Ultrasonic cleaning system ousts 'trich'

An aqueous cleaning system has allowed one of the world's leading actuator manufacturers to completely eliminate the potentially-hazardous solvent trichloroethylene from manufacturing.

An aqueous cleaning system from Kerry Ultrasonics has allowed one of the world's leading actuator manufacturers to completely eliminate the potentially-hazardous solvent trichloroethylene (trich) from its manufacturing process.

IMI Norgren has installed its third Kerry machine to remove oil, cutting fluids and swarf from various metal components of pneumatic actuators.

The previous cleaning system was a vapour degreaser which ran on trich.

The 4-stage Microclean MF 1500 cleans parts made from steel, brass, aluminium and cast iron measuring up to 500mm x 300mm.

Once they have been through an initial air purge to remove the worst of the swarf, components undergo an ultrasonic wash, with heating and filtration, in Dascokleen 501E.

This is used at low concentration and helps to prevent cast iron from rusting.

Each metal component then goes through two rinse stages, one in mains water, the other in de-ionised water.

Baskets are subjected to vertical agitation throughout the washing and rinsing stages to aid removal of dirt and grease.

The final stage is a hot air dry which is fitted with twin driers to keep the overall process time to a minimum.

The cleaning system is automated with an Autotrans Mark 4 Major robotic transporter, specially strengthened to handle loads of up to 100kg.

As an additional health and safety feature, the Kerry machine incorporates a full enclosure to ensure that operators are kept away from moving parts.

Kerry's price, quality and proven track record were all cited as reasons for IMI Norgren deciding to purchase its latest Microclean system.

(This was Manufacturingtalk's Top Story on 2 May 2002).

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