INNOVATIVE WATER BLASTER CUTS CLEANING TIME FROM 5 HOURS TO 15 MINUTES!
A client producing laminated timber panel board for the building industry in New Zealand, approached Kerrick with a request to build a high pressure cleaner that would save them time and money on a day to day basis. In the daily production process stainless steel mesh frames are used to support the panels. A sticky glue residue sticks to the mesh frames when the boards are removed, causing a lot of down time as the frames need to be cleaner properly before they can be reused.
Previously, the process for removing the industrial glue compound included expensive chemicals and high labour input. This was not only costly, but it was limiting factory output. Kerrick initiated tests using ultra high pressure to clean the screens. This proved to be very effective and showed the company that using high pressure water would solve their problem. Kerrick was given the go ahead to design and build a high pressure water blaster.
Kerrick completely revolutionized the washing process cutting the cleaning time from 5 hours to 15 minutes. By hanging the mesh from the roof and adding a sling to support the gun, we reduced user fatigue and increased factory efficiency. This has saved money and helped increase production. The unit is built on a stainless steel skid.
The motor is a three phase 45 Kw 4 pole. The pump is a Pratissoli VF 14 Triplex Plunger, belt driven from the motor at 1000 rpm. It has an RV 14/1500 stainless steel regulating valve. The pump produces 12,000 Psi at 23 liters per minute. Kerrick fitted a specially designed 15K high pressure dump gun and lance. This dumps water when the trigger is released. The long design of the lance helps to prevent operators from accidentally cutting their lower legs by swiping them with water”. The high pressure hose, whip and shroud was included to protect the operator, should the hose fail at the gun end. A two jet 15K Barracuda nozzle was fitted to achieve the high pressure required.
As a safety precaution we supplied Turtle Skin safety gaiters (see image above) made of Kevlar that reduce severe injury to lower legs in case of an accidental “swipe” injury from high pressure water. These safety features ensure compliance with OSH and gives the operator peace of mind.