Rotating vs. Static Tank Washers: Which is the Better Technology?

When it comes to washing tanks, vessels and other process equipment, few individuals would argue that manual cleaning methods are more desirable than automated cleaning programs using one of the many tank washing devices now available. For all but the most horribly difficult cleaning situations, automated cleaning using a combination of spray distribution, impingement, chemicals and heat can win hands down over climbing into the tank with a brush.

Manual cleaning, while it can be quite vigorous, has serious drawbacks:

• It typically requires extensive equipment disassembly.
• Entering a tank involves "confined space" safety protocols.
• Where there are many internal devices, entering a tank can be nearly impossible.
• The brush operator has to work very consistently in all areas of the interior.
• Entering a tank can introduce new contaminants to the process.
• There is little assurance that repeated cleaning cycles will be uniform.
• Validating a manual cleaning process is difficult if not impossible.

SOURCE: Lechler Inc.