3 . What metal types are you cleaning and how are they configured ?
In water-based processes , cleaning agents which can be acidic , neutral or alkaline , are usually matched to specific metal types . Simultaneous cleaning of different metals can therefore be problematic and this can result in compatibility issues and in worst case : corrosion . Solvents in comparison have universal compatibility with metals .
If the component parts are tiny or have complex geometry or small crevices , solvent is often recommended due to its lower surface tension and viscosity which makes it easy to wet into and evaporate out of tight spaces .
4 . What is the environmental impact ?
The energy consumption in a water-based process can be significant , due to the energy requirement to operate high-pressure pumps ; heat the cleaning water ; dry the metal parts ; as well as treat and purify used water for re-use or disposal . Depending on the cleaning agents , dirts and soils are emulsified and the contaminations diluted in the water . As a result , aqueous baths that are not treated have to be replaced frequently .
Solvent in closed vacuum vapor degreaser can be recycled again and again via the built-in distillation unit . This can significantly increase solvent lifespan and cut down on waste volume . While energy is required to keep the closed cleaning machine under vacuum , this also lowers the boiling points of solvents , hence accelerating their evaporation and enabling quick drying of metal parts within a shorter cycle time .
The questions listed above are by no means exhaustive and there are many more factors to consider . More than just a necessity though , parts cleaning – when done properly – can deliver much more value than the mere technical function it fulfills , in terms of driving operational efficiency , savings and sustainability .
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2nd & 3rd MARCH 2022 NEC , Birmingham twitter : @ surfaceworldmag OCTOBER 2021
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