Particularly clean

Guyson International (01756 799911) has supplied a Kerry Microclean multi-tank aqueous cleaning unit to remove swarf and machining oil from a range of hydraulic components to ISO4406:1999 cleanliness levels. The parts have internal holes, and the combination of ultrasonics, agitation and underwater jet spraying delivers outstanding cleaning in a fully automated system – resulting in a successful validation to the standard for residual particles counted at 5 and 15 micron size in a defined volume of liquid. Kerry Microclean units are designed for use with safe aqueous cleaning fluids, and this four-stage system includes a high intensity ultrasonic cleaning tank, an immersion rinse tank, high intensity ultrasonic rinse tank and a warm air drying system. An Autotrans work transfer system automatically moves the baskets between cleaning stations. The Autotrans Major Mk4 transporter integrates with both feed and exit conveyors for a fully automatic operation. Image: Guyson technology meets the strict requirements of one hydraulic parts maker The three cleaning stages each comprise a AISI 316L stainless steel 52 litre capacity tank with an acid passivated finish. During cleaning, the component basket is vertically agitated up to 30 times per minute via the Autotrans to provide maximum wash solution flow in and around parts. Components are positioned on an inclined cradle inside the basket, allowing water to naturally drain out of the components. The initial wash stage has multiple high efficiency module transducers permanently bonded to the base of the tank. These are driven by a 'Guysonic' 1 kW high efficiency generator and 'Primewave' controller with automatic tuning to ensure peak performance, and LED bar graph power indication, operating at 36 kHz. The cleaning fluid, together with any floating debris, is drawn over the weir and removed by filtration, the filtered solution returned to the tank via a sparge pipe to aid cleaning. Liquid level protection ensures the ultrasonics, heating and filtration are prevented from operating when the liquid in the tank is at a low or high level. Next, the immersion rinse stage incorporates high flow underwater jetting to dislodge any machined swarf or debris from inside the main bore of the cylinder. This stage also has a built in weir to separate off floating particles, with filtration on this unit consisting of a coarse pre-filter and final filter (20"/10 micron), complete with pressure gauge. This is followed by an ultrasonic rinse stage, again equipped with 'Guysonic' 1 kW generator and 'Primewave' controller. This final stage again incorporates weir facilities and, when the components are lifted clear of the final rinse, they are repeatedly slowly lifted and lowered through an air-knife blow-off curtain, directed up the barrel of the cylinder. The Autotrans then moves the basket into the final hot air drying section. Box item Latest developments [] Ideal for manufacturers that may have limited funds or restricted floor space and perhaps currently wash their industrial components by hand, the new MAFAC Pico aqueous spray washing machine offers effective, automated batch cleaning in a footprint of a little over one square metre. Availability in the UK is through sole sales and service agent Turbex, of Alton, Hampshire (01420 544909). Load capacity is 70 kg and the speed of rotation of the Euro standard basket can be preset. If integral steam extraction with condensing is fitted, there is no need to install extraction ducting to the atmosphere. Image: The new MAFAC Pico aqueous spray washing machine offers effective, automated batch cleaning in a footprint of a little over one square metre [] Layton Technologies (01782 370400) is offering an upgrade option for older trichloroethylene degreasing equipment that may allow companies to comply with the latest requirement for the supply of trike. As of October 2010, industry code has meant solvent degreasing plants must have a double enclosure to minimise emissions and exposure levels. Solvent suppliers will not supply companies that do not meet this requirement. First published in Machinery, December 2010