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Tag Archive: Textile Cleaning

1. How do I Choose the Best Detergent for My Cleaning Application?

   May 30, 2018 5:52 pm Comments Off on How do I Choose the Best Detergent for My Cleaning Application?

   It’s easy to see that you have a dirty surface that needs to be cleaned. Figuring out what type of cleaner to use can be tricky! Choosing the right product from the outset will make your cleaning task easier, quicker and more efficient. So, how do you know which detergent to use?

   Dirt is Dirt, Right?

   Absolutely not! All soils are different and need to be treated properly. A detergent that works well for cleaning grease and oil might not be the best choice for getting rid of soap scum or starchy soils. While some cleaners may work well for a broad spectrum of soils, others may be needed to target specific types of dirt.

   Alkaline cleaners work well for organic soils like oils and grease, while acid based cleaners are more effective on inorganic soils such metals and salts. Knowing what type of soil you are dealing with is an important step to choosing the right detergent.

   This helpful chart matches detergents to soils commonly found on parts and equipment in laboratories, pharmaceutical plants, food & beverage manufacturing sites, medical devices, filter membranes and manufacturing facilities.

   

   What are You Cleaning?

   Glass? Metal? Rubber? Electronic parts? Filter membranes? Understanding how different detergents affect different surfaces will certainly have an impact on your choice of cleaner. It’s important to be sure that the detergent you are using is compatible with the surface you are cleaning.

   Many filter membranes are sensitive to harsh chemicals and extreme pH levels, so a cleaner with a mild pH range and safe ingredients may be the right choice. Softer metals and delicate electronic parts may require use of a cleaner with a neutral pH.

   The manufacturer of the cleaner should be able to provide you with compatibility information for the product you are using.

   How are You Cleaning?

   The cleaning method you plan to use also plays a role in choosing a detergent. Some of the more common methods used in manufacturing and laboratory applications include:
   • Ultrasonic cleaning
   • CIP (clean-in place)
   • Manual or hand wash
   • Automatic washers
   It’s important to choose a detergent that works well for your chosen cleaning method. For example, if you are using an automatic washer it’s wise to use a low foaming cleaner. Otherwise you may end up with a room full of foamy suds. While this is great fodder for TV sitcoms, it’s not so funny in real life.

   

   Is Your Cleaner Safe?

   There are many cleaners on the market that do a great job at removing dirt, but they contain solvents and other harmful ingredients. Look for cleaners that are both effective and safe. Many cleaners are biodegradable. Try to avoid products that contain phosphates, solvents, silicates, phenols, and substances of very high concern.

   International Products Corporation’s (IPC) cleaners are safe for personnel, materials, equipment and the environment. Yet, they are powerful enough to remove the most difficult soils. This makes them excellent alternatives to hazardous solvents and chemicals frequently used for precision cleaning applications.

   The Manufacturer Matters

   When you select a product for your critical cleaning application you should be equally as concerned with the support provided by the manufacturer as you are with the product performance.The benefits of working with an experienced specialty cleaner manufacturer are that they can offer technical guidance and provide a variety of products to best meet your needs. Cleaner manufacturers should be able to assist their customers by providing validation methods, compatibility studies, toxicology reports, regulatory compliance, free product samples, and technical support.

   There are so many variables that exist in choosing the right cleaning product. Remember to consider the soils, the surfaces, the cleaning method, the safety and the manufacturer. With careful thought and planning you can find a cleaner that meets all of your specifications. Choosing wisely makes a difference!

   Download IPC’s ePaper for more information about choosing a cleaner and establishing the right cleaning parameters.

   

2. 5 Ways to Keep Your Lab Equipment In Tip-Top Shape for 2018

   January 12, 2018 3:59 pm Comments Off on 5 Ways to Keep Your Lab Equipment In Tip-Top Shape for 2018

   It’s January, the start of a new year and a time when people traditionally promise to make positive changes. Maybe it’s a commitment to exercising or healthy eating, a vow to save money, or maybe even a pledge to stop smoking. Whatever your resolution might be, most of us are in agreement that this is an excellent time of year to start fresh and engage in new behaviors.

   So why not also set a New Year’s resolution for your professional life. The flip of the calendar is an excellent time to establish a regular maintenance plan for your laboratory equipment.

   

   Just like a car, laboratory equipment must be properly maintained and kept in good working order. Car ownership comes with responsibilities like changing the oil, topping off fluids, rotating tires and washing the vehicle. Performing these actions regularly helps keep your automobile running smoothly, avoiding breakdowns. While no one likes the inconvenience of taking their car in for service, it’s much better than having to call and wait for emergency roadside assistance.

   Likewise, proper maintenance of lab apparatus helps to ensure that your equipment is working correctly and your lab is functioning efficiently. Analyzers, centrifuges and microscopes have to provide accurate readings, and pipettes, beakers, slides and flasks need to be kept clean. Failure to properly maintain lab equipment can have a direct impact on test results.

