Superior quality, cost-efficiency and process reliability in aqueous parts cleaning

Filderstadt/Germany, July 2014 – With its EcoCWave, Dürr Ecoclean has developed an innovative equipment system for aqueous cleaning processes which can handle a wide range of tasks – from coarse to fine cleaning – in an efficient manner. To this end, the new all-round talent comes with a list of features which ensure superior cleaning quality and process reliability, shorter idling times, and major energy savings. Moreover, this flexible machine sets standards in terms of space demand, operator-friendliness and design.

Aqueous part cleaning with alkaline, neutral or acidic media ranks among the most widely employed technologies in many industries, e.g., automotive manufacturing and its tiered suppliers, medical equipment production, mechanical workshops performing machining, punching, drawing or bending tasks, precision mechanics and optical systems. Application levels range from coarse to intermediate and, ultimately, fine cleaning. Dürr Ecoclean's new EcoCWave system, superseding the existing Universal 81W line, covers this entire application spectrum thanks to its modular, forward-looking technology. With its very small footprint the system can easily be integrated in any production process. It also provides versatility, being easily adaptable to changing cleanliness and throughput specifications so that the user will enjoy investment certainty.

Intelligent technology yields superior cleaning quality

The EcoCWave is equipped with two or three flooding tanks, depending on customer specifications. The tanks exhibit a flow-optimized rounded geometry and are of upright design. Unlike the low-mounted rectangular containers used in conventional aqueous cleaning equipment, the round tanks prevent the formation of chip and dirt traps. Improved cleaning quality and a longer service life of the cleaning fluid are the result. Moreover, each tank has its own separate fluid circuit comprising full-flow filtration. The cleaning and rinsing fluid is filtered on filling and draining as well as in the bypass. Bag filters or cartridge filters can be fitted in a combination-type filter housing. The system's filtration characteristics can thus be adapted to changing cleanliness requirements quickly and without any hardware modifications.

Another contributor to improved performance is the optimized rollover unit in the working chamber. It ensures that the fluid and mechanical cleaning devices – e.g., ultrasonic units and spraying nozzles – can reach the product effectively from all sides. In addition, the design of the rollover unit minimizes fluid drag-out.

Faster processes cut per-unit costs

Powerful pumps and large-diameter piping used throughout the EcoCWave accelerate the operations of filling and draining the work chamber and tanks. As a result, non-productive times are minimized, product throughput is increased and per-unit cleaning costs are reduced. These improvements benefit spray cleaning processes as well. Here, an increased number of nozzles working in optimized arrays deliver a more effective cleaning performance and hence, shorter cycle times even in removing coarse contamination. In order to shorten cycles still further, the vacuum drying system available in addition to hot-air drying has also been improved.

Equal to any cleaning task

Due to the use of variable-frequency driven pumps, volumetric flow rates can be adjusted precisely as needed. Major energy savings are achievable as a result. On the other hand, the cleaning process can be selectively adapted to meet specific requirements. Thus, different work chamber filling levels may be defined in immersion processes, e.g., with filling and draining cycles suitable for cleaning parts having blind holes or complex geometries. An intense fluid exchange in critical component areas substantially boosts the system's cleaning performance. In spraying processes, the jet strength can be adapted exactly to the part being processed. Moreover, the ability to control the spraying pressure expands the range of cleaning agents that can be used.

Continuous reconditioning of the rinsing fluid is provided by an Aquaclean system which can be integrated into the machine. The cleaning fluid in the first flooding tank is heated entirely by waste heat from the evaporation process.

Flexibility includes adaptable batch volume

The EcoCWave has a vacuum-tight work chamber designed for batches measuring up to 670 x 480 x 300 mm. As an alternative, an enlarged work chamber for 670 x 480 x 400 mm containers may be installed without enlarging the footprint. The volume adapted batch configuration reduced per-unit costs.

Easy operation with process visualization

A new colour display with self-explanatory pictographs makes the EcoCWave easy, fast and reliable to operate. Diverse process data such as the work chamber fluid level are indicated in real time by the built-in process visualization system. An acquisition of all relevant process parameters (e.g., for the development of cleaning programs) can be implemented optionally.

Exterior design: space-saving and open to modification

Apart from its high performance, Dürr Ecoclean's engineers focused their attention on minimizing the system's footprint. Accordingly, a machine configured with two flooding tanks needs only 1.8 sq.m. of floorspace. The EcoCWave features a stylish appearance with integrated loading system and all-round safety-glazed enclosure.

Contact: Dürr Ecoclean GmbH, Rainer Straub, Sales,
Tel. +49 711 7006-246, rainer.straub@ecoclean.durr.com, www.durr-ecoclean.co

Thanks to its design the new EcoCWave does not only meet any cleaning task but also cares for optimized quality and efficiency in cleaning processes

Unlike the low-mounted rectangular containers used in conventional aqueous cleaning equipment, the round tanks prevent the formation of chip and dirt traps

As a leading supplier, Dürr Ecoclean supplies automotive manufacturers and suppliers, as well as the broad industrial market, with the latest cleaning technology. Appropriate solutions for automation are also offered and integrated by the Ecoclean Group. With individually tailored technology from Dürr Ecoclean, customers can exploit potential savings for example in unit costs, energy consumption and process time. Dürr Ecoclean is part of the Dürr Group worldwide and has over ten sites in eight countries with approximately 1,000 employees.

Dürr is a mechanical and plant engineering group that holds leading positions in the world market in its areas of operation.It generates a good 80% of its sales in business with the automotive industry.It also supplies the aircraft, machinery, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries with innovative production and environmental technology.The Dürr Group operates in the market with four divisions:Paint and Assembly Systems plans and builds paint shops and final assembly systems for the automobile and aircraft industries.Application Technology provides automated paint application, sealing, and glueing with its robot technologies.Machinery and systems from the Measuring and Process Systems division are used for balancing and cleaning in engine and transmission manufacturing as well as in final vehicle assembly, among other areas.The fourth division, Clean Technology Systems, specializes in processes to improve energy efficiency and exhaust air purification.Dürr has 52 business locations in 26 countries worldwide and approximately 8,250 employees.The Group achieved sales revenues of € 2.4 billion in 2013. 

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SCHULZ. PRESSE. TEXT., Doris Schulz, journalist (DJV),

Landhausstrasse 12, 70825 Korntal, Germany, Phone +49 711 854085,

ds@pressetextschulz.de, www.schulzpressetext.de

Dürr Ecoclean GmbH, Kathrin Gross, Marketing

Tel +49 711 7006-223, Fax +49 711 7006-148

kathrin.gross@ecoclean.durr.com, www.durr-ecoclean.com

Dürr Aktiengesellschaft

Corporate Communications & Investor Relations

Carl-Benz-Str. 34

74321 Bietigheim-Bissingen

Tel +49 7142 78-1785

Fax +49 7142 78-1716

Based on Dürr Ecoclean Group information