ACI Solutions aid the efficiency of Mecwash
cleaning system
Application: Fans help remove water from
components
MecWash Systems Limited specialise in the design and manufacture
of a complete range of aqueous cleaning and degreasing systems
for metal and plastic engineering components.
Paul Young, Sales & Marketing Director explains, ‘The
traditional method of cleaning & degreasing is by the
use of solvents, and although the majority are carcinogenic
or hazardous, the manufacturers of these products continue
to champion their use. In fact, although they cannot question
an environmental, health conscious 98% water-2% detergent
cleaning solution they would argue, and some still do, that
the drying time of aqueous methods are far slower’ stated
Young. ‘So what we decided to do was to design &
build a precision cleaning system from scratch that would
dry very, quickly, and in doing so incorporated Air Control
Industries (ACI) fan/blowers as an essential part of the quick
drying process.
Cleaning and drying are inseparable, and the efficiency and
reliability of the ACI blowers are critical in removing water
and thereby removing the risk of rusting on ferrous metals.
We also use them to cool the product down before it is handled.
This in turn reduces lead time if a part needs to be measured
or tested directly after cleaning.’
‘A typical application would be the wash/rinse/drying
of a complex cylinder head in a couple of minutes.’
added Young. ‘For example, the special MecWash Midi
System - a 400 x 400 x 1000mm wash chamber - at Wellingborough-based
Cosworth Technology, is used for cleaning and drying both
left and right-handed V-12 cylinder heads and corresponding
block. In this case, all the components are put through a
pre-programmed aqueous wash/rinse/dry cycle to remove coolant
residue, honing and cutting fluids as well as aluminium swarf.
A customized jetting operation allows oil-ways, water jackets
and valve seats throughout the components to be accurately
and thoroughly cleaned. The hot air and vacuum drying process
then ensure all remaining solutions are removed, following
which the components are taken directly onto an assembly line
or to short term storage.’
For complex parts containing blind holes and internal galleries,
we use vacuum to complete the drying process, which typically
takes only 60 seconds. Fragile parts are held securely during
the rotational wash/rinse/dry process, which enables maximum
recovery of solutions between stages, and even heat penetration
throughout the drying process.
Our target markets are very diverse and include automotive
component suppliers, aerospace companies, turned & pressed
parts and machine castings producers. Although we offer a
range of standard cleaning systems, we will often customise
a machine to a required specification which will see us use
a variety of ACI fans, blowers and air knives to meet the
time-to-market issues of a particular industrial sector.’
concluded, Paul Young.
