High
Pressure MixerWash
Automate
the Cleaning Process, Improve Safety and Reduce Labor
Cleaning the mixer has always been a
bothersome job. Proper cleaning is time- consuming and involves
venturing into the mixer. The mixer is a piece of equipment that federal
or state OSHA would probably designate as a permit required confined
space.
The
Pressure Washer Skid can be located up to 500 feet (150 m) from the mixer and
can be used for other cleaning duties around the plant.
Besser recognizes the importance of
operating clean mixers as well as the value of the labor involved in
cleaning mixers and the safety procedures that must be followed during
the cleaning process. This knowledge has led to the development of an
automated mixer cleaning device.
An automated mixer cleaning device has
been designed to significantly reduce labor while providing a safer
plant environment. Any of the full line of new style Besser mixers
including the spiral blade and Besser Simem twin shaft and planetary
mixers can be equipped with this cleaning device.
The Process
The cleaning device is connected to the
mixer with a high-pressure line that is attached to a three-way valve
assembly. When a new Besser mixer is involved, the wash cycle can be
automated so the valves open and close, similar to a dishwasher going
through a clean and rinse cycle. Inside the length of the body of the
mixer (or around the circumference of the planetary mixer) oscillating
spray bars with multiple nozzles create a quick, effective wash-down of
the mixer.
The
spray device oscillates much like a windshield wiper motor.
The typical wash cycle consists of
running the pressure washer for approximately three minutes during each
of three cycles (on the spiral blade and twin shaft styles, this
encompasses running one of the two horizontal spray bars at a time, then
running both for a final rinse). When the cleaning is complete the new
style air and watertight doors can be opened to view the inside of the
mixer. A hand wand is provided for touch-up of any residual concrete
build-up.
The Equipment
The automated mixer wash-down equipment
is comprised of a high volume, medium pressure triplex plunger pump
unit. This equipment also includes a 40 horsepower motor, 50 gallon
surge tank, heavy-duty pressure valving, self contained shutdown level
system and electric control panel.
The
triplex pump creates 1300 psi with a working pressure of 45 gallons per
minute.
The Waste Water
What about the waste water? Several
solutions from simple tanks to settling tanks are available. Contact
Robert Ober by e-mail rober@besser.com
or phone (800) 330-5590, or contact your local Besser sales
representative to discuss the many options available.
Federal and state/provincial regulations may
classify a mixer as a confined space. It may be required that plant
personnel follow lengthy procedures before cleaning the mixer, including
lockout/tagout. Using this new device will improve the overall safety of
the cleaning process. However, if the mixer is classified as a confined
space a written policy for entering and working in the space must be
available and employees must be educated about what constitutes a
confined space.
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