   5 Steps for Maintaining Lab Equipment:

   1. Inspection
   Inspect equipment on a regular basis. Examining equipment regularly helps discover any irregularities and ensures repairs are made on a timely basis, preventing damages from getting worse. Malfunctioning lab equipment should be repaired at once.
   2. Repair/Refurbish
   Refurbished equipment is completely disassembled and thoroughly cleaned. Some parts are polished and some may need lubrication. Faulty parts can be replaced. The reassembled apparatus frequently works just as well as a brand new piece of equipment.
   3. Calibration
   Keeping your equipment properly calibrated helps increase its accuracy to ensure that data is not corrupted. Inaccurate calibration can result in skewed data.
   4. Clean, Clean, Clean
   Regular cleaning is one of the easiest ways to keep your equipment functioning properly. Apparatus that is not thoroughly cleaned can yield inconsistent results. The exterior surfaces of all equipment should be wiped down on a daily basis, after each use. A complete cleaning should be performed at least once a week. Be sure to take these factors into consideration:

   • Set up a proper cleaning protocol
   • Use the right detergent for each job (this will depend upon the soil and the type of equipment)
   • Rinse thoroughly after cleaning
   • Avoid cross contamination
   • Clean equipment thoroughly prior to disinfecting
   • Validate your cleaning process if required

   5. Maintain Safety Standards
   A well-organized lab will run more efficiently. Supplies and chemicals should be clearly labeled and stored. Safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers, showers, first aid kits, and eye wash should be present and well maintained. Lab personnel should be sure to wear protective gear such as gloves, goggles, lab coats and masks. Chemicals should be disposed of properly as instructed on the SDS.

   Properly maintained lab equipment is essential for accuracy and consistency of test results. Investing the time and money to set up and follow a regular maintenance plan will provide long-term savings by keeping your laboratory functioning smoothly and efficiently. This is one New Year’s resolution you’ll certainly want to keep!

   International Products Corporation (IPC) manufactures a full line of specialty cleaners that are excellent for cleaning laboratory equipment. Contact IPC to learn more.

    

   

3. Make Your Membranes Last…A Simple 10 Step Guide

   October 19, 2017 2:19 pm Comments Off on Make Your Membranes Last…A Simple 10 Step Guide

   What Are Membranes?
   Membranes are filters used to separate different substances. They are used for a variety of applications throughout many industries, including wastewater treatment, food & beverage processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing and laboratory operations. “A membrane is a thin layer of semi-permeable material that separates substances when a driving force is applied across the membrane. Membrane processes are increasingly used for removal of bacteria, microorganisms, particulates, and natural organic material…”  (https://www.mrwa.com/WaterWorksMnl/Chapter%2019%20Membrane%20Filtration.pdf)

   

   Why Clean Membranes?
   Once membranes become fouled from use they become less effective. Clean membranes allow for the proper flow of water and are essential for maintaining an optimal flux rate. Therefore, it is important to implement a regular membrane cleaning regimen to help ensure that they are operating effectively. Instituting a regular maintenance program for cleaning membranes can help extend membrane life, saving money on equipment and operating costs.

   Where Do I Begin?
   Establishing a regular membrane cleaning regimen can be overwhelming. There are so many variables to consider from choosing the right detergent to figuring how much cleaner to use and how often to clean.

   Follow this simple 10 step guide to get started:

   1. When should I clean membranes?
   Use a 10/10/10 rule to determine cleaning frequency. Membranes should be cleaned whenever flux rate decreases by 10%, trans-membrane pressure (TMP) increases by 10%, or permeate water quality decreases by 10%.

   2. What cleaner should I use?
   Using the proper detergent can greatly affect the outcome. The soils fouling the membranes directly impact your choice of cleaner. Read more here.

   

   3. What type of membranes are you using?
   It’s always important to check with the membrane manufacturer for any specific operating conditions.

   4. Should I soak before cleaning?
   This will depend upon the condition of the membranes. An initial soak may be required if membranes are extremely fouled.

   5. How much cleaner do I use?
   The amount of cleaner used will vary based upon which detergent you are using and upon the parameters of your membrane system. Fill equipment up to 50% of its total volume to provide low pressure and high flux for optimal cleaning. The manufacturer of the cleaner should be able to provide specific guidelines.

   6. Should I use a quick or slow flow rate?
   Start with a slow flow rate to prevent any suspended soils from re-fouling the membranes. Then, gradually increase the flow up to its maximum rate.

   7. Do I recirculate?
   This helps to effectively clean the membrane. Recirculating provides agitation in and around the membrane. Air bubbles are introduced from recirculation, creating a turbulent flow. This turbulence causes a subtle, pulsating change in pressure at the membrane surface that assists in dislodging foulants. Recirculation may also increase the temperature of the cleaning solution by a few degrees, which bolsters detergency.

   8. What’s the proper temperature?
   As with any cleaning application, heating the cleaning solution will improve results. Check manufacturer’s guidelines for maximum operating temperatures for both the membranes and the cleaners.

   9. Do I need to rinse?
   A thorough rinsing step is important to make sure that all of the soils, as well as any excess cleaning solution, have been removed from the system.

