Foaming in your aqueous parts washer can be frustrating. If you are having trouble with foam, it’s most likely due to one of four things: 

1. Running the machine at a temperature lower than the soap manufacturer suggests.
2. Washing off animal fats or natural oils, which are becoming more common with the movement towards making environmentally friendly products for lubrication.
3. Washing off mold release agents or buffing compounds. These often have natural oils or animal fats in them and they can cause foam.
4. The chemistry could be saturated with soils and the de-foaming agents in the soap can’t overcome the saturation.

So, how do you prevent foaming?

Start by getting the safety data sheet and technical data sheet for your soap and see what temperature it suggests running your system at. Make sure you are at this minimum.  If that doesn’t completely solve the issue, get a sample of the solution in the tank and let it sit in a room temperature environment. Once it cools down and isn’t being stirred, the soils in the chemistry that have been cleaned off of the parts will begin to fall out and settle at the bottom. The greases and oils will float to the top. Carefully look this over and determine if there is too much soil or floating oils. If so, change out the solution (following local, state and county environmental codes). 

If you are cleaning especially dirty parts, wipe off as much grease, oil, buffing compound or whatever before you put the part in and clean it. This will help extend the life of the bath.  Lastly, if all of these things don’t help, contact your chemical supplier. They have almost definitely had this same problem in the past and can offer solutions for you to try. 

Foam doesn’t have to be an issue for your parts washer. By following these simple steps, you can rid yourself of recurring foaming issues and get on with the task at hand. 

What are aqueous parts washers and what do they do?

In short, they are washing machines that use water-based solutions (called chemistry in the industry) to clean metal parts from a variety of industries. They can also be used to clean parts made of other materials such as plastic or glass. But, regardless of the material, their primary function is cleaning.

Parts washers clean in different ways. There are parts washers designed specifically to clean a particular item or ones that can clean anything that fits into its wash bay. Some use a high-pressure spray while others use underwater immersion, agitation or a combination of all three. Some parts washers even use ultrasonic devices that emit sonic waves to clean parts that have complex shapes and grooves.

Parts washers also come in a variety of sizes depending on the type of part it is cleaning. Some are small and easy to move while others are large and meant to work in a fixed space such as in a factory or auto repair shop.

There are also several different types of aqueous parts washers, each designed with a specific purpose in mind. The type of system chosen all depends on its purpose. For example, the ammunition industry finds rotary drum washers essential in cleaning brass or aluminum shells during manufacturing. The aerospace industry often uses heavy-duty parts washers to clean wheel hubs for passenger jets. The automotive industry uses a variety of models both in manufacturing and re-manufacturing to clean anything from transmissions to engine blocks. Parts washers can even be used in businesses that have very stringent cleaning standards such as the medical or pharmaceutical industry.

Below are a few of the standard systems offered by Jenfab. Click on each to learn more about what they are designed to do:

• Cabinet Washers
• Belt Conveyor Washers
• Rotary Drum Washers
• Heavy-Duty Washers
• Rotating Basket Washers
• Vertical Agitation Washers
• Vertical Chain Conveyor Washers
• Monorail Washers

At Jenfab, we specialize in manufacturing these types of parts washers. While we offer standard models, many customers require a high level of customization. This is common throughout the industry and many other parts washer manufacturers offer the same services. However, only Jenfab can design and build a completely custom parts washer from scratch to achieve a highly specialized purpose. Give us a call and see what we can do for you. 

When choosing an aqueous parts washer, one thing you need to consider is what washing technique will work best for cleaning your specific part. This is determined by several factors such as the material the part is made of, its resistance to heat, its shape and the type of contaminant being cleaned off.

There are really only two options to choose from: high-pressure spray or immersion in a liquid cleaning solution. However, there are many variations in both categories and sometimes they are combined in different ways to achieve the desired result.

Generally speaking, if you have a part that has most of its surface(s) exposed and clearly visible with simple shapes, spray washing is usually your best bet. If your part has a complex shape with non-visible surfaces that need to be cleaned, immersion is the better option.

