PLATE-WEAR 3531784 - Caterpillar

Cleaning Solutions
Using the correct chemical concentration is an important factor in controlling the cleaning efficiency of a cabinet washer or any other cleaning process that uses a chemical to clean parts. Refer to the following example:A 3500 Engine rebuild requires the use of eight multiple level baskets to clean all the components. The cleaning cycle time of the cabinet washer is 20 minutes. An extra 5 minutes is needed to load and unload each basket from the cabinet washer. The cabinet washer has the correct amount of cleaning agent as specified by the chemical and equipment manufacturers. To load, unload, and clean all the baskets , takes 200 minutes (3.3 hours).Now consider the following two inefficient scenariosScenario #1
Multiple level parts baskets are used and the washing procedure has consumed or has an insufficient amount of cleaning agent.
When the cabinet washer is opened after cycling, the parts are not clean.
The operator cycles the cabinet washer again because the parts were not clean after one cycle.
Two wash cycles per basket to clean the components.
Loading and unloading the baskets and cleaning all the parts described above takes 360 minutes (6.0 hours).
Cleaning takes longer with the multiple level baskets than it did with the single baskets. This example was used to demonstrate the need to manage the cleaning equipment even after new cleaning baskets are purchased or fabricated.Scenario #2
The multiple level baskets are not used and 12 baskets are needed to clean all the 3500 Engine components.
The cleaning times and chemical condition remains the same from Scenario #1.
Loading and unloading the baskets and cleaning all the parts described above would take 540 minutes (9.0 hours).The result of insufficient cleaning solution in either scenario is more time spent washing parts, resulting in decreased dealer profits.Manual Cleaning Solution Alternatives (Solvent Cleaning)
Check with your local governing bodies before using any of the following parts washing alternatives.The following parts washing systems are adequate alternatives. The employee health and safety, cost, and environmental requirements of each should be considered before making a selection.Solvent cleaning may result in hazardous waste due to flash points or contaminants. Refer to all local, state, federal, and other applicable environmental laws and regulations.Note: Use all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and controls to ensure employee health and safety. Refer to all local, state, federal, and other applicable safety laws and regulations.Solvents may also be recycled using a Finish Thompson solvent recycler (vacuum distillation). Contact the Caterpillar Service Technology Group for more information about vacuum distillation and Finish Thompson solvent recyclers. Regardless of the method, solvents must be separated from waste water discharge.
Table 2
List of Controlled Solvents
Solvent Name Additional Recommendations
Abbey Chem Water Based Cleaner
Brake Cleaner -
Diesel Fuel -
EPA2000 Similar to Safety-Kleen
Hill Manufacturing Mineral Spirits (Turbo Clean) system
Kerosene
Mineral Spirits
Safety Kleen Most Dealers find this service expensive, but the cleaning solution and service is acceptable.
Table 3
List of Controlled Solvents
Smart Chem by Chem Free A water-based cleaning system that uses bioremediation. Bioremediation uses microbes to break hydrocarbons (oils) into water and carbon dioxide.
System One Mineral Spirit recycling