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Automotive Shop Parts Washer Models
  Front Load:
  WC-ST WC-TR

Front Load Commercial Parts Washer
  Top Load:
  TL-2 TL-3
 
  Front Load:
  FL-250 FL-1000
  FL-500 FL-1500

Front Load Industrial Parts Washer
  Top Load:
  TL-21 TL-42
TL-25 TL-50
TL-31 TL-60
TL-36 TL-72
 
  Front Load:
PCS-2532 PCS-3648
PCS-3136 PCS-4255
PCS-3142 PCS-5060
PCS-3148 PCS-6060
PCS-3642 PCS-7272

Pass Through Systems
  Mini Pass Through:
MPT-250
MPT-500
MPT-750
 
  Integrated Cleaning System:
ICS-1000-14
ICS-1000-8
 
  Modular Conveyor
  Cleaning System:
MCCS-1000
MCCS-1500
MCCS-1500H
MCCS-2000
MCCS-3000H

Aqueous Parts Washers

Aqueous jet parts washers clean using a combination of water and detergent. A parts washer is composed of a cleaning cabinet in which spray nozzles, positioned along the interior walls and ceiling, spray heated, high-pressure streams of water at the objects to be cleaned. Generally these washers are used to clean brake drums, wheels (including ground support equipment and aircraft), bearings (not aircraft), engine parts (including blocks), and electric motors. The high-pressure water is typically used in conjunction with a detergent and will remove dirt, grime, oil, and grease from the materials being cleaned as well as prevent the parts from flash rusting.

Because the detergent solution is biodegradable, the solution may be discharged into the local sewer system if it meets the discharge limitations. These detergents should contain defoamers and rust inhibitors to prevent flash rusting. However, most of the washers have a purifying/recycling system, whereby the detergent solution is recycled and can be reused. These purifying/recycling systems work by skimming oil from the solution, and removing any sludge waste that has settled to the bottom of the washer. In addition, filters used in the system remove particulate matter, further purifying the solution. These closed-loop systems enable the user to reuse the detergent solution several times before requiring a fresh solution.

The detergents are available in two forms: water-soluble liquid concentrate or water-soluble powder. Most contain a rust inhibitor and a lubricant to protect the parts from rust. The detergents are formulated so that they can effectively remove carbon, heavy greases, and other dirt.

The washer units are available in a variety of sizes, ranging from 75-gallon to 400-gallon capacities. The units are either front-loading or top-loading, depending on the model. Parts are placed in baskets or on shelves, which rotate to expose the parts to the jet washers and the detergent solution. The baskets can be multi-tiered, depending on the size of the washer and the parts being cleaned. Options include rinse and dry modules, where the parts are given a final rinse with fresh water and dried using blasts of heated air.

Because the system uses biodegradable detergents, no hazardous solvents are used. In addition, hazardous wastes will be minimized, reducing disposal costs. However, because paints and metals may collect and form sludge, hazardous wastes may still be generated, although on a smaller scale.


Industrial and Automotive Parts Washers and Spray Wash Cabinets

Automotive and Industrial Parts Cleaning Solutions: Parts Washers and Spray Wash Cabinets
  UniWashers Advantage...
UniWashers specializes in spray wash cabinets and parts washers. Whether you need one of our stand alone spray wash cabinets for your repair shop or a fully integrated parts washing system for your manufacturing line, our experienced stuff will help you solve your parts washing problem by evaluating your specific application and find the parts washer that best suits your needs. For special applications, UniWasher's engineers will design and build a parts washer to accommodate your manufacturing facility.

We don't want to just sell you a parts washer, we want to help you solve your parts cleaning problems. Call us today for a free consultation and see how quickly we can have the washer you need up and running.

Parts Washing Equipment Purchasing Guide

In the course of routine cleaning, many shops use parts washing systems for engines and other equipment parts. Parts washing systems include standard recirculating parts washers, distillation units, and those with multiple filters. In choosing the right parts cleaning system, shops should evaluate both the equipment and the cleaning solvent it uses. Start by determining the needs of your shop. The right choice will be a combination of system and cleaner that is safe, effective, and convenient while minimizing unnecessary costs. With parts washing services, seek out an appropriate level or frequency of service; also important are its record-keeping and management services that assure regulatory compliance.

Whether water-based (aqueous) or petroleum-based, cleaning solvents present their own environmental concerns. Along with the waste produced during usage, cleaners often pose exposure risks to employees. In most instances, shops must manage wastes produced during parts cleaning as hazardous.

