I can think of no term found in specifications for cleaning machines that causes more controversy and confusion than the term “Sanitary Plumbing.” This term, frequently found in specifications for cleaning and processing systems destined for the semiconductor, medical, food processing and a growing number of other markets is vague and means different things to different industries … Continued
Previous blogs have addressed what might be called the universal or common requirements for sanitary plumbing. Although obviously important, things like selecting the right materials and surface finishes are only the beginning of designing a system which is compliant with the requirements for a sanitary system as they may be defined by a particular user. … Continued
Achieving Six Sigma Capability Parts Washing “Six Sigma” methodology is one of many tools that can be used to improve process efficiency. The following several blogs are excerpted from an article written by Dale Bowden of the Cleaning Technologies Group and was published in Process Cleaning Magazine. Mr. Bowden specifically explores the role of cleaning … Continued
In order to achieve six sigma results, one must evaluate, measure and statistically control ALL phases of the cleaning process. A typical cleaning process is comprised of three main stages – – washing, rinsing and drying. Each of these must be addressed and controlled separately as any one of the three being out of control … Continued
When in the quest for six sigma performance it never hurts to have a little “head room” in the process. In simple terms, this means that the equipment used should not be “maxed out” to achieve the desired result. I’m sure that none of us would be comfortable if we had to keep the accelerator … Continued
The ultimate “closed-loop” cleaning system would produce no effluents requiring disposal. In many manufacturing facilities, disposing of waste liquid containing chemicals and other contaminants removed from parts being cleaned is either very costly or just not possible using municipal sewer or other available facilities. Even in the best cases, most cleaning system effluents require pre-treatment prior … Continued
A few more things to monitor – Dirty rinse – An effective rinse is critical to most cleaning processes. Only in very limited cases can residues from the cleaning step be left on parts after they are cleaned. It does not, of course, do any good to clean the parts if they become re-contaminated by a … Continued
Preceding blogs have described oil removal techniques for industrial cleaning in some detail. It would be nice if this was always a simple consideration – but it is not! The case for using an oil coalescer is pretty clear cut as long as the cleaning chemistry is truly a “splitter” AND, THE OIL IS NOT WATER SOLUBLE. … Continued
Now it’s time to see the results! Particles have been harvested, collected and are ready to either be weighed or counted. The first step in evaluating cleanliness using either method is to examine the specification. There are two basic types, part-specific and generic. Part-Specific Specifications – Part-specific specifications will state the sample size in number … Continued
Some substrate materials are inherent particle generators and may never be cleaned to the point of there being no particles present. With these materials, particles are a way of life and can not be avoided. This, of course, makes cleanliness testing using particle analysis a difficult if not impossible task. The difficulty is exacerbated by … Continued