FT-2 and FT-2D Controllers

PULSAIR's FT-2 System is an adaptation of the FT-1 System. The difference between the two is that the FT-2 will control the PULSAIR mixing in two tanks instead of one, a feature not offered by other mixer machines on the market. Customers do not have the option of moving a large mechanical mixer from one tank to another. With PULSAIR FT-2, they simply throw the switch to select whichever tank is ready for blending.

Tanks attached to an FT-2 controller do not have to be of equal size. For that matter, one tank could have a flat bottom; while the second, a V or cone bottom tank, which requires only one accumulator plate. When tanks are not of equal size or shape, it may be necessary to adjust the pulse rate when switching from one tank to the other in order to maximize effectiveness. The FT-2 is most ideally suited for two tanks of equal size and shape. However, having two different tank configurations does not pose any great degree of difficulty.

PULSAIR offers the FT-2D, an FT-2 with an additional feature. The FT-2D increases the FT-2's capability with the additional control option of mixing both tanks simultaneously. The FT-2D was designed to meet the needs of Shell Oil in Carson, CA. Shell wanted to operate two tanks simultaneously with one controller. Since the tanks had different liquid levels, PULSAIR decided to make a controller with one pulse frequency adjustment and two air pressure regulators. The FT-2D will operate both tanks simultaneously. The two tank share the same dwell setting (pulse frequency) but have separate regulators for adjusting the injection pressure. Since its conception, the FT-2D has been sold to Shell, Exxon Chemical, Esso, Castrol, Texaco and OMG Mooney.

The FT-2D system actuates two injection valves simultaneously, therefore it requires twice the air (SCFM) of an FT-2. Because the demand for air is increased, the supply piping and filter are larger than an FT-2 system. Therefore, the FT-2D costs more than the FT-2. However, the cost is outweighed by the increased tank throughput created by simultaneous mixing.

[Note: While some customers find it advantageous to mix two tanks simultaneously, it is not always worth the added expense of the FT-2D system. This is because liquids mixed by PULSAIR gain momentum. This momentum will continue to mix the liquids for a considerable length of time after the PULSAIR system has been turned off. Because the FT-2 mixes the tanks alternately, according to a pre-selected on-off cycle, the customer benefits from the momentum that continues to mix the tank after the FT-2 has been switched over to the other tank. Using momentum, two tanks can almost be mixed for the price of one in terms of energy and production time. It gets down to one of Newton’s laws: "things at rest tend to stay at rest, and things in motion tend to stay in motion".]