By investigating regulations first, workplaces can avoid costly testing and compliance problems later. Weigh the pros and cons: a water-based system, for example, may avoid the need for an expensive parts washer service contract, but testing and approval from the agency responsible for wastewater treatment facilities (typically, Metropolitan Council Environmental Services in the metro area) is required prior to disposal down the sanitary sewer. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and metro counties have guidelines for evaluating and managing the potentially hazardous solids and filters from parts washers.

Laws and Guidelines

The laws and regulations that apply to parts cleaning wastes include Minnesota Hazardous Waste Rules, Minnesota Statutes, and federal regulations.

Before deciding on a parts washing system, know the regulatory advantages and disadvantages of each type. Whether aqueous- or petroleum-based, waste parts washer solvent must be managed as hazardous waste - unless an evaluation determines that the waste is non-hazardous. Waste evaluations may consist of knowledge regarding the chemical ingredients in the cleaner and the contaminants introduced to the cleaning solutions during cleaning; sometimes, additional testing may be necessary. If your parts cleaner service or supplier does not address regulatory concerns that apply to your parts washer, consult with your hazardous waste regulatory program for assistance.

Each of the metro counties has a hazardous waste program. In Greater Minnesota, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has staff available for assistance. Failure to gain the necessary approvals prior to disposal of parts cleaning wastes can result in enforcement action and other liabilities.

Performance

There are several different parts washing systems. Determine which system is best for your shop based on the type of parts that are routinely cleaned, as well as the type and amount of grime on the parts.

First, decide whether you need a parts washer. Some small engine repair shops have eliminated the need for their parts washers: instead, they directly apply small amounts of cleaners to small engine and other parts, and then wipe them clean with rags. The rags are later laundered and reused.

If you need a parts washer, decide what parts washing system and solvent you will require. System types range from standard recirculating parts washers and distillation units to units with multiple filters. Additional consideration should be given to the size of the parts to be cleaned, the dirtiness of the parts, and the frequency with which the system will be used.

After identifying a parts washing system, choose a cleaning solvent. Solvents are either aqueous- or petroleum-based.

Aqueous-based solvents
These water-based solvents are usually less hazardous to the user than their petroleum-based counterparts. They clean by using a surfactant (such as soap or detergent), a corrosive or alkaline ingredient, or another type of chemical to remove soil from parts. Although water-based cleaners are often touted as being "non-hazardous," "sewerable," or "environmentally friendly," they must be managed as a hazardous waste unless the waste has been evaluated and found not to exhibit hazardous characteristics. It is important for users of parts washers to understand that the solvent is water-based and that no other fluids except greases and oils are added.

Petroleum-based cleaners
Most petroleum-based systems use mineral spirits, Stoddard, or similar petroleum-based solvents. Exposure to concentrated vapors from these solvents can cause breathing problems and headaches. These solvents are also ignitable. Cleaners with higher flashpoints (>140°F) are available to reduce the risk of ignition. Shops using petroleum-based cleaners must take extra precautions when using and storing the product and managing the wastes.

Availability

There are many different kinds of equipment, cleaners, and services, including simple "sink on a drum" equipment employing Stoddard solvent, spray cabinets and services that lease equipment and collect waste cleaners. Equipment is available to purchase or lease through both manufacturers and local distributors. Cleaners are available through vehicle maintenance supply outlets, equipment manufacturers, and dealers. Parts cleaner collection services are available statewide through environmental service companies. There is also a state contract for purchasing aqueous parts washing equipment.

Cost

Equipment and Parts Cleaner Services
Equipment and service costs vary according to equipment type and service level. Equipment can be leased or purchased. Disposal of used cleaner can be included in the equipment servicing contract or handled separately.

Some parts washers, such as those with filters and skimmers, extend the bath life of the cleaner so that less is used. This saves money on replenishing supplies and disposing of old cleaner.

Aqueous-Based Cleaners
Although aqueous cleaners cost more per gallon than petroleum-based cleaners, they generally last 25% to 50% longer. Aqueous cleaners can therefore reduce consumption and disposal. Because they must be heated in order to be effective, electricity costs are higher than with petroleum-based cleaners.

Specifications

Specifications for parts cleaning equipment, cleaners, and services vary depending on the types of parts you are cleaning, amount and type of grime you are trying to remove, and the volume. See Performance. When writing specs for a parts washer, include a preference for equipment with two-stage cleaning and a recirculating feature with built-in filtration to continuously remove dirt and contaminants. If you are purchasing equipment that utilizes aqueous-based cleaners, also include a preference for equipment with a skimmer to remove oils and other floating contaminants.

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