Speedy tank cleaners save time and water

Despite their inefficiencies spray balls are still commonly seen as the preferred choice for cleaning small tanks with lighter residue. This is due, in part, to the logic that more expensive, powerful tank cleaners, such as impingement cleaners, are overkill and therefore not justified for less challenging tank cleaning applications. This logic, however, is now being challenged due to the introduction of a new breed of very fast cycle impingement cleaners (FCIC) such as the Orbtior Eco from the Spray Nozzle People Group.

The Orbitor Eco remains a powerful impingement cleaner, but rather than being geared for maximum power they are instead configured for maximum speed and water efficiency. Some sacrifices in jet length and cleaning strength are made but the new machines can complete a cleaning cycle in less than 2min with flow rates as low as 45L/min.

When compared directly to spray balls the new Orbitor Eco is said to offer greater cleaning power despite its faster cycle time, a bigger range of cleaning (up to 10m dia), reduced water consumption per cycle by up to 95%, and reduced cleaning cycle time (5min eco-cycle, compared to a typical 30min spray ball cycle, depending on the residue.

Installing the new units to replace existing old style spray balls is relatively simple. For example, the Orbitor Eco will fit through a 100mm opening and can operate at pressures as low as 2-3 bar with flow rates as low as 45 litres per minute. Furthermore, with the availability of universal fittings, connectors, a range of threads and where required, adaptors, it is likely that in many cases existing tanks, pumps and pipework will not need to be changed significantly. 

With the potential for water savings of up to 95% and cleaning cycles reduced to a few minutes, the return on the initial investment will be measured in a matter of weeks for many businesses.