Chemistry – Oil Splitting and Oil Emulsification – Part 2

“Splitting” of oil from a surface as described in a preceding blog is a part of nearly any oil removal process. Note – Even cleaning chemistry that is generally classified as an “emulsifier” has ingredients to promote the initial “splitting” of the oil from the surface being cleaned.  These ingredients are often called “surface active …

Six Sigma – Monitoring Variables in Cleaning – Part 3 (final)

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 …

Six Sigma – Monitoring Variables in Cleaning – Part 2

Here are a few more variables that can be monitored in cleaning systems in pursuit of a Six Sigma process – Oil laden detergent – A good oil removal system is paramount in controlling the quality of the detergent in a cleaning system.  An oily bath can quickly become ineffective in removing additional oil and even …

Six Sigma – Monitoring Variables in Cleaning – Part 1

As discussed earlier, monitoring variables in a process is a critical part of Six Sigma.  The following are some examples of parameters that can be monitored in a cleaning process and some suggestions regarding how the monitoring can be done. Chemical Concentration – Chemistry (detergent, acid, rinse aid, etc.) is one of the most important components of the …

Drying – Heat Considerations in Hot Air Drying

Hot air drying applications involve, primarily, the evaporation of water or another liquid such as a solvent from the surface being dried.  Evaporation occurs as heated air circulates over and around the surface being dried as discussed in earlier blogs.  In all cases this liquid evaporation consumes heat which results in cooling of the remaining liquid.  One …

Spray Under Immersion – Like a Jacuzzi!

Liquid motion within and around a submerged part is one of many ways of enhancing both cleaning and rising processes.  In an earlier blog, The BIG Four agitation was described as one of the “big four” variables having a major impact on cleaning and rinsing.  In simple terms, agitation means moving the processing liquid relative to …

Water – DI vs. RO

Preceeding blogs have described two ways of reducing the ionic content of water for use in washing and rinsing applications.  Although both reduce ionic content, the process commonly called “De-Ionization” uses a treated resin to capture ions while the “Reverse Osmosis” process uses a semi-permeable membrane.  Choosing between the two in the design of a cleaning process …

Water – Reverse Osmosis

Preceeding blogs have discussed de-ionized or “DI” water, its benefits and its uses at some length.  Today’s blog will discuss “Reverse Osmosis” water otherwise known as “RO” water. RO water is like a second cousin of de-ionized water.  In the de-ionization process, potentially ALL ions are removed resulting in water that can approach the ultimate limit for pure …