What is Industrial Cleaning?
What is Industrial Cleaning?
In many industries, industrial cleaning is essential for maintaining the efficiency, safety, and longevity of equipment, vessels, and infrastructure. Waterblasting uses high-pressure water jets to remove paints, residues, and buildup from surfaces and equipment. Waterblasting is favored because of its effectiveness, environmental friendliness, and ability to tackle challenging cleaning tasks without the need for harsh chemicals. Below, we will explore some critical applications of industrial cleaning in the waterblasting industry:
Surface Preparation
Surface preparation is critical in many industrial processes, especially before applying coatings and paints. Proper surface preparation ensures that the new layer adheres correctly to the substrate and lasts longer.
Example: In the marine industry, ships and offshore platforms require regular maintenance to prevent corrosion and ensure safety. Waterblasting is used to remove the old paint, rust, and marine growth from the hulls and decks of vessels. This method provides a clean, smooth surface ready for repainting or other protective coatings, ensuring the ship remains in top condition and prolonging its service life.
Oil Tank Cleaning
Aboveground and underground oil tanks accumulate sludge, scale, and other residues over time. These deposits can reduce storage capacity, contaminate stored products, and pose safety risks. Therefore, regular cleaning is essential to maintain the integrity and functionality of these tanks.
Example: In the oil and gas industry, waterblasting is employed to clean storage tanks. High-pressure water jets of 40k and 55k psi effectively remove buildups and other contaminants from the tank's interior walls and floors while removing coatings and rust from the exterior. This method restores the tank’s capacity and ensures compliance with environmental and safety regulations. Additionally, waterblasting minimizes downtime and reduces the need for manual labor, making it a cost-effective and efficient cleaning solution.
Heat Exchanger Cleaning
Heat exchangers play a vital role in various industrial processes by transferring heat between fluids. Over time, these devices can become clogged by deposits, reducing their efficiency and potentially causing system failures. Regular cleaning is crucial to maintain the optimal performance of these heat exchangers.
Example: In the chemical and power generation industries, heat exchangers are critical for maintaining process efficiency. APS ultra-high pressure pump systems are used to clean the tubes and surfaces of heat exchangers, removing scale, fouling, and other deposits that hinder heat transfer. This method restores the heat exchanger’s efficiency, reduces energy consumption, and prevents costly downtime due to equipment failure.
Other Applications of Industrial Cleaning
- Pipeline Cleaning: Ensuring the smooth flow of liquids and gases through pipelines by removing blockages and buildup.
- Concrete and Asphalt Cleaning: Preparing surfaces for repairs by blasting away concrete and cracks to expose the rebar or recoating by removing contaminants and old coatings.
- Industrial Equipment/ Railroad Car Cleaning: Maintaining the performance and extending the lifespan of machinery and equipment by removing grease, grime, and other contaminants.