Tank cleaning applications vary in requirements, including tank sizes and types of soils to be removed. While manual cleaning is common, automated processes using specialized spray devices have shown to be successful. Choosing the right tank cleaning nozzle for your specific application is key to achieving optimal results.
PROBLEM
Manual Removal of Slurry Residue And Prolonged Cleaning Time
A leading manufacturer of specialty chemical additives, essential for catalytic chemical reactions, was challenged by their current tank cleaning process. High-pressure washers were used to manually clean a thick slurry residue inside conical-shaped mixing tanks. The manual cleaning process required the tanks to be opened from the top where the operator was exposed to steam for approximately 45 to 60 minutes per tank. The slurry residue accumulated to a thickness of 6 inches on the interior side walls and 16 inches at the bottom of the tank. The customer was seeking a modification to this process to improve worker safety and reduce the cleaning cycle time.
SOLUTION
BETE Hydrowhirl® Orbitor Rotary Jet Tank Cleaning Machine
To address the challenge of heavy residue, BETE Engineers recommended the HydroWhirl Orbitor rotary jet tank cleaning machine, known for its superior performance with high-impact solid jet streams. For the initial test, two Orbitors with a 180° spray pattern were installed approximately 1/3 from the ID and 6 inches above the mixing paddles of the 10-foot diameter by 13-foot-tall vessel. While the initial cleaning performance was impressive, the customer wanted to conduct a trial using only one Orbitor with a 360-degree spray pattern. This trial proved to be even more effective, leading to the decision to implement a Clean-In-Place (CIP) system for convenience and safety.
CHALLENGES WITH MANUAL CLEANING
- Significant labor
- Excessive maintenance time
- Inconsistent and less effective cleaning
- Risk for injury
- High water consumption
ADVANTAGES OF THE BETE HYDROWHIRL® ORBITOR
- High-impact jet streams easily remove difficult soils
- Complete 360° spray coverage for reliable cleaning results
- Minimal moving parts, easily repairable on-site
- Reduces cleaning cycle times
- Clean-In-Place (CIP) improves worker safety and less labor intensive
RESULT
The manual cleaning process posed risks to workers and required a longer cleaning cycle, especially with heavily caked residue. Implementing rotary jet tank cleaning machines offered an automated solution, eliminating the need for hazardous manual labor. BETE’s HydroWhirl Orbitor was chosen for its powerful jet streams and effective removal of the slurry residue. The company saves approximately 2,500 hours annually by automating their process using tank cleaning nozzles. This has not only improved efficiency but eliminated worker exposure to dangerous steam, reducing the risk of injury. The company was particularly impressed by the low maintenance requirements and ease of repair. The HydroWhirl Orbitor has proven to be the ideal solution for effectively and efficiently removing challenging substances in less time.
