Water efficient industrial cleaning equipment
Industrial cleaning equipment is often used where it is most suitable to use a dedicated tool based on the scale and nature of the surface to be cleaned. However, cleaning and rinsing processes often use high volumes of water on and therefore present a good opportunity for savings[1]. The Water Technology List contains two main technologies for industrial cleaning – scrubber/driers and steam cleaners.
Scrubber driers are most effective in factories with large flooring area and easy access[2]. They are fast and efficient, and can contribute to significant reductions in chemical use and water and effluent volume. They work by recovering dirty wash water from the floor surface, processing it, and then re-using it, storing dirty effluents in a reservoir in the machine.
Steam cleaners also offer reductions in water and chemical usage. Using high temperature steam sterilises the area, killing bacteria and breaking down grease without the need for chemicals.
For more information, see the following Envirowise publications:
Relevant industrial body: Industrial Cleaning Machine Manufacturers Association (ICMMA).
[1] Envirowise publication – GG523 – ‘Cost effective water saving devices and practices – for industrial sites’