Sometimes, it’s just that simple. Other times, you need additional processes to achieve the desired result. For example: if simple immersion in a cleaning solution isn’t getting the job done, agitation can be added to the process to help shake loose the contaminants. A dipping motion or rotation are other techniques that can prove useful. And in cases where parts have an unusually complex shape, ultrasonic sound waves can also be added to the process. Sometimes some or all of these techniques are combined and work together depending on the cleaning requirements of the customer and the shape and composition of the part.

The high-pressure spray can be used in a variety of ways. The most common is by strategically positioning the spray jets to clean the entire surface of the part. This can include a moving spray bar and/or water jets positioned on the top, bottom or on the sides of the cleaning chamber, depending on the part and need of the customer. Sometimes the spray process is repeated several times at different stages during the cleaning process to meet the desired cleanliness specification.

Another way high-pressure spray can be used is by combining it with immersion. We call this spray under immersion. The concept is identical to a hot tub with its underwater jet sprays.  This process provides additional turbulence to help remove contaminants and decreases the overall time it takes to clean the parts.

So, in short, the best cleaning technique for your application depends on the part you need to clean. Both high-pressure spray and immersion have their advantages and disadvantages. Take the time to discuss the details with your sales representative and explain what you need to achieve. Show him/her an example of the part you need to clean and discuss the various options. Taking the time upfront to define the parameters of your cleaning application can save you money and help you pick the system and technique that works best for you.

How clean is clean? 

The answer seems obvious at first but, clean is a very subjective term when it comes to parts washing. Some parts have a solid surface while others have complex shapes or are made of fragile materials that make cleaning a bigger challenge. Moreover, some companies require a very stringent cleanliness standard for their product that may go all the way to the microscopic level. So, depending on the part, clean can be defined in a variety of ways.

Define Your Goals

The first step in selecting any parts washing system is for the potential equipment supplier to properly analyze the application and the part to be washed. Here are a few questions that need to be answered before moving forward:

• What is the contaminant you want to clean off?
• How clean is clean for your project and how will that be tested?
• What is the size and weight of the largest and smallest part?
• What are the physical characteristics of the part? (What is the material? Can it be rotated? Are there blind holes or thermal limitations?)
• How many parts per day, hour or minute need to be processed?
• What is the next step after the cleaning process?
• How are you currently cleaning these parts?
• Why do you want to change your current process?

Once these variables are defined, choosing the right system becomes much easier.

Test Wash

The next step in the process is to clean the part in a test system that corresponds to the type of washer you have chosen. The part is then analyzed in a laboratory to determine if the system can meet your definition of cleanliness. This will also help further determine the process parameters of your system and is critical, as upstream manufacturing processes, production rates, type of contamination, workpiece base material and geometry all have a significant effect on how to clean and what type of equipment is required.  

At Jenfab, we maintain a state-of-the-art test lab for the purpose of proving our equipment through test cleanings. Our test lab includes a Filtrex Premium Zoom Automated Particle Measurement, Particle Count, and Analysis System. We use this system to measure the soil and debris on your parts, verify the total molecular weight of your parts, and issue a detailed particle count report before and after cleaning. In addition, you can be certain that your parts will be thoroughly cleaned in our facility since our aqueous parts washers can clean below 100um (microns).

After test washing, you will have a pre-determined idea of exactly what needs to be included in your system. Once the system has been built, the parts are again test washed and analyzed in the lab to ensure the new system is operating properly and meets the specifications you defined earlier in the process.

Choosing the right system for your particular application takes careful thought and consideration. Parts washers are a big investment and taking the time to define precisely what clean means to you will ensure you get the best system for your needs.

When it comes to parts washing, many industries are required to meet strict cleaning criteria. To achieve this, they seek the most cost-effective and efficient cleaning system to meet their needs.

For years, many have used petroleum solvent cleaners as the solution. However, many businesses have realized that petroleum solvents have more issues than they do value and are making the switch to aqueous parts washers instead. Here is a look at what petroleum solvents are and why many are making the switch.

What Are Petroleum Solvents?

Simply put, petroleum solvents clean parts by dissolving residues. They contain mineral spirits, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chlorinated solvents like trichloroethane, trichloroethylene, benzene, and xylenes. These are used for parts cleaning because they quickly dissolve oil, grease, grime, and burnt-on carbon. Although these solvents are very effective, they continue to raise significant environmental, health and economic concerns.

