Floor Placement of a Vapor Degreaser in your Facility
Where you place the vapor degreaser matters.
Placing the Vapor Degreaser properly on the manufacturing floor is important for proper long term operation. Here we look at general considerations for placement of a vapor degreaser on the manufacturing floor at your location. There are five primary factors to take into account when situating the vapor degreaser:
Proximity to production flow
Room Size
Airflow
Heat Discharge
Door Openings
Read on to learn more…
5 Primary considerations for vapor degreaser placement on your manufacturing floor.
Of course, placing the vapor degreaser in a way that optimizes your cleaning operations is paramount when selecting a location for the vapor degreaser. Additionally, we wanted to mention a few other considerations as you are planning placement of the vapor degreaser.
1. Proximity to the production flow
Many companies have manufacturing cells or point-of-production operations where the unit will be dedicated to a particular line. Other companies have several departments that utilize the cleaning capabilities of the vapor degreaser, from the plating department to metal fabrication and CNC departments. In this case, deciding the best “central” location (like a hub-and-spoke layout) for most efficient access to the vapor degreaser would be a consideration. As we learn from Lean Manufacturing practices, we want to minimize muda (waste) and reducing/eliminating extra time getting to and from the cleaning area is wise.
2. Larger ROOM SIZE
In general, vapor degreasers are best situated in larger open rooms with minimal air circulation over and around the tank. Some companies consider putting the degreaser in a small isolated room for solvent containment, or safety, or as a part of a clean room. But, this is not the best practice unless there is proper ventilation (see below) in the room. Optimally, the room is large with a high ceiling.
3. Minimized Air Flow
Air turnover should minimized - which is counter-intuitive. Many customers ask us about overhead ventilation - where a system would pull the air up and out…in theory a good idea. However, overhead vents can actually reduce the effectiveness of the refrigeration systems in the vapor degreaser and are NOT recommended. And if possible, air turnover should match supply to discharge. The operation of the room under a negative pressure should be avoided if possible. So…
• No Overhead ventilation. Again, overhead ventilation is not recommended – as it pulls the vapors past the refrigeration zone in the vapor degreaser – thus reducing the containment capabilities of the equipment. The air over the vapor degreaser should be a calm as possible to minimize vapor zone disturbance.
• No Fans. Fans and any other airflow disturbance should be eliminated.
• No Air Conditioning supply and return over the degreasing system. If you are going to set up cooling, generally you do not want your return or discharge to be over the vapor degreaser. Again, the air over the vapor degreaser should be a calm as possible to minimize vapor zone disturbance.
• Space round the equipment. We recommend a minimum of 2 feet on the left and right side of the vapor degreaser for air supply and air discharge. Also, you will need space on the left to open the electrical cabinets and space on the right for access to change out filters and to drain atmospheric water from the water separator.
4. Space around the system for HEAT DISCHARGE
There will be heat discharged from the air-cooled refrigeration condensers. Therefore, ensuring air flow from left to right behind the vapor degreaser will ensure the condenser fans to work properly is recommended.
5. Door Openings
Sometimes, door openings can trip up a great production plan. Moving the vapor degreaser to its destined location, usually means moving it through the plant. From the overhead doors to hall ways, to segregated rooms, door openings need to be considered. Because vapor degreasers are compact and many times on casters, they seem to be easy to move from manufacturing cell to manufacturing cell. Remember to get the measurements of your interior door openings as compared to the actual footprint of the unit and give consideration to the way you are going to get the unit from shipping dock to its final working location.
Conclusion
Proper placement of the vapor degreaser on your manufacturing floor ensures proper operation for the long term. When selecting a location for your vapor degreaser it is understandable you would want it proximate to where and how the unit will be used as part of your cleaning operation. AND ensuring there is limited air turbulence over the unit and proper space around the unit for heat discharge will allow the vapor degreaser to operate optimally.
Next Steps:
Our Reliance Vapor Degreasing Experts are here to help. Contact us for a Free Technical Discussion to support your solvent and vapor degreasing questions. If your company has questions please give us a call at 847.640.8923 to discuss your application and how Reliance can help.
At Reliance, we take a comprehensive, systemic approach to supporting our customers to finding solution to their cleaning needs. We are glad to be of assistance.
