Total understanding and cooperation between both companies will ensure a successful service engagement. The following describes what is needed from the client for the coloring process:
 

Loader

For best results, we recommend an experienced loader operator with an adapted loader having at least a 5 cubic yard bucket. There are some customers that use smaller bucket sizes successfully (no smaller than a 3 ½ cubic yard bucket). However, in each case, the customer also supplied a second loader or stacking conveyor. Remember, for optimal production of 300 cubic yards or more per hour, using only one loader with a 5 cubic yard bucket, the loader operator must put 60 buckets in the machine per hour, as well as, take 60 buckets away from the machine per hour.

   

Water

For optimum hourly production, the recommended water supply should consist of at least 50 gallons per minute through a MALE 2" hose connection (any thread or quick connect). However, there are customers that use a 1 ½" hose water supply that can supply at least 50 gallons per minute. We do carry the fittings to adapt up to the required 2" connection, as long as the 1 ½" hose has a male end (any thread or quick connect). Additionally, we have the fittings to reduce down to the required 2" connection from a threaded 2 ½" male (such as a fire hydrant), as well as, a quick connect 3" male fitting. One thing to keep in mind, excess fines in your raw material may cause the need for additional water.

The following are pictures of some of the water supplies utilized at existing customer’s sights. The most common water supply is tapping from a fire hydrant. Of course, be sure to check with local regulations for any necessary permits needed and/or back flow preventers.

Another idea may be to tap water from a river, creek or pond using a transfer water pump. For long hose distances, we have had customers use an additional in-line pump half way through the hose line. Usually, on a two pump set-up, a customer will place a bigger pump at the water source (such as a 3" trash pump) and place a smaller pump (such as a 2 - 2 ½" water pump) midway. The pump placed in-line should be placed so that it does not suck the water line shut (collapsible hoses). When tapping water from a river, creek or pond, many customers will use a float type system to keep foreign materials from entering into the water line. In addition, some customers will put in a Y strainer at the supply pump side to filter out foreign material from the water.

Some customers have used water tankers for the coloring process. Many customers will utilize a two (8,000 gallon) trailer system, where one trailer is spotted and used while the other trailer is filled at a remote location. Trailers are swapped once the spotted trailer is emptied. When using this method, we recommend two larger water tankers that allow the remote trailer to be filled, counting travel time, within the amount of time the spotted trailer is emptied. An example of this is if it takes one hour to travel to and from the water source and fill the water tanker, you will need, at least, a 3,000 gallon water tanker to spot. If the coloring operation is using 50 gallons per minute, based on one hour, a 3,000 gallons tanker will be emptied. However, we recommend using a larger water tanker just in case of schedule conflicts such as traffic or other consumers at the water source.

We also have customers that have a smaller water source (not large enough for the coloring process) at their facility and use a water tanker for the supply of water to the coloring machine. One idea that we have seen is spotting a water tanker and filling it prior to the coloring service arriving. As the coloring service uses the water from the tanker, the smaller water source supplements the tanker. The water tanker needs to be enough to supply water, in addition to, the supplemental smaller water source throughout the day. Water tankers can be rented from various companies throughout the country at a reasonable rate.

A common test to ensure that you have the required water supply is to take an empty 55 gallon drum and fill it. If you fill the barrel in 60 seconds, you have the required water supply. When testing, you should test with all hoses attached, stretched to where the coloring process will be performed. Long stretches of hoses will reduce water volumes.

   

Hoses

There are two different styles of hoses; collapsible and non-collapsible. Collapsible hoses use more pressure and reduce water volumes due to the need to push “open” the hoses. Non-collapsible hoses are more rigid and consist of various materials such as rubber or plastic.

   

Raw Material (Ground Wood Fiber)

A customer’s raw material should be free of stray boards or foreign materials. Not only will the end consumer not appreciate these in their mulch beds, but they may cause damage to teh coloring equipment. In addition, it is recommended, BEFORE grinding the raw material, that a customer do market research in their particular area to ensure the grind size of material is correct. Please remember, during the coloring process, different shades in the raw material may change the tone of the finished product.

SAMPLES

We highly recommend, BEFORE the coloring process, that a customer send a sample of their raw material to our colorant vendor. This not only allows our customer to see what their material will look like PRIOR to the coloring service arriving, giving them choices of how much colorant to apply, but will also serve as a “pre-marketing” tool for the customer to assist them with deciding how much of each color to process, if applicable.

Samples can be sent to Colorbiotics at 801 Dayton Ave., Ames, IA 50010 Attn: Brent Packer. Please send at least a 12"x12" box of your finished ground material. With the raw material, please enclose a letter asking for your material to be colored at the color of your choice at the pounds of your choice (2 ½#, 3#, 3 ½# and 4# rate). Colorbiotics will hand color your samples and send them back to you usually within one week of receiving your sample. For additional information on the sample process or shades to choose from, please feel free to contact us. Please remember, for best color results, darker raw material for darker finished shades and lighter raw material for lighter finished shades. If you have two different wood sources, you may want to send two sample boxes. The sample service is free.