Parts Washing Fluids and Powders

There are many types and brands of parts washers and just as many kinds of parts washing fluids. The important thing is to get your parts clean! Different parts washers have different features and some are custom-built based specifically on need.

The one thing that stays true in all parts washing applications is the fact that you have to have T.A.C.T. No, we are not talking about speaking kindly to your parts or trying not to offend them. I am talking about the acronym T.A.C.T. which is Time – Agitation – Concentration – Temperature.

T.A.C.T Is The Key To An Effective and Efficient Parts Washing System

• Time is how long the parts are exposed to the parts cleaner for the entire washing process. Time is important because cleaners are built to remove residues based on the wash cycle. They need time to work. Time covers the entire wash process. Pre-wash, number of wash stages, number of rinse stages, and drying time.
• Agitation is the type of fluid movement the washer creates. Agitation is important so the correct cleaner can be used. Parts washer fluid should have the chemistry for the type of agitation the parts washer provides. Spray washers push detergent water through spray nozzles to create a type of scrubbing action to remove soils. An Ultrasonic washer uses ultrasonic waves for agitation, Immersion systems like lift tanks move the parts in a basket up and down to create agitation. There are many more ways to create agitation and some washers use a combination of agitation. The agitation created by the washer is a determining factor when deciding on a parts washer fluid. For example, a low-foaming/no-foam parts washer fluid should be used in spray washers.
• Concentration is the ratio of detergent concentrate to water. Too lean of a mixture or too rich of a concentration could cause rust, foaming, residue on the parts, poor cleaning or a myriad of other issues. Maintaining the proper concentration also reduces the amount of detergent concentrate used, which in turn reduces the amount purchased.
• Temperature is how hot the wash water is. Today’s detergent chemistry is so advanced that some detergents can be run at ambient temperature (basically room temperature). Temperature also helps dry the parts when they come out of the washer. If you wash a plate in warm water and place it in the dish rack and wash another in hot water and place it in the same dish rack, the plate washed in hot water will dry before the first dish. Temperature is also important to the parts being washed. You don’t want it so hot that it deforms the parts or takes a long time to cool down or dry.

Once T.A.C.T. is dialed in then you have a successful wash plan and can expect consistent results!

How to Select the Right Kind of Parts Washing Fluid

Parts washing fluids is major in cleaning parts and is affected by all facets of T.A.C.T. as well as the type of washer in use. The selection guide below will help get you the right detergent for your type of washer. Examine the grid and find the detergent that matches your washing criteria then send EdjeTech Services an e-mail and we will be happy to answer any questions and provide product data sheets and pricing.

• Oil-rejecting cleaners split oils to the top for easy skimming
• Oil-dispersing cleaners break up the soil into fine particles, which are then suspended and flushed off the surface
• Emulsifying cleaners break up and suspend loosened dirt to keep it from settling back on the cleaned surface