ECOCLEAN INC. addresses manufacturers’ need for higher standards of cleanliness on finished parts, free from both particulate and film-type contaminants, with a new solvent-based spray-cleaning machine. With this process option, spray processes and injection flood washing can be performed at adjustable pressures between 10 and 16 bar via two spraying bars.
Spray cleaning systems are featured on many solvent-based cleaning machines today, but with spraying pressure in the range of 2 – 3 bar. With densely packed bulk items and geometrically complex workpieces exhibiting undercuts, threaded holes and blind holes (and sometimes additive-manufactured parts) that pressure will not suffice to achieve increased standards of cleanliness, i.e., an effective removal of film-type and/or particulate contaminants. This is because downstream processes such as coating, adhesive bonding, and heat treatment require significantly cleaner surfaces.
The new Ecoclean high-pressure spraying system for solvent-based cleaning machine allows spraying processes and injection flood washing with hydrocarbons or modified alcohols to be conducted at 10-16 bar pressure.
For the high-pressure spray cleaning option, the EcoCcore cleaning machine is equipped with a high-pressure pump and additional spraying bars in addition to any 2 – 3 bar spraying device that may already be fitted. One spraying bar is mounted on the interior wall of the work chamber. The second is placed centrally in the work chamber to provide both interior or exterior spraying, either simultaneously or in an alternating pattern. The spray pressure is adjusted via the high-pressure pump, which is controlled by variable-frequency drive. The number of nozzles and the product movement can be conveniently adapted to optimize the spraying process for a given part size and geometry. This technology supports use of various nozzles matched to the specific application, in terms of size and jet shape.
The pressure, spray duration, spraying mode (simultaneous or alternating) and product movement can be defined in a part-specific cleaning program and stored in the machine controller.
For the interior and exterior spraying step, the parts (oriented or bulk) are positioned and secured in special carriers. With oriented parts the cleaning medium can be selectively directed at critical zones. Defined movements of the wash load carrier ensure that the spray jet will reach all areas. Throughout the process, contaminants become dislodged from the part surface by the spray jet's mechanical energy. At the same time, the high fluid exchange rate causes dislodged foreign matter to be flushed away from these areas so that a markedly improved cleaning result is obtained.
The high-pressure spray cleaning capability also offers advantages in cleaning densely packed bulk items. Due to the elevated pressure, an improved penetration of the packing will be achieved.
Learn more at www.ecoclean-group.net