RAMCO U Shape Automated Cleaning System
Automated “U” Shaped Console System
RAMCO has built many unique automated washing systems. This system was built to adapt to a particular customers work flow. The line was configured in a U to run from the left around to the right using two standard RAMCO MKD/T Series Consoles. A zero pressure power feed conveyor was used at the start of the line to accumulate up to six baskets and progressively feed them into the RamTough loading position. The RamTough System as shown above uses a walking beam assembly with multiple arms to move baskets through the processing stages over roller conveyor sections. The unload conveyor at the end of the line (below) shuttles baskets ninety degrees into a final accumulation zone.
The heart of each RAMCO system is the adroit use of the elevator within each processing chamber. The elevator is used to transport components into and out of each chamber. However, its most important function is to position and move the components within the working zone. It is this aspect of its function that allows RAMCO systems to achieve superior results in washing, rinsing and drying. We call this Dynamic Flow Combination. The effect of Dynamic Flow Combination is better coverage of component surfaces, more consistent results and accelerated processing times.
THE PROCESS:
PreWASH and WASH with Turbo/Filter and Oil Removal Systems – The first two stages are designed to remove all the dirt and oil using Turbo/Filters and OR6VB Oil Removal Systems with SurfaceSweep. Vertical immersion pumps are used as part of the Turbo/Filter systems. The use of vertical pumps eliminates seal problems inherent with centrifugal pumps. This is especially beneficial when using high pH, low pH or abrasive chemicals. The OR6CVS Oil Removal Systems removes floating oils from the surface of the prewash and wash stations to a remote quiet tank for separation. SurfaceSweep prevents floating oil from redepositing onto cleaned parts.
Dual Cascading RINSES – Two heated rinses are uses with platform oscillation. The elevator moves the basket into the working zone and oscillates the parts in solution with either a short or long stroke. Dual stroke oscillation provides both short and long strokes. A selector switched is used to select either long 5 to 9 inch or short 2 to 4 inch strokes. The long stroke is used to provide better flushing (hydraulically forcing solution though the working zone) for nested masses of parts and/or complex shapes with recessed passages whereas the short stroke is used to provide quicker oscillations and faster cleaning of simple parts and/or part configurations. Flexibility in stroke ranges and speeds produces more comprehensive cleaning (see Dynamic Flow Combination).
Hot Air Knife Blow-Off DRYING – The basket are laterally transferred over platform roller conveyor to the Hot Air Knife Blow-Off Dryer. RAMCO Hot Air Knife Blow-Off Dryers have been proven to be very effective for rapidly drying parts without using excessive heat. The key to the process is the process elevator. It is used to produce changing flow patterns that result in a dynamic drying mode (i.e. platform oscillation combined with hot air flow). The effect of dynamic flow combination is better coverage of component surfaces, maximum evaporation and accelerated processing times.
The air is electrically heated, directed into the drying chamber via adjustable air knives and continuously recirculated. The elevator constantly oscillates the workload in and out of the hot air stream. Using high volume hot air combined with the changing air flow patterns created by the process elevator results in maximum evaporation. Humid air is displaced with just the right amount of fresh air to maintain effective air quality within the chamber. The dryer includes a digital indicating temperature controller, high temperature manual reset and an air flow proving switch to protect the heaters.