An Introduction to Aqueous Component Degreasing
A popular process appreciated for its fully biodegradable properties, water-based, or aqueous, degreasing has remained a favoured method among industries since its initial rise in the 1980s. Aqueous cleaning began to replace the solvent cleaning processes that were dominant at the time with cleaning solutions that are primarily water-based.
Water Cleaning Solutions
With water as the prominent liquid used in aqueous degreasing (therefore the name), water-based cleaning solutions have been developed to match the contamination that needs removing from components. This has resulted in a wide range of cleaning options including:
- Surfactants - Substances to reduce surface tension for less resistance when cleaning
- Detergents - Water-soluble cleansing agents with cleansing properties when diluted
- Emulsifiers - Cleaning agent that breaks down oils & grease that otherwise wouldn’t dissolve, reducing them to small enough droplets they will suspend in the solution
- Corrosion Inhibitors - Anti-Corrosive chemical compound to decrease the corrosion rate of metal components when they come into contact with water/liquid
- Antifoaming Agents - A substance to reduce and control the amount of foam that is naturally produced from cleaning processes
- Defluxers – Also known as flux removers, these clean flux residues such as chloride and weak organic acids from printed circuit boards
Depending on the target contaminates the operator would like to cleanse/degrease, the PH scale of the solution is worth considering for maximised results. The addition of acid compounds is effective for contaminants such as scale, oxides, rust and metals oxides. While more alkaline solutions are recommended against salt, oxides, soils, metals shavings and grease.
Benefits of Water-Based Degreasing
In an industry where there is a range of options when it comes to cleaning and degreasing, water-based degreasing is popular for many reasons. Some of those reasons are:
- Low cost of entry (machinery and chemicals)
- Low VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)
- Effectively cleans contamination, oils and grease
- Wide range of process options
- Safe on metal, plastics and many component materials
The Machines for Aqueous Cleaning
Taking place in multiple tanks for various stages to rinse and wash the components, there are a few of techniques associated to aqueous cleaning.
Spray Washing
Taking part in an enclosed area, spray cleaning is literally just spraying the components down with high pressured sprayers. The machine designs vary from a sealed chamber with a basket to a mesh belt flatbed. Both feature multiple spray guns and bars located within allowing for more thorough coverage.
Immersion
As the name implies, immersion dunks the components in a tank of water-based solutions. With parts directly connected or placed in a basket connected to a lift platform, they are repeatedly moved in an up and down motion to agitate the cleaning solution.
Spray Under Immersion
A hybrid process featuring aspects of both the above techniques, spray under immersion applies a pressure pump spray from below the water surface. Like that of a jacuzzi, the underwater spray creates the mechanical energy to agitate the solution to clean the parts.
Considering the variety of methods, the machines for aqueous cleaning have no strict designs. As each method has its own benefits, aqueous machines are commonly multistage cleaning lines featuring multiple techniques chosen to cater to the components. With so many options for aqueous cleaning lines available, companies opting for custom setups such as our own multistage cleaning range is normal.
To find out more or to see the machines we have available, visit Aqueous Cleaning & Washing
Ultrasonic Cleaning
A common feature also seen in aqueous cleaning machines is ultrasonic tanks. The core of the process revolves around high-frequency sound waves agitating the water to create microbubbles to clean the components. Ultrasonic technology can be gentle yet invasive, frequently used for delicate components such as watches parts, medical instruments, valves and circuit boards.
To find out more about ultrasonic cleaning, visit our article What is Ultrasonic Cleaning?
Riley Multiclean 2-120 Ultrasonic Washing & Rinsing Cleaning Line
The Riley Ultrasonic Cleaning and wash machine is a 2 stage operation. Built from 304 Stainless Steel the quality is clear to see at an excellent price.
- Stock No
- DA1400
- Category
- Aqueous Ultrasonic Cleaning & Washing
- Model
- Riley Multiclean 2-120
- Year of Manufacture
- 2022
- Work Envelope (WxDxH mm) [?]
- 670 x 540 x 450
- Process Stages
- 2 Stages, Ultrasonic wash and rinse
- Condition
- Brand New, Current Model
- Availability:
- Available subject to build time
- Price [?]
- £ Login or Register for price.
Turbex AC-1,3-2 -LD Front Loading Spray Washer
The AC two stage spray washing range is perfect for water based cleaning on medium to large components, where a single detergent wash followed with a rinse is sufficient. Features 1100mm diameter load.
- Stock No
- DC1483
- Category
- Aqueous Ultrasonic Cleaning & Washing
- Model
- Turbex AC-1,3-2 -LD
- Year of Manufacture
- 2006
- Work Envelope (WxDxH mm) [?]
- 1000 x 1000 x 900
- Process Stages
- Two Stage, Wash and Rinse
- Other Info
- 800Kg Load Capacity
- Condition
- From a working environment, Good Condition
- Refurbished Price [?]
- £ Login or Register for price.
- Sold As Seen Price [?]
- £ Login or Register for price.
Vixen Surface Treatments Agisonic 100 Dunk Wash Machine with Ultrasonic and Fixtures Sparge Jetting
This second hand Agisonic is a programmable multi-function wash plant which comprises dunk wash plus ultrasonic functions coupled to a separate wash cycle. There are sparge jets for washing out blind holes or recesses. Components can be set on special jigs, which direct the jets into the hard-to-clean places.
