What is Batch Open-Top Vapor Degreasing?
ULTRA - Batch Open Top Vapor Degreaser
This is a batch (part processing is done in “batches”) open-top (with slide lid) vapor degreaser manufactured by Reliance Specialty Products. Pictured is the ULTRA VS-4 (Vapor & Spray)
This is a good question in that it is really a 3 part question:
First, what is vapor degreasing? Vapor Degreasing is an industrial parts cleaning process that removes hydrocarbon contaminants like oils, greases, machining oils, lubricants, cutting fluids, waxes, flux, and many more. It is an extremely efficient cleaning process because in a matter of seconds a metal part can be completely cleaned and dried ready for the next manufacturing process. The cleaning is done by non-flammable solvents that are fast drying while being aggressive on the contaminant. Many industries from electronics firms to aerospace companies to metal fabricators use vapor degreasing to precision clean metal and machined parts. Because of the comprehensive and fast cleaning capability combined with no need for rinsing and drying - vapor degreasing is a valuable part of any manufacturing line. Vapor degreasing utilizes non-flammable, non-hazardous solvents that can be recycled and reused for reduced operating costs.
The vapor degreaser unit boils the solvent to create a rich vapor zone…it is in the heated vapor zone parts are cleaned giving rise to the term vapor degreasing. However, a vapor degreasing unit can also have ultrasonic immersion for additional cleaning.
The cost effectiveness of vapor degreasing equipment comes from:
1: Continued solvent reuse: the solvent is contained inside the unit with refrigeration coils that cool the solvent and return it back into the tank for continued use.
2. Reduced rework: The solvent is filtered and distilled so the metal parts are cleaned in clean solvent - thus reducing rework and/or redeposit of the contaminant back on the part.
3. Reduced cycle times - vapor degreasing takes a fraction of the time to clean a part compared to hand wiping, aqueous cleaning and cold immersion rinsing.
4. Reduced solvent & operating costs - The unit is recycling and reusing the solvent therefore is less solvent loss and longer bath life.
Read more about vapor degreasing.
Now what is open-top vapor degreasing? There are 2 basic types of vapor degreaser units (equipment): open-top and vacuum vapor degreasers. With open-top degreasers the parts or put in through the top of the unit…hence open top. Vacuum systems do not have a solvent-air interface. The parts are put in a compartment in the unit and a vacuum, closed system, is created and then the solvent cleaning commences. There are pluses and minuses to both but essentially: open top systems have faster cycle times and are much more economical than vacuum systems. Vacuum systems have less solvent loss allow the use of a variety of halogenated cleaning solvents. Watch a video of an open top vapor degreaser cleaning:
https://relspec.com/video-library/v/cleaning-polishing-abrasive-from-brass
And finally what is batch open top vapor degreasing? This is where a quantity of parts can be cleaned at the same time in a basket, rack or fixture. Thousands of parts can be quickly cleaned and save significant operator effort. Watch a video of batch cleaning using a vapor degreaser with ultrasonics: https://relspec.com/video-library/v/cleaning-thousands-of-small-parts
NOTE: that vapor degreasing (the process) is accomplished in a vapor degreaser (piece of equipment)…
