Determining the optimum technological parameters of cleaning parts in submersible washing machines

Abstract

Cleaning and washing contaminated surfaces of machine parts is relevant in the repair industry. Improving the efficiency of the process of cleaning metal parts is possible using a combination of submersible, jet and ultrasonic methods. The variety of designs of washing machines and installations using different cleaning methods requires the determination of optimal technological parameters and process modes, as well as the identification of an effective washing solution. For this purpose, an experiment was carried out on the process of cleaning metal parts from the remnants of cutting fluids (coolants) in submersible washing machines using ultrasonic vibrations. Solutions of dimer, labomid, and soda ash were studied to clean metal parts from coolant residues. To intensify the process of washing metal parts, an ultrasonic unit UZDN-A with a constant oscillation frequency was used. The degree of purification of metal parts was estimated by the ratio of the mass of the pollutant removed from its surface to its initial mass, in percent. The obtained mathematical models of the degree of cleaning of metal parts (for grades of structural carbon steels and non-ferrous metals) from coolant made it possible to determine the optimal technological parameters: concentration of cleaning solutions 15 to 20%; working temperature for dimer – 20 to 30°C, for labomid – 70 to 80°C, for soda ash – 80 to 90°C. It has been established that the most energy-efficient and safe cleaning solution is a dimer, and the use of labomid for ultrasonic cleaning is not advisable due to its increased foaming. It was also found that the time of washing (the presence of metal parts in the machine) and the amount of oil on the surface of metal parts do not significantly affect the degree of cleaning.