How do I use the Charge Line feature?

How do I use the Charge Line feature?

How do I use the Charge Line feature?

The Charge Line feature is an inventory management tool used during a mix to account for the chemical required to displace water in a supply hose. By using this feature, you ensure that your product inventory stays accurate and that you don't "short" your first mix after a tote change.

Prerequisites

  1. Water Pre-charge: This feature only works if the input line has already been pre-charged with water. This ensures there is no air in the line and provides a solid column of liquid for the meter to measure as the chemical pushes the water through.

  2. Configuration Settings: The system must know the volume of the hose.

    • Go to the Data tab > Mixmates > Configuration.

    • In the Assemblies tab, select your product input.

    • Ensure you have accurately entered the Hose Diameter and Hose Length.


Using Charge Line During a Mix

The best time to use this is during the very first mix after switching to a new tote.

  1. Set Up Your Mix: Select your Work Order as usual.

  2. Access Mix Preview: On the Mix Preview page (the screen you see just before hitting "Start"), find the list of products for that mix.

  3. Open Product Details: Tap the product card (the specific chemical name) that needs to be charged.

  4. Toggle Charge Line: Turn the Charge Line toggle to ON.

  5. Run the Mix: Return to the preview and press Start.

How It Works

When the Charge Line toggle is active, the Mixmate performs a "measured displacement":

  • The Displacement: The system opens the product valve and pulls chemical until the water previously in the hose has been completely pushed out into the carrier stream.

  • The Measurement: The system uses your Hose Diameter and Length settings to calculate exactly how much chemical was used to fill that plumbing.

  • Inventory Accounting: This "charge volume" is added to your total product usage for that job. This prevents inventory slippage, ensuring your digital records match the actual level in your tote.

  • The Mix: Once the line is fully charged with chemical, the system immediately begins measuring the target amount required for the current mix.


Summary of Benefits

  • Eliminates Inventory Slippage: Accounts for the chemical that lives in the hoses, not just what goes in the sprayer.

  • Ensures Immediate Flow: Because the line was pre-charged with water (no air), the chemical starts moving toward the manifold the instant the valve opens.

  • Better Accuracy: Prevents the first load of a new tote from being "weak" because the system was busy filling an empty hose.