Cleaning agitator containers in a closed system with methylene chloride

Quartz composite processing is becoming more productive, safer and more environmentally friendly

Contaminated agitator containers in which adhesives, synthetic resin products or plastics have been mixed are often cleaned manually with the solvent methylene chloride (MC), also called dichloromethane, in an open process.

EVT Eiberger Verfahrenstechnik GmbH from Sternenfels, a global provider of customized cleaning and degreasing systems, is now introducing a new process and the matching cleaning system that enables the cleaning process with the volatile MC in a closed system.

In this way, companies in the industry optimize their productivity, increase occupational safety and significantly reduce environmental pollution.

EVT provides industrial production across all industries with powerful, customized cleaning solutions for intermediate and final cleaning. “There is no off-the-peg system in this area,” says Costa Burkhardt, sales manager at EVT.

“In the present case, it is about cleaning agitator containers in which quartz, resin, paint and broken glass are mixed. Quartz composite artificial stone for worktops, sinks and vanities etc. is later made from the mixture under high pressure. In order to remove the persistent, abrasive quartz composite residues, we not only developed the appropriate special system, but also a closed process for handling the organic solvent methylene chloride. ”

MC serves u. a. as an effective paint stripper, as a degreasing agent and as a solvent for resins, fats, plastics and bitumen, and is used, among other things, to remove casting and pouring resins and to clean mixing and dosing systems.

Since MC is difficult to handle in terms of system technology – the boiling point is already below 40 ° C, for example – the stirrer tanks are so far manually cleared of persistent residual products by skilled workers. To do this, the mixing containers are filled with methylene chloride for several hours and then getting sprayed out with MC using a high-pressure lance.

Costa Burkhardt: “Methylene chloride is a substance whose improper handling, incorrect protective equipment etc. always pose a risk to people and the environment. We have already designed and manufactured systems for the use of MC and have now been able to bring this many years of extensive process experience to bear in this market segment. Here, and I am proud to say, we fully live up to the ‘process engineering’ share in our name: not only the construction of the plant is unique, but also the process technology. ”

This time, the customized EVT special system is not designed for the classic cleaning and degreasing of components in work chambers. Rather, the mixing containers are placed in a custom-made device and locked. The solvent can be injected into the container using a special spray lance. An external motor drives the agitator. The container interior and all components are completely cleaned and dried under metrological supervision.

To remove the cleaning compound, EVT completely dispenses with pump systems because quartz composite residues are highly abrasive. Rather, the transportation within the system is solved by means of pressure differences.

Costa Burkhardt: “Thanks to the closed cleaning system, the user not only makes his workflow faster and more productive, but also significantly increases the job security of his employees. It also protects and spares the environment, and solvent consumption is also reduced drastically.”