Single-Solvent Degreasing Systems Single-Solvent Degreasing Systems Parts can be cleaned with the single-solvent degreasing method with either a pure solvent, or more commonly, with a solvent azeotrope. The workpiece is normally suspended in the vapors directly above the wash compartment, where it is exposed to the pure solvent vapors created by the boiling solvent. When the warm vapors touch the comparatively cool workpiece, a condensing action occurs which dissolves the contamination and flushes it away as it pours off the part. This cleaning action will continue until the workpiece and the solvent vapor have reaced the same temperature. The workpiece is then immersed in the somewhat cooler rinse sump, where any residual contaminants left on the part are dissolved. For particularly stubborn contaminants, ultrasonics are added to this compartment. After immersion cleaning, the part is raised back into the vapor zone, where a final condensate rinse takes place.       Co-Solvent Degreasing Systems Co-solvent degreasing is a unique combination of two distinct types of non-ozone-depleting cleaning agents.This system is most appropriate for applications where pure fluorinated solvents or their azeotropes are not aggressive enough to clean the workpiece. The cleaning process is similar to single-solvent degreasing, except that in the initial cleaning stage, the part is completely immersed in the wash compartment. A solvating agent in the wash sump dissolves contaminants from the workpiece. The liquid in the wash sump is constantly filtered to remove any solid particulate. Next, the part is immersed in the rinse compartment, which contains pure liquid solvent. It is then raised into the vapor zone, where it receives a final vapor rinse. Ultrasonics may be provided in either or both compartments, depending on the cleaning application. Additionally, the solvating agent can be specifically formulated for the contaminant being removed, and the ratio of solvating agent to fluorinated solvent can be adjusted; enabling this cleaning system to meet nearly any cleaning requirement.

Standard Features

Greco Brothers High-Performance Degreasing Systems are designed to maximize cleaning effectiveness, operating efficiency, and dependability. We combine high turnover rates, continuous filtration, and ultrasonic cavitation in a design that ensures the most effective and efficient cleaning system available; and one that requires a minimum of floor space. If none of our standard models will meet the requirements of a specific application, we will be pleased to offer a custom-designed system that will.

Construction: Completely constructed from heavy gauge, heli-arc welded, 300 series stainless steel; including the body, plumbing, structural frame, counter top, and exterior side panels.

Heating System: Specially designed low watt-density stainless steel immersion heaters are utilized to ensure long heater life and minimal through-wall connections.

Cooling Systems: The primary cooling system consists of a perimeter, multi-pass cooling coil which is located at the top of the vapor zone. The coil temperature can be maintained by an integral, direct-expansion refrigeration system, or by a separate refrigerated, recirculating water chiller. If chilled water is available at the installation site, the system can be designed to connect to the existing chiller. Regardless of which style is chosen, the coolant is constantly monitored, and any abnormality in temperature is reported immediately.

The secondary cooling system provides additional efficiency. High surface-area secondary cooling coils are installed above the primary cooling coils, and are maintained at -10° to -20° F. A cold blanket of air is created at the top opening of the machine, which serves as a barrier to vapors that may have risen above the primary coils.

Plumbing: As described above, stainless steel welded plumbing provides assurance that no vapors escape through the plumbing connections during downtime.

Freeboard Ratio: Standard High-Performance Degreasers include freeboard ratios of between 1.20:1 and 1.5:1. If overall height is a concern, the generous freeboard area can be reduced, resulting in a slightly lower freeboard ratio.

Drop-Seal Cover: Greco Brothers patented drop-seal cover produces a seal so tight, that a pressure-equalizing vent must be incorporated in order to prevent a vacuum from developing within the machine as it cools.

Control System: All system functions are controlled through a graphics-based touch-screen, interfaced to the internal PLC. Proprietary software has been custom-designed to provide a user-friendly control package that is unparalleled in the cleaning equipment marketplace; making our comprehensive operations manual nearly superfluous.

Secondary Containment: A secondary containment system provides assurance against undetected fluid leaks. Should the system develop a leak, the fluid will be contained in the integral secondary containment system, an alarm will sound, and the graphics-based control system will display a warning window which will inform the operator of the problem.

Safety Controls: The PLC control system constantly monitors the machine operation, sensing for conditions that would result in vapor losses or system malfunctions. High vapor levels, low liquid levels, high cooling coil temperatures, even the ambient temperature within the master control box is continuously monitored and reported.

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Why Clean with Vapor?

Although aqueous-based cleaning systems are effective in many applications, some aspects of aqueous-based cleaning can make it impractical or unusable for certain types of workpieces. Solvent degreasers can be used for removal of oil, flux, grease, wax and other stubborn solvent-soluble soils from nearly surface. Electrical and electronic subassemblies, intricate metal and plastic parts, and medical instruments, are routinely cleaned in vapor degreasers prior to assembly, inspection, or further processing. Because no water is used in the process, nearly any part can be cleaned in a solvent degreaser without concern for quality control issues like the effects of part oxidation, soap residue, water stains, and ineffective drying.

Options and Accessories

Automation: Programmable material handling systems will minimize labor requirements and ensure consistency in the cleaning cycle. Material handling systems are programmed to pick up the workpieces, carry them through the entire cleaning process, and unload them after cleaning. Dwell times at each location within the degreaser can be adjusted to the specific part being cleaned. Queuing platforms are also available to further automate material handling; providing the operator with more time to monitor the system and inspect the parts being cleaned.

Ultrasonic Agitation: For applications where contaminants are particularly difficult to remove, or when ultra-clean results are required, ultrasonic agitation can provide the necessary increase in system aggressiveness. Immersible ultrasonic transducers are installed in one or both compartments and powered by a fully adjustable, sweep frequency power supply. This construction style allows for easy on-site service and more effective cleaning. Co-solvent systems generally include ultrasonics in the wash compartment, and can be provided with ultrasonics in both compartments if part configuration makes rinsing difficult.

Single-solvent machines are also available with or without ultrasonic agitation. All ultrasonic systems are sweep-frequency, variable power, and are available in a number of frequency levels.

Remote Refrigeration: The primary refrigeration system can be supplied in the form of a remotely-located recirculating water chiller. This option is particularly beneficial when the degreaser is to be installed in a small, confined area or when two or more machines will be located in close proximity.

Walkways and Platforms: Steel, stainless steel, and aluminum walkways and platforms are available for all standard machines. Custom-built walkways can be designed to meet site-specific considerations.

Super-Heated Vapor: Heaters within the vapor zone increase the vapor temperature above the solvent's boiling point. This system vaporizes any liquid solvent that may be trapped in a cavity of the workpiece, and ensures maximum efficiency.

Why Choose Greco Brothers?

Greco Brothers has been a leading manufacturer of cleaning and drying equipment for over fifty years. We develop unique designs and craft our cleaning systems from the finest materials; resulting in a notably superior product. The quality and performance of our cleaning systems, as well as our reputation for fine workmanship and good value, are unequaled in the cleaning industry. We know that each cleaning application has unique characteristics, and we will devote the time and individual attention you require to find the cleaning system that best meets your needs.