Dry cleaning for engineering

Citation

(2008), "Dry cleaning for engineering", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 80 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2008.12780ead.022

Dry cleaning for engineering

Article Type: Equipment and software From: Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology: An International Journal, Volume 80, Issue 5

In response to market demands, driven largely by solvent emission legislation, component cleaning specialist - Fraser Technologies Ltd - has developed a new range of sealed solvent vapour degreasing machines (Figure 4) under the “V-max” brand name. The machines have been designed specifically to replace the use of traditional open-tank solvent degreasers in medium- to small-scale production units.

Figure 4 A V-max sealed solvent vapour degreasing machine

It is estimated that thousands of open-top solvent cleaning tanks are in use across the manufacturing and engineering subcontracting sectors of industry, many of which do not comply with the Solvent Emission Regulations, introduced last year, or with latest health and safety legislation. V-max sealed machines are fully compliant.

The V-max range is being marketed by Fraser under the catchy slogan of “dry cleaning for engineering” and, although it can be adapted for use with other solvents, it has been designed specifically for use with the new “Vertrel” degreasing and cleaning chemicals from Du Pont. As sole UK distributor for Vertrel, Fraser has trialled the new solvent extensively and is confident that - combined with V-max - the package claims a ready solution to many industrial component cleaning requirements.

V-max machines are described as simple in design yet exceptionally efficient in operation, effectively cleaning light to heavy engineering soils - including neat cutting oil, particulates, general shop dirt, electronic flux residues, etc. - in a single-chamber sealed system.

The range comprises three standard V-max models: the “500”, “1000” and “1500” - accommodating parts basket sizes of 450 × 250 × 300 mm deep, 800 × 350 × 350 mm deep and 1,200 × 500 × 500 mm deep, respectively.

Utilising nine pre-defined, selectable programs and single-button operation - at a throughput of up to 12 baskets per hour - the V-max™ process cycle is fully automated, apart from manual loading and unloading of parts baskets, to ensure dependable process repeatability.

The V-max process cycle involves three stages: immersion cleaning, pure solvent rinse and drying.

The heated immersion tank includes full particulate filtration and agitation. If required, additional ultrasonic agitation can be fitted for more critical cleaning applications. The components are allowed to clean for a pre-defined period and then the internal basket transfer system transports the basket to the rinse stage.

In stage two of the process, pure distilled chemical condenses on the components to provide a final rinse and remove any soluble contaminates carried over from stage one. This also allows the parts to heat to the boiling temperature of the solvent. Once this has been achieved, the basket is transferred to the drying stage.

The hot, clean parts are allowed to flash dry in the drying/of-load area for a pre-defined period before the cycle complete indicator allows the operator to remove the basket. The temperature of the parts at this time is no more than 30°C, thereby enabling immediate handling and transfer to the next production process. Automatic tank lid closure ensures that the machine’s lid cannot be left open by mistake.

V-max machines are fully sealed when in use or on standby, so chemical losses through evaporation are negligible, thereby minimising the long-term cost of ownership of the process.

Fresh Vertrel solvent is supplied in drums that connect directly to the system and act as a solvent reservoir. Top-up is automatic using dry break sealed fittings integral to the system. This ensures the system is always ready for operation. Changeover takes only minutes - minimising maintenance costs.

When required, tank clean out is via an integrated diaphragm pump, with minimal or no contact with the chemical. V-max machines also feature easy access to operating components and include process control warning indicators, to facilitate maintenance and fault finding.

Details available from: Fraser Technologies, Tel: +44 (0) 1506 443058, Fax: +44 (0) 1506 443161, e-mail: sales@frasertech.co.uk, web site: www.vmax-fct.co.uk