5 Elements to consider when cleaning your tank

Employee safety should always come first and although the traditional method of cleaning tanks is manually done, it can be very dangerous.  Today, tank cleaning nozzles have become very popular for cleaning and for a good reason!  These devices can be mounted inside the tank where the process can be automated so that employees no longer have to climb inside tanks with a pressure washer to clean.  This avoids the risk of anyone falling and injuring themselves while inside the tank.  Tank cleaning nozzles clean faster and use less water and chemicals in the process.  More importantly, you can be assured that your cleaning results are accurate every time! 

Static and Rotational

Static - spray balls deliver a solid stream of spray and do not provide full coverage for cleaning.  Rotating nozzles, on the other hand, spray the entire surface of the tank and provide more penetration for removing stubborn soils.  There are three different types of rotational spray nozzles:

Free spinning - This cleaning device is driven by the pressure of the water. The head of the nozzle rotates faster as the pressure increases.  These nozzles clean best at low pressures of 40 to 60 psi and are perfect for small to medium size tanks.

Controlled rotation – The rotation of this nozzle is controlled by an internal turbine and it contains no gears.  The slower rotation provides more impact and better spray coverage for removing very difficult soils.  These nozzles can also be run at higher pressures, which will not affect the speed of the rotation.

Below is an example of one of our controlled rotation nozzles removing chocolate sauce.

Gear-controlled – These types of nozzles provide the highest impact and are excellent for cleaning large tanks.  The nozzle rotates on two axis points, which allows it to sweep the entire circumference of the tank interior.  This assures every spot will be cleaned.

Below is an example of one of our Gear controlled nozzles removing chocolate sauce.

Chemicals, time and temperature all cost money, so by using less you will save more money in the long run.  Choosing the correct nozzle for your cleaning process, will have a positive effect on all 3 of these.  The right temperature and chemicals being used with the correct nozzle will help reduce your cleaning cycle, which means less chemicals and downtime.  Not only does this save you money but now you can produce more product.

Debris can collect around and under agitators & baffles making it difficult to clean. If the residue is light to moderate your nozzle may be able to clean it. However, if your residue is thicker you may need to place another nozzle inside the tank to clean that area effectively.

Installation and placement of your nozzle is critical for your cleaning process.  For nozzles mounted at the top of the tank, the rule of thumb is they should be placed 1/3 down from the overall height of the tank. For tanks with side or bottom entry ways, Lechler offers a cart which attaches to the nozzle.  The nozzle and cart are inserted into the center of the tank for quick and proper cleaning.

Are you still interested in learning more? Contact us for more information. 
Lechler's tank cleaning experts are here to help you with every step of the process.

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