean petrol/gasoline, clean diesel,
clean water, and clean Foamstream® concentrate in the
appropriate tanks.
The L12 produces VERY HOT water. This can cause serious
burns and injury if used incorrectly.
Never point the lance at people or animals as this machine
can operate at high temperatures and high pressures.
All personnel operating a L12 machine must be deemed
competent to do so and must be adequately trained. A copy
of the training record is available on demand.
Always check the L12 for any damage before use. Damaged
cables, hoses or connections must be reported immediately,
and the machine taken out of use until repairs have been
completed.
Use only genuine Weedingtech spare parts and
Foamstream® consumables. This will ensure the best
performance of your machine and maintain the warranty of
the unit.
The L12 must never be modified, safety interlocks bypassed,
or settings adjusted (unless specified in these guidance
notes) without Weedingtech’s written consent.
Ensure that the L12 is placed in an area where there is
adequate ventilation when in use.

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Ensure that the consumable liquid (foam concentrate) is not
subject to temperatures below 5 degrees centigrade at any
time.
Ensure that both the L12 and its water tank are securely
attached to the transport vehicle. It is the responsibility of
the vehicle driver to ensure that any load is secure and that
any payload restrictions are observed. You can refer to
section 14 for more information on transport.
4Product description
The L12 weed control unit consists of:
•Foamstream® L12
•Water tank
•Hose reel (20 metres/65.6 ft)
•Weeding lance
The L12 houses a diesel-powered boiler, a petrol/gasoline-
powered engine, itself connected via belt drive to a piston
pump and an alternator, a 32 litres/8.45 gal. diesel tank,
and a slot for a Foamstream® concentrate can.
Water is pumped into the boiler, and when it reaches 95
degrees centigrade, the indicator light goes green, indicating
that it is hot enough for weeding. The water flows from the
boiler (12 l/m @ 12 bar –3.1 gpm @ 174 PSI) and a venturi
mixer opens to allow Foamstream® concentrate to be
injected at a ratio of approximately 99.5 parts water to 0.5
parts concentrate. Air is added to the water and
Foamstream® mix as it exits the lance to create the foam.
Figure 1 - L12
The L12 has been designed to require no manual input or
adjustment (See section 0 for operating details).
A safety valve and over-temperature sensor ensure that
internal pressure and temperature will not exceed 120
bar/1740 PSI or 120 degrees centigrade/248 F in the event
of a system fault.
Filters are fitted to the diesel, water and foam systems to
ensure supplies are kept clean and free from debris. These
needs to be checked daily (see section 6). The engine has
an integrated petrol/gasoline filter.
The L12 has an open frame that allows for easy access for
maintenance and visual checks. The electrical system is
NEVER OPERATE THE L12 WITHOUT FOAMSTREAM®
CONCENTRATE

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protected in the control box behind the front panel. The
transmission system links the engine to the main water
pump and the alternator. The alternator charges the battery
and provides power to the boiler.
The L12 requires a water tank, providing an unrestricted
water supply. Between any water tank and the L12, there
are two hydraulic connections (water supply, water return)
and one electrical connection (water sensor).
An automatic hose reel is located inside the unit to allow the
20 metres hose to be stowed safely when the L12 is not in
use. The hose comes off the top of the reel and is connected
to the lance via a quick-release connection.
L12 Specifications
HEIGHT (mm / ft)
1070 / 3.51 (no light)
1230 / 4.03 (with light)
WIDTH (mm / ft)
1040 / 3.42
DEPTH (mm / ft)
980 / 3.22 or
1950 / 6.40 (with tank)
WEIGHT (kg / lbs)
360 / 794 - EMPTY
425 / 937 - FULL
WATER
780 LITRES / 206 GAL.
DIESEL
32 LITRES / 8.45 GAL.
PETROL/GASOLINE
6.1 LITRES / 1.6 GAL.
FOAMSTREAM
WHOLE CAN
25 KG / 55 LBS
ENGINE OIL
1.1 L. / 0.29 GAL
SAE 10W40
PUMP OIL
0.3 L. / 0.08 GAL.
SAE 10W40
FLOW RATE
12 LPM / 3.1 GPM
OPERATING PRESSURE
(BAR / PSI)
12 / 174 WEEDING LANCE
100 / 1450 PRESSURE
LANCE
FOAM OPERATING
TEMPERATURE
95 –110 °C
203 –230 °F
(WEEDING/HOT MODE)
UNLOADER VALVE
100 BAR / 1450 PSI
SAFETY VALVE
120 BAR / 1740 PSI
OVER TEMP. CUT-OUT
120 °C / 248 °F
ENGINE (PETROL/GAS.)
8.7 kW @ 3600 RPM;
RUN @ 2000 RPM (~5.3 kW)
BOILER (DIESEL)
88 kW; 12V DC
PUMP
12 LPM (3.1 GPM), 170 BAR
(2465 PSI) @ 1450 RPM;
4kW
ALTERNATOR
14V, 33A @ 1750 RPM;
RUN @ 2380 RPM
PETROL/GAS. CONS
1 LPH / 0.27 GPH
DIESEL CONSUMPTION
7 LPH / 1.85 GPH
FOAMSTREAM V4 CONS.
2.4 LPH / 0.64 GPH
FOAMSTREAM + CONS.
4 LPH / 1.06 GPH
AMBIENT OPERATING
TEMPERATURE RANGE
AIR
5–40 °C / 41 –104 °F
WATER
5 –60 °C / 41 –140 °F

L12 –User manual –English (EU/USA) –15/01/2020 - ISSUE 4
Figure 2 –Perspective view of the L12
No.
Part
Description
1
Control Panel
Includes:
-Pressure gauge (main water line,
after venturi)
-Tachometer (engine hours when
off, RPM when on)
-Digital thermostat, Novus N321
connected to PT100 sensor
-2 position main switch: Cold and
Hot (boiler on)
2
Engine
Honda GX390 with speed fixed
3
Water tank
780 litres/206 gal. as standard.
Not represented
4
Lance
Not represented
5
Feet/forklift slots
Forklift can also be used from sides
6
Indicator light
Green light –illuminates when foam is
hot enough to weed
7
Hose reel
Automatic hose-reel with 3/8” hose
8
Diesel tank
Diesel tank with low-level sensor
9
Foamstream can
Can is placed in slot, and hose outlet
is fitted onto cap
10
Petrol/Gasoline
tank

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5FOAMSTREAM®
5.1 How FOAMSTREAM® kills weeds
Foamstream® uses heat to kill weeds. Water is heated to
near boiling point and then mixed with the Foamstream®
concentrate to produce foam before being applied. The foam
blanket ensures that the heat is held on the plant so that the
weeds experience hot, killing temperatures for a few
seconds. Figure 6 below explains and compares the process
to hot water and steam.
5.2 Indicators
The lances can apply large volumes of water and foam and
can be used to kill larger weeds. Foam cover, and hence heat
retention on weeds, is easier to achieve on prostrate plants
that are near the ground. Tall plants should be trodden
down either by foot or by using the lance outlet, to aid foam
cover and heat retention.
Figure 3 - Foamstream during treatment
Immediately after treatment, weeds will go dark green and
limp. This indicates that the machine is operating properly.
The weeds will die; this becomes more obvious within the
next one to seven days (depending on species and weather).
If weeds fail to go limp, temperatures may be too low or
treatment speed too high.
Figure 4 - Weed immediately after treatment with Foamstream
Figure 5 - Weed 24 hours after treatment with Foamstream