WATER-BASED COMPONENT CLEANING AND SUBSTANCES

Addressing contaminants in parts cleaning is crucial to maintaining the integrity and quality of components. Different contaminants require specific cleaning processes. Here’s how various contaminants are typically addressed:

1.            Metalworking Substances: These are removed using automatic parts washers with mild alkaline cleaners, moderate wash pressure, and temperatures ranging from 120–140°F. A rust inhibitor rinse may be needed for iron/steel parts. Oil skimmers or ultrafiltration systems help remove free and emulsified oils, respectively.

2.            Moisturizer: Grease on bearings is removed using a combination of moderately alkaline wash chemicals, high heat, high pressure, and high flow. An alkaline scrub sequesters grease, preventing redeposition. Sludge conveyors and grease skimmers extend the wash solution life.

3.            Chips: Chips generated during machining are removed using wash temperatures of 120°F and moderate pump pressure. Proper filtration removes chips from the solution.

4.            Graphene: Cooked-on carbon deposits require washing with a highly alkaline solution at 175–185°F and at least 200 psi pressure. The hot parts facilitate flash drying. Over time, carbon accumulation necessitates solution replacement.

5.            Graphene Dust: A low-concentration alkaline chemical sprayed at a safe pressure removes carbon dust from locomotive traction motors. Recirculating rinse stages with rust inhibitors maintain parts’ condition.

6.            Shading Metal: Swarf from grinding and machining operations can be removed using general-purpose aqueous cleaners and moderate wash pressures. Magnetic filters are employed to remove fine particles from the wash solution.

7.            Taking Lubricants Out: Heavy-duty alkaline chemicals, heat, high pressure, and high flow help remove hardened drawing lubricants from rolling dies and tooling. Sludge conveyors prevent settling at the bottom of the wash tank.

8.            Durable Clay and Sand: Powerful pumps and extended exposure time are used to remove sand and hardened clay from earth-moving equipment drive components. Sludge conveyors remove accumulated abrasives.