- Stock No
- DC1490
- Category
- Aqueous Ultrasonic Cleaning & Washing
- Model
- Vixen Surface Treatments Agisonic 100
- Year of Manufacture
- 2008
- Work Envelope (WxDxH mm) [?]
- 1000 x 500 x (400 fluid depth)
- Process Stages
- 3 Stages. Ultrasonic, Dunking & Jetting.
- Other Info
- Multi Stage Solution Filtration.
- Condition
- Refurbished by RSW, Excellent Condition
- Refurbished Price [?]
- £ Login or Register for price.
Ecoclean EcoCWave Automatic Industrial Cleaning System
Durr Ecoclean ® EcoCWave automatic industrial cleaning system. This system offers the user an infinitely variable set up for the cleaning and drying of a wide range of components, using a combination of flood washing, spray washing, ultrasonic cleaning, fixed, rotating or swivelling basket movement. Hot air and vacuum drying.
- Stock No
- DC1514
- Category
- Aqueous Ultrasonic Cleaning & Washing
- Model
- Ecoclean EcoCWave
- Year of Manufacture
- 2017
- Work Envelope (WxDxH mm) [?]
- 670 x 480 x 300
- Process Stages
- 3xclean/rinse/Ultrasonic/Hot air+vac dry
- Other Info
- Full Serviced Dec 2023
- Condition
- Excellent Condition, Current Model, Seen powered at RSW
Kerry ( Guyson International ) Microclean 525/5A Five Stage Ultrasonic Cleaning Machine
Kerry Microclean 525/5A Five stage ultrasonic cleaning, DI rinsing and hot air drying, complete with Autotrans Mk4 30kg robotic basket handling and conveyor system.
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- Stock No
- DD1526
- Category
- Aqueous Ultrasonic Cleaning & Washing
- Model
- Kerry ( Guyson International ) Microclean MF525/5A
- Year of Manufacture
- 2002
- Work Envelope (WxDxH mm) [?]
- 415 x 525 x 350mm
- Process Stages
- 5
- Other Info
- Autotrans Mk4 robotic handler included
- Condition
- From a working environment, Good Condition
- Refurbished Price [?]
- £ Login or Register for price.
- Sold As Seen Price [?]
- £ Login or Register for price.
Kerry ( Guyson International ) 450 Microclean Machine with Autotrans MK3 Robotic handler
Kerry Four stage ultrasonic aqueous cleaning system with Autotrans MK3 Robotic handler. Microclean Compact systems suit a wide range of cleaning needs in aerospace, automotive, electronics and other related industries.
- Stock No
- DD1528J
- Category
- Aqueous Ultrasonic Cleaning & Washing
- Model
- Kerry ( Guyson International ) COM MK2B 450A
- Year of Manufacture
- 1997
- Work Envelope (WxDxH mm) [?]
- 450 x 325 x 350mm
- Process Stages
- 4 Stage, 3 wet stages plus hot air dry
- Other Info
- Basket Size - 400 x 275 x 300 (150mm)
- Condition
- Seen working by RSW, Good Condition
- Location
- Arriving in our warehouse soon
- Price
- Please call on +44 (0) 1922 45 8000
Amsonic PLC Controlled, 5 Stage Semi-Auto Aqueous Cleaning Line
5 Stage Amsonic Cleaning Line, comprising of two heated wash / Immersion tanks, plus three rinse tanks to complete the process. Light Guards and operator platform for safe and easy working, 8 baskets for reducing loading and unloading downtime.
- Stock No
- DZ1344J
- Category
- Aqueous Ultrasonic Cleaning & Washing
- Model
- Amsonic 5 Tank, Rotational Basket, Wash / Rinse, Line.
- Year of Manufacture
- Recon 2017
- Work Envelope (WxDxH mm) [?]
- 650 x460 x 730
- Process Stages
- 5 Stages plus load / unload.
- Other Info
- 8 x Hexagonal work baskets 290 AF x 535
- Condition
- From a working environment, Excellent Condition
- Refurbished Price [?]
- £ Login or Register for price.
- Sold As Seen Price [?]
- £ Login or Register for price.
Kerry ( Guyson International ) 450 Microclean Machine
Four stage ultrasonic aqueous cleaning system. Microclean Compact systems suit a wide range of cleaning needs in aerospace, automotive, electronics and other related industries.
- Stock No
- DZ1373
- Category
- Aqueous Ultrasonic Cleaning & Washing
- Model
- Kerry ( Guyson International ) CMP MKII 450
- Work Envelope (WxDxH mm) [?]
- 450 x 325 x 445mm
- Process Stages
- 4 Stage, 3 wet stages plus hot air dry
- Other Info
- requires full service
- Sold As Seen Price [?]
- £ Login or Register for price.
Riley Ultrasonic Multistage Cleaning Range
The Riley Ultrasonic Cleaning and wash range is available in 2-5 stages with 60-240 litre tanks possible. Built from 304 Stainless Steel the quality is clear to see at an excellent price.
- Stock No
- NEW190
- Category
- Aqueous Ultrasonic Cleaning & Washing
- Model
- Riley Various
- Year of Manufacture
- NEW
- Process Stages
- 2, 3, 4, or 5 stages are available
- Other Info
- Ultrasonic, Heated, Multi Tank Cleaning
- Condition
- Brand New, Unused, Current Model
- Availability:
- Available subject to build time
- Price [?]
- Please call on +44 (0) 1922 45 8000
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