What Are The Problems Associated With Using Petroleum Solvents?

Manufacturing industries are increasingly becoming more aware of the many health, safety and environmental hazards that are the result of using petroleum solvents in the parts washing process. The following are some of the dangers you should be aware of:

• Petroleum solvents can be costly and potentially toxic making it an effective solvent for cleaning, but dangerous and expensive to dispose of.
• The startup costs for petroleum solvent systems are significantly less than other cleaning solutions. However, these solvents don’t always effectively clean the first time, requiring the parts to be cleaned again using more of the solution to do so.
• The chemicals in petroleum solvents are toxic enough to increase the risk of cancer for the people who operate the system. Employers can try and control the exposure, but petroleum solvents evaporate quickly making the process difficult.
• Petroleum solvents are also highly flammable, which is a major safety concern for many industries.

What Is The Most Effective Alternative?

Considering the issues associated with petroleum solvents, what is the most effective parts cleaning solution?

Aqueous parts washers.

Aqueous parts washers and aqueous solutions are water-based cleaners that, unlike petroleum-based solvents, are typically nonflammable and contain little or no VOCs. Instead of dissolving grease and solids, aqueous parts washers rely on heat, agitation, high-pressure spray and soap (also called chemistry) to remove residues. Although they clean differently, aqueous parts washers perform just as well as solvent systems.

Many businesses have switched to aqueous cleaning solutions because they provide a safer work environment and the disposal process is simpler and less hazardous than petroleum solvents.

Aqueous systems have a higher startup cost but save money overall with an easy cleaning and disposal process. Aqueous parts washers are also safer to operate and environmentally friendly.

Jenfab Cleaning Solutions

Since 1960, Jenfab has developed innovative technology for aqueous cleaning solutions. With a versatile product selection, Jenfab offers the precision cleaning solutions you need to get started on a safer and more cost-effective parts cleaning path.

Wondering how these systems work? See for yourself by visiting our Vimeo channel.

When purchasing the right aqueous parts washer for your business, there are few things you should consider before deciding on which one to choose. The following are some guidelines that will help you with this process.

Can It Meet Your Cleanliness Specifications?

The most important factor when choosing a parts washer is to ensure the machine can meet your specific parts cleaning needs. Reputable manufacturers have a test lab and cleaning systems that can verify whether or not your parts can be cleaned according to your specifications. This is usually a free service, so be sure to take advantage of it.  

Is It Easy To Use?

When looking for an effective part cleaning machine, the system you choose should be simple to use. An intricate design that is difficult to understand may create complications in the cleaning process by causing delays or not completely cleaning the part. In addition, it may be difficult to train new employees on how to operate the machine if the functions are difficult.

How Fast Does The System Operate? 

How quickly does the system process parts? Chances are that you have an idea of how many parts per minute/hour/day you need to clean. If not, be sure to find out. That’s something you want to know when selecting the best parts washer for your organization and will ensure you get the right system for your needs.

Is It Safe?

Utilizing an aqueous part washing solution creates a safer work environment. Aqueous cleaning systems are water-based cleaners that are nonflammable and nonhazardous with minimal to no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They also minimize the risks and liability of toxic waste disposal, which in turn, reduces the risk of worker accidents while trying to dispose of the chemicals. 

Aqueous solutions are an excellent alternative to petroleum solvents, which are hazardous to workers’ health. The chemicals used in this process are toxic enough to increase the risk of cancer for the people who are involved. Employers can try and control the exposure, but petroleum solvents evaporate quickly making the process difficult. None of these are factors with aqueous systems.

Is It An Affordable Solution?

Aqueous cleaning solutions can be a little more expensive when it comes to startup costs. However, the savings come from reduced labor hours, avoided health risks for employees and a disposal process that eliminates environmental hazards associated with petroleum cleaning solvents.

When these variables are factored into the total cost, aqueous systems are easily the more affordable option.

Are Additional Options Available?

Aqueous parts washers provide quality cleaning in a safer and more productive environment. However, base models might not fully achieve your objective. Ask your sales representative if there are additional options that can be added to either enhance or better achieve your cleaning specifications.