20 Liter, self contained system
The Blackfast process can be done very inexpensively on a small scale for one or two guns with excellent results. But, any one interested in bluing multiple guns, efficiently, will want to set up a permanent setup. Best results are obtained from:
 
1. Absolutely clean parts.
2. Crystal clean rinse water (to prevent cross-contamination of fluids).
3. Constantly filtered blacking solution.
4. Consistency.
Pictured here, is a rendering of the system used at The Hudson Trading Post shop. This is a totally self-contained system requiring only access to an electric plug. Ideal for any shop or factory with restricted space available ( the base is 45 x 83 inches). The cover is not shown so that all of the plumbing and connections can be seen (see below for boxed in system)
The 7 columns are 6" inside diameter and can be made from stainless tubing or economical PVC schedule 40 pipe. They are approximately 70 inches tall and when filled with 5 gal. of fluid, will handle any length gun. The three front cylinders are the chemicals, and the rear three are rinse water. The seventh cylinder on the right is the de-watering oil.
The two cylinders on the left filter all the soap and contaminants from the recycled rinse water. This eliminates any problems with water consumption and questions concerning municipal
sewer discharge.  The filters receive the rinse water from a sump pump inside the (stainless steel, fiberglass or plastic) box located in the center of the columns. After passing through the two filters, the water is forced back in to the rinse tanks. This filtered water is cleaner that the tap water used to fill the system in the first place. Directly below the collection box is a inexpensive electric, oil filled radiator type heater (in cold weather it is very helpful in keeping the system at 70 deg.).
On the right hand side notice the blue colored circulating system for the 181 blacking agent. The Little Giant Company makes an in-line pump that is rated for slight corrosive fluids and is very good for circulating through the filter. Two by-pass filters are used in the process. One is a particulate filter necessary in keeping the fluid clear of contaminants from the process and the other is a charcoal filter used occasionally to remove any soap that has traveled with the parts. The white air pump and lines provide the rinse water and blacking agent with an oil free, high volume, low pressure air supply (any oil will contaminate and spoil the blacking agent).
Here is the complete system with cover.
 
The process starts at the left front tank) with a 15 minute dip in the 716C alkaline cleaner (a circulator pump could be used here, but I have found it works if I agitate the parts 3 or 4 time in the 15 minute bath). Follow with a 1 minute rinse in #2 the rear tank. 10 seconds in #3 the middle front (551 conditioner). One minute rinse in #4. The 181 blacking agent is #5. This is a 1 to 2 minute dip. After 10 seconds take the part out and check that blacking has started and is uniform and return to the solution. 1 minute rinse in #6 tank and a brief (1 to 15 minutes) dunk in the 993C dewatering oil. The part will actually finish the blacking process in the oil as it is combining with the crystal structure of the blue.
counter installed
1/1/2006 
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