   10. Can I set it and forget it?
   Absolutely not! It’s important to monitor the process to check for any abnormalities or changes in temperature, pressure or pH. However, using a safe and compatible cleaner allows more forgiveness in the cleaning regimen if operator error is introduced.

   Make Your Membranes Last
   Cleaning membranes on a regular basis restores membrane flux which aids in prolonging membrane life. Membranes are extremely expensive. Keeping them clean and functioning optimally saves money.

   When selecting a membrane cleaner find a manufacturer that provides a range of proven products and offers free technical support, free product samples, customer referrals and on-site assistance. International Products Corporation (IPC) offers a full line of membrane cleaners that have been proven to restore 100% membrane flux and extend membrane life.

   

   One of IPC’s customers treats industrial wastewater generated by the engine plant of a major automotive manufacturer. At this facility, up to 168,000 gallons of wastewater are treated per day using an ultrafiltration (UF) membrane system. They have used IPC’s Micro-90® Concentrated Cleaning Solution to clean their membranes for over 14 years with 100% flux recovery. Prior to using Micro-90®, their initial two-step process used caustic materials and acids. A 1% solution of Micro-90® not only removes the organics and metals that blind the membranes, but it provides savings through reduced energy, reduced chemical use and less downtime. They did not need to replace any of their membranes for over 14 years, representing a cost savings of over $500,000.

   Download IPC’s CIP Guidelines for Membrane Cleaning for help in setting up a membrane cleaning regimen. Establishing a regular cleaning schedule for your membranes can add years to their life!

   

    

4. How To Choose the Proper Membrane Cleaner

   September 29, 2017 3:48 pm Comments Off on How To Choose the Proper Membrane Cleaner

   

   Cleaning filter membranes is a challenge faced by water treatment facilities across a variety of industries. In addition to municipal water treatment plants, wastewater treatment occurs in the automotive, metalworking, food & beverage, textile, parts cleaning, oil & gas, pharmaceutical, industrial manufacturing, and electronics industries. Keeping filter membranes clean is a concern to all of them.

   Once membranes become fouled from use they become less effective. Clean membranes allow for the proper flow of water. Keeping membranes clean is essential to maintaining an optimal flux rate and helps ensure that the treatment plant is operating effectively. Therefore, it is important to implement a regular membrane cleaning regimen.

   Finding the right membrane cleaner for the job can be a challenge. Using the right membrane cleaner is a good economic decision as it minimizes downtime and prolongs membrane life. Since membranes are extremely expensive, most facilities try their best to keep them operational for as long as possible.

   What should treatment plant operators seek in a membrane cleaner?

   • Cleaners should restore membrane flux. This will help prolong the life of the membrane.
   • Products that will reduce the cleaning frequency needed. This will lead to reduced down time and lower costs for cleaning products.
   • Cleaners that are safe for the membranes and the environment.
   • Products that are easy to use.

   Many membranes are sensitive to harsh chemicals and extreme pH levels. It is important for treatment plant operators to choose cleaners that will not be harmful to the membranes. Many specialty cleaners with mild pH ranges and safe ingredients are formulated to be effective, non-harmful cleaning agents for membranes.

   What types of soils are present?

   Different types of soils require different types of treatment. Plant operators must also consider the type of soil found in the water that is being treated.

   Alkaline cleaners dissolve oils and greases. These types of soils are often found in industrial manufacturing facilities. An alkaline cleaner that also contains chelants can suspend metals and minerals to restore membrane flux.

   Acid based cleaners are excellent at dissolving scale, like calcium carbonate or iron oxide. But, many acid cleaners, such as sulfuric, hydrochloric, and phosphoric, are hazardous. Citric acid cleaners are much safer and have a broader range of filter compatibilities. Citric acid cleaners that also contain surfactants can go after many oils and greases that might be present in addition to scale.

   In the food processing industry, soils may contain proteins and starches. Enzymatic cleaners are an excellent choice for targeting these soils.

   

   Most foulants are combinations of various soils. Choosing a formulated cleaner with multifunctional ingredients is usually the best solution.

   There are so many variables that can exist in choosing the right cleaning product for each facility. Treatment plant operators can benefit greatly from working with specialty cleaner manufacturers that can offer them technical guidance and provide them with a variety of products to best meet their needs. When selecting a membrane cleaner find a company that provides a range of proven products and offers free technical support, free product samples, customer referrals and on-site assistance.

   Read this article about how one municipal treatment plant keeps their membranes clean and functional.

   More information about membrane cleaning can be found on International Products Corporation’s website. Contact our technical specialists for assistance in choosing the right membrane cleaner for your operation.

   

5. International Products Corporation Features Membrane Cleaners at The Clean Show

   May 31, 2017 2:56 pm Comments Off on International Products Corporation Features Membrane Cleaners at The Clean Show

   International Products Corporation will be exhibiting at The Clean Show, June 5 – June 8, 2017, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.  We invite you to visit us at Booth #3600.

   Learn how to save time, energy and labor costs on membrane and textile cleaning, and equipment maintenance.

   

   Free product samples are available for testing!

    Click to Download