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| Overview: | Steam cleaning is a viable solvent alternative for removing oily or greasy residue. Its use of heat accelerates emulsification, breakdown, and removal of dirt and grease. More specifically, steam’s high temperature and low specific heat allow surfaces to be heated to relatively high temperatures. The surface maintains the high temperature long enough for the steam to vaporize or liquefy the oil, grease, or dirt. Any residue then can be effectively washed away with the condensate remaining from the condensed steam. Steam cleaning can also be used with a degreasing agent (often a surfactant) that enhances the solubility of grease in water. Steam cleaners are available to perform medium duty (e.g., auto parts and engines) to heavy duty (e.g., large machinery and oil drilling rigs) cleaning jobs. Steam cleaning units can be electric or fired with gasoline or diesel fuel.
The wastewater generated from the steam cleaning process may be treated at an industrial wastewater treatment plant, depending on the nature of the dirt and grease removed. Analysis of the wastewater is required prior to disposal. A variation of the conventional steam cleaning technology is the Steam Vapor Cleaning technology, offered by PDQ Precision, Inc. It operates at 500-550°F and generates a high-pressure steam vapor. The vapor evaporates upon use and does not generate a wastewater stream as opposed to the high volume of wastewater associated with regular steam cleaning. With steam vapor cleaning, the only waste stream that is produced is from the substance being removed (e.g., oil and grease). Water consumption in an average 8-hour work environment ranges from 1 gallon (small size) to 2-3 gallons (medium size) to 5-gallons (large size). Worker safety is improved because only vapor exits the nozzle. The vapor does not contain any water bubbles, and the worker will not be burnt at close range. (See datasheet 8-I-11 for more details.) |
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| Compliance Benefit: | Steam cleaning allows a facility to use steam in place of solvents. The decrease in toxic chemicals and/or ozone-depleting substances (ODSs) may reduce the on-site storage amounts below any of the reporting thresholds of SARA Title III for those
chemicals (40 CFR 355, 370, and 372; and Executive Order (EO) 13148). In addition, the decrease in toxic chemicals may eliminate the need for a facility to obtain an air permit (40 CFR 70 and 71). Switching from halogenated solvents (i.e., methyl chloroform, methylene chloride, and perchloroethylene) to steam cleaning may also enhance a facility’s ability to comply with the NESHAP for halogenated solvent cleaning (40 CFR 63).
Using a non-ODS will also help facilities meet the requirements under 40 CFR 82
and EO 13148 requiring federal agencies to maximize the use of safe
alternatives to Class I and Class II ODSs. Moreover, steam cleaning will decrease the amount of hazardous waste generated (i.e., no waste solvent is generated). Waste reduction is required under RCRA, 40 CFR 262. The reduction of hazardous waste may also help facilities
reduce their generator status and lessen the number of regulatory requirements
(i.e., recordkeeping, reporting, inspections, transportation, accumulation time,
emergency prevention and preparedness, and emergency response) with which they must
comply under RCRA, 40 CFR 262.
The wastewater discharge from steam cleaning operations may require a local wastewater discharge permit. In addition, steam cleaning will increase electricity and water consumption. Under EO 13123, federal facilities are required to reduce energy consumption and implement water conservation programs. The compliance benefits listed here are only meant to be used as general guidelines and are not meant to be strictly interpreted. Actual compliance benefits will vary depending on the factors involved, e.g., the amount of workload involved. |
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| Materials Compatibility: | Flash rusting may be a problem for ferrous materials. However, soaps, detergents, and disinfectants may be purchased which contain rust inhibitors in their formulation. These rust inhibitors incorporate defoamers that reduce rust accumulation on ferrous materials. But, preventative measures may still be necessary. Prior to implementing this technology, performing a test case is recommended to ensure that the desired finish product is achieved. |
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| Safety and Health: | Consult your local industrial health specialist, your local health and safety personnel, and the appropriate MSDS prior to implementing this technology. |
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| Benefits: |
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| Disadvantages: |
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| Economic Analysis: | According to the Naval Air Station North Island, California, the Mini-Max steam cleaner has been used for many military applications. The system can be found at the Naval Air Warfare Center, Aircraft Division Lakehurst. The Mini-Max steam cleaner is available in several models, and the prices range from $2,000 - $6,000. However, other types of steam cleaners are available and their costs will vary considerably, depending upon the unit type and its application. Capital costs for these systems can range from $5,000 to $12,000.
Assumptions: Steam Cleaning
Solvent Cleaning
Table 1. Annual Operating Cost Comparison for Steam Cleaning and Solvent Cleaning
Economic Analysis Summary:
Click Here to view an Active Spreadsheet for this Economic Analysis and Enter Your Own Values. To return from the Active Spreadsheet, click the Back arrow on the Tool Bar. |
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| NSN/MSDS: |
*There are multiple MSDSs for most NSNs. The MSDS (if shown above) is only meant to serve as an example. To return from the MSDS, click the Back arrow on the Tool Bar. |
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| Approving Authority: | Appropriate authority for making process changes should always be sought prior to procuring or implementing any of the technologies identified herein. |
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| Points of Contact: | For more information |
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| Vendors: |
This is not meant to be a complete list, as there may be other manufacturers of this type of equipment. PDQ Precision, Inc. P.O. Box 99838 San Diego, CA 92169 Phone: (858) 581-6370 FAX: (619) 575-4061 URL: http://www.minimaxcleaner.com Contact: Mr. Max Freedman Service: Manufacturer of Mini Max steam cleaners BioChem Systems, Inc. 3511 N. Ohio 67219 Phone: (800) 777-7870 FAX: (316) 838-4739 Contact: Mr. Brett Gottlob - National Sales Manager E-mail: brettgottlob@biochemsys.com URL: http://www.biochemsys.com Service: Steam vapor cleaning for large vessels | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Hydro Tek Systems, Inc. 10418 Enterprise Drive Redlands, CA 92374 Phone: (800) 274-9376 or (909) 799-9222 FAX: (909) 799-9888 |
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The Hotsy Corporation 4275 North West Pacific Rim Dr. Camis, WA, 98607 Phone: (800) 525-1976 or (360) 834-0983 FAX: (303) 792-0547 Service: Manufacturer of pressure cleaners |
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| Related Links: |
Do You Perform Parts
Cleaning, Degreasing Or Surface Cleaning? -- Navy Environmental Quality Initiative (EQI)
Hand-Held Steam Cleaner | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sources: | PDQ Precision, October 2002. Mr. Brett Gottlob, BioChem Systems, Inc., October 2002. Mr. Hector Padilla, CNAP/AIMD, Naval Air Station, North Island, CA, April 1999. Better Engineering Manufacturing Inc., Vendor Communication, January 1998. Senior Chief English, CNAP, Naval Air Station, North Island, CA, May 1996. |
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| Supplemental: |
Picture of Mini-Max Portable Steam Cleaning
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