Freddy Products was approached last year by a very successful F1 team. An existing user of our products, they wanted a way where they could cut down on the labour for cleaning machine centres so that labour could be used elsewhere in the factory.

They wondered if we could automate a unit, so that the vacuum in and pump out would work in harmony until the machine centre was empty, and the only labour needed initially was just to plug it in and switch it on.

They also wanted to utilise a central drain system in the factory that flowed to a waste tank outside rather than pumping waste into an IBC.

The machine also had to be light an manoeuvrable and able to dispense its contents up to 30m away. It also had to have the ability to be used as a standard machine when not in “automatic” mode.

Finally, they needed a way to secure the unit and all the tools to prevent unauthorised use.

Our MD, Simon Hanmer carried out the site appraisal, suggesting the first stage would be to fit swan necks to the machine sumps with Camlock hookups so that a Freddy could be easily and safely be plumbed in.

We started with the Freddy Ecovac 300 as the base, to which we added the automation. In brief, the machine can be switched on to vacuum, and when full it stops and the pump starts. When empty the vacuum starts again and this process continues until the Machine centre is empty. A timeout ensures the machine will not run endlessly. Once the machine centre is empty, the labour can then switch the unit to a conventional unit and clear the sump bottom of what is likely to be fines and sludge.

The Units were fitted with a 15m hose reel courtesy of our friends from Samoa, with an additional 15m on a bespoke trolley. So the customer can reach his max of 30m or anything in between. Crucially the trolley acts as pedestrian protection when the hose sits over the drain point in the factory floor.

A toolbox was buried within the skin of the tank with a lockable lid, and a key switch incorporated so that without the key, nobody would be able to take it for use elsewhere in the factory.

If you have a bespoke need, whatever that may be, we strive to find a solution.  Whether you need to satisfy your health and safety requirements or are looking at ways to streamline your processes, come and talk to us on 01386 561113 or drop us an email at [email protected].