Innovative System for Solvent-Based Parts Cleaning

In Booth NC-276, Dürr Ecoclean, Inc. (Southfield, MI) will present their innovative EcoCCore system for solvent-based parts cleaning that uses non-halogenated hydrocarbons or modified alcohols and convinces with an extensive standard equipment level for improved cleaning performance, superior process reliability and significant cost savings. Whether in machining or metal forming – wherever oil-free surfaces must be obtained – solvents are the part-cleaning media of choice. The task of industrial parts cleaning is to fulfill surface cleanliness specifications that are required for further processing or the assembly of workpieces. The EcoCCore enables shops to gain a competitive advantage through improved cleaning quality, short cycle times, high process reliability as well as cost and energy savings.

This machine operates under full vacuum conditions and offers an extensive standard equipment level, including two flood tanks, heat recovery, and full-flow plus bypass filtration capabilities. The EcoCCore uses non-halogenated hydrocarbons or modified alcohols and switches from one solvent to the other and back particularly easy, making the machine flexible to adapt to changes in the production process. A major step towards improved cleaning quality lies in its new preliminary vapor degreasing process. Here the oil-rich solvent does not go to the flood tank as usual, but is instead directed straight into the distillation system to minimize oil deposits in the flood tank and an undesirable oil saturation of the solvent. The result is an enhanced degreasing performance that is particularly beneficial with parts to be coated or laser-welded after cleaning. The preliminary vapor degreasing step also offers advantages under elevated oil input conditions or when a second flood tank is used for corrosion protection.

Another feature boosting cleaning performance is the capability to use ultrasonic and filtration simultaneously. Particles are removed from the work chamber throughout this process step, opposed to conventional systems where they can settle at the bottom of the work chamber before being filtered. To enable this, the pumps are equipped with variable-frequency drive units and control the volumetric flow rate in such a manner that the ultrasonic system can exert its full effect. This efficient and flexible combined filtration system ensures an effective removal of particles. Moreover, the unit comes with a frequency-controlled drive for the rotation and high-accuracy positioning of parts. A “gentle” operating mode prevents sensitive parts from getting dropped or displaced during start-up or handling operations.

The work chamber is designed to hold cleaning loads measuring up to 26.4 in x 18.9 in x 15.7 in, thereby offering 33 percent more cleaning capacity with the same footprint when compared to other cleaning systems. This means throughput can be doubled, depending on the basket size, resulting in more production in the same time and floor space. The maximum load weight capacity has likewise been increased by more than 30 percent to 440 lb. With a cycle time of less than 8 minutes, this provides a significant reduction in cleaning cost per unit. Operating the EcoCCore machine is simple, fast and safe using the 7 in color display based on self-explanatory pictographs. For example, if a temperature needs to be preset only for the first flood tank, a matching setting for the second tank is then selected automatically. Process tracking and maintenance are also rendered intuitive and more convenient by the integrated partial visualization system. An optional full visualization capability can be integrated as well. This intuitive control panel will allow the operators to spend less time setting up and adjusting the machine, reducing downtime and increasing productivity.

Particular attention is also paid to high efficiency and ease of maintenance. Both flood tanks are heated entirely with thermal energy recovered from the distilling circuit. The heat input from the distilling system can be adjusted as needed in multiple stages to save energy and guarantee higher throughput because the machine can handle higher oil input rates. For the discharge of oil, a new process based on a heating blanket (which is fully independent from the distillation system) ensures optimized oil evaporation so that a much broader range of oil grades can be removed in a safe and reliable manner, reducing solvent consumption. Oil encrustation that require costly and time-consuming cleaning of the oil recovery systems is avoided. Machines used for rust protection application also allow for cost savings and lower RP product consumption, as the EcoCCore is equipped with advanced level control systems that reduce carryover and cross contamination. Switching from cleaning to corrosion protection mode can be made by simply the push of a button on the operator panel.

Dürr Ecoclean, Inc., 26801 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, MI 48033, 248-450-2064, www.durr-ecoclean.com.