Low emission solvent/ultrasonic cleaning unit
September 1st 2005

An environmentally-compliant and operator-safe solvent cleaning system that uses Trichloroethylene has been supplied to Hardide, a supplier of tungsten carbide coatings.

The new, low emission solvent ultrasonic cleaning plant, designed and manufactured by Layton Technologies, uses two tanks for a process that includes immersion in solvent liquid with ultrasonics and vapour or vapour only.

The system is loaded and unloaded with an external handling system enhanced by an automated, sealed sliding system on the process tank that creates a seal to effectively control emissions.

A PLC and touch screen display panel allow the user to modify the process by using a password and selecting a pre-determined number of programs. The panel also displays detailed information, such as solvent temperature. If it exceeds a pre-set point, heaters automatically de-activate. Vapour temperature is also constantly displayed on the panel and, if it rises above a predetermined level, the system will shut down to avoid emissions.

Although it uses Trichloroethylene, the plant has the flexibility to use an alternative fluid at a later date with only minor modifications.

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