Immersion Tank Program
The Good, the Bad and the Oily
An aqueous degreasing tank is an efficient and cost effective way to clean a wide range of soils from a variety of substrates.
During aqueous degreasing, a layer with soil saturated surfactants forms next to the part surface to be cleaned. This layer acts as a barrier between the part surface and the bulk of the cleaning liquid, which reduces the cleaning action in the tank. Creating agitation in the tank removes this layer and allows fresh solution to flow to the part surface, which greatly enhances the rate of cleaning.
But not all processes are effective. Click the button to learn why Air Sparging Agitation is not recommended, or scroll down to learn about different types of tank agitation and maintenance.
Replacing Air Sparging: Full Article
Press play for example of Turbulation.
Video courtesy of Ramco
The rotating of the parts to be cleaned through the cleaning solution.
- May damage sensitive parts
- Improves cleaning by preventing part nesting
- Can be incorporated with stroke
Aerospace Solution
Precision Metal Solution
Press play for example of Rotation.
Video courtesy of JenFab
The moving of the part up and down through the cleaning solution.
- Flushes internal passages, nested parts, blind holes
- Quick oscillations for faster cleaning of simple parts
- Moves fresh solution over the part surface for reduced cycle time
Aerospace Solution
Precision Metal Solution
Press play for example of Stroke.
Video courtesy of Ramco
Ultrasonic cleaning is a process that uses ultrasound and an appropriate cleaning solvent.
Ultrasonic cleaning uses cavitation bubbles created by the ultrasonic waves to agitate the solution. This helps clean in very small cracks and recesses to remove all traces of soil.
- Efficient cleaning of blind holes
- Removal of micro-contamination
- Versatility- can be used for nearly any part
Aerospace Solution
Precision Metal Solution
Press play for example of Ultrasonics.
Tank Maintenance Guidelines
Proper maintenance of your immersion/ultrasonic tank or spray wash system will ensure the longest possible detergent bath life, the best part cleaning performance and the optimal assurance against part corrosion.
BHC has developed Maintenance Guidelines for Aqueous Detergent Tanks, a comprehensive flow chart to illustrate the process and a step-by-step video to guide you through.
Download Tank Maintenance Flow Chart
Download Tank Maintenance Guidelines Document
Instructional Tank Maintenance Video
Oil Skimmers, Coalescers, and Filtration
The removal of the separable oils from your detergent solution is an important part of overall aqueous tank management. Doing so will help extend the life cycle of the detergent and result in less product usage and waste. There are several methods for removing the unwanted oils during the cleaning process.
Methods Include:
- Skim trough
- Lipophilic wheel skimmer
- Coalescing element
Frequency based on soil loading – usually at least once a day
