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Does anyone use a spray pump sysyem out there? I am considering putting on on my 550 gal tank that is just gravity now. I would like some help with the props and cons of them. My main question is how does the sealcoat not harden up in the line at night or when setting??
Thanks everyone!!

Hello pavemanpro, great question. First lets look at spray application. There are a couple pump type sytems that are very reliable. First system is hydraulic, these type of pump systems are common on dual squeegee machines, large truckmounted units that utilize spray bar applications and dual wand applicators with heavy sand loads.. Second, is air diaphram pump system. No differance except Air is more cost effective and easier to maintain than a hydraulic pump system. In your case having a 550 gravity flow, i would suggest putting on a smaller air diaphram pump to spray, i assume small commercial and private driveways are your markets at this time. There are a few companies that sell air pumps and hydraulic pumps. Check with Neal, Sealmaster, or any of the equipment manufacturers that specialize in this. I also feel your sealer supplier also will have valuable info on what you need as well as where to get it! Now, in regards to sealer in your hose. Wet pavement sealer in your hose does not set up under normal working situations. If you completed a job and shut your rig down, the sealer that is in your hose is under minimum pressure, and is air free. this will keep the sealer wet. If air intrusion occurs you will find that it will be very chalky thick. If Sealer is in your tank for very prolonged periods of time, water evaporates from the sealer and will settle out the solids to the bottom. The addition of some water while agitating will loosen and remix the sealer, but it should not harden like a rock. Only if your sealer has not been agitated for a season will it become totaly hard. Thankyou for your question.

Hello Matt,

I would have to agree with Mark on getting a air pump on an existing gravity fed tank. It is the easiest to install and you will encounter less problems with self installation. I am also in agreement for the sealer left in the hose or tank as long as air does not get to it you should be fine. Also I will go a step further and tell you never never let sealer freeze did I tell you never let sealer freeze???. It will crystallize and cause you a repair job you wont believe no matter which pump you have. I don’t however agree an air pump being the best choice overall. Keep in mind an air pump is a muti purpose pump. Most Diaphragm air pumps are designed to pump water (ok diaphragm pump people don’t blow yr top on this one, search the internet and you will see most of the manufacturers spec these pumps with water). They do an ok job pumping sealer so if you are in the driveway business that for the most part is all the pump you will ever need so I agree on that one too.

A hydraulic system while there may be more complex problems these problems are very few if the pump is assembled properly. These problems are mostly from operator error and lack of experience. This, with a little patience can be easily learned and a few simple up keep procedures will make you a pro with this pump in no time.

The piston pump is on all levels more of a pump that is made specifically for Coal tar and Asphalt Based Sealer. With the many variations you are seeing in the sealer market today the piston pump is made to pump the “tough loads”. i.e. thicker asphalt emulsions and coal tars, virtually unlimited sand pumping capacity and an overall better spray fan that gives a much better finished product. The pump is adjustable to as much or as little pressure as you are comfortable with. .

So what I am getting at with this post is if you are in the commercial side of seal coating you should go with some type of piston pump strictly for the production if nothing else. Don’t let the “harder to work on” people scare you out of getting the right pump for your business. Any additional questions on this subject please feel free to post or I am available anytime on the phone. 770 830 1282

Thanks
Eric