Batch cleaning systems, Riley Industries - The Stock Exchange for Industry

In contrast to conveyor cleaning systems, where parts are constantly moving, batch-cleaning systems are designed for intensive cleaning of a fixed number of objects in a static location. The time cycle for this method of cleaning can be varied according to the types and degrees of surface contamination involved. The process is normally manual, with components being placed either directly into the machine’s cleaning compartment or into a basket, which is then placed into the tank or cabinet. Different levels of agitation can be applied using pump-driven or spray wash methods, or in some cases both. A typical system can also incorporate several different stages, such as wash, rinse and dry, often taking place within the same cabinet as in a domestic washing machine.

There are three essential types of batch cleaning systems:

This is the simplest method of industrial cleaning, normally used for the removal of gross contamination as the first stage in a remanufacturing process, such as a car cylinder head. Most dunk washing systems are based on pneumatic agitation. The carrier holding the basket of items is repeatedly plunged up and down in the solution in order to create maximum turbulence and completely flood the parts being cleaned. A typical dunk-washing unit can include heating, time controls and oil-separation as part of the system.

A top-loading machine is a more sophisticated variation on the dunk washing process. As in dunk, washing, components are placed in a basket and located in the cabinet from the top. However, a top loader would normally include spray washing from all four sides as part of the cleaning cycle. The basket or spray-wash boom would also revolve inside the cabinet to ensure that the cleaning process is applied evenly to all surfaces or individual components. Further stages may include immersion cleaning, rinsing, phosphating (to prevent surface corrosion), neutralising (to remove chemical residue) and drying.

· Front loading

There are many similarities between top loading and front-loading batch cleaning industrial systems. The main advantages with a front loader are that it can accommodate much larger and heavier objects, and that it is capable of producing higher pressures within the spray washing and immersion agitation cycles. It is also possible for existing conveyors to be incorporated into a front-loading industrial cleaning system

Batch cleaning systems for standard industrial aqueous cleaning are a mainstay of Riley Industries products range. We stock leading brand names such as Guyson Marr, Oakcliffe Rotajet and Applied Chemicals.