The Mechanism and Advantages/Disadvantages of Vapor Cleaning/Drying
Overview
Vapor cleaning is a method in which a solvent is heated to generate vapor for cleaning. With high-purity solvents, the cleaning liquid from the previous process is rinsed away, thereby preventing the formation of stains after drying.
In vapor drying, after cleaning, the object to be cleaned is exposed to the vapor, which raises its temperature to dry it. A major feature is the simultaneous execution of the final cleaning process and drying.
This versatile cleaning/drying method can clean even tiny intricate parts down to every crevice, and it is expected to offer disinfection and sterilization benefits. However, there are limitations, such as the inability to use the process on products that are sensitive to high temperatures.
Below, we explain the mechanism, and the merits and demerits of vapor cleaning/drying (also known as steam drying or vapor drying) as a fundamental cleaning method.
What Is Vapor Cleaning/Drying and What Effects Does It Have?
Vapor cleaning/drying is a method in which a non-flammable cleaning liquid is vaporized by applying heat, and then the vapor is supplied to the object to be cleaned.Suppression of Stains After Cleaning/Drying
The vapor condenses back into a solvent, effectively rinsing away any residue of the cleaning liquid used in the previous process. As a result, stain formation after cleaning/drying is significantly inhibited.
Ability to Perform Final Cleaning Simultaneously with Drying
Vapor drying enables the execution of the final cleaning process concurrently with drying. Cleaning is performed by immersing the cleaned object in the vapor containing vaporized cleaning liquid. The temperature difference between the object’s surface and the vaporized cleaning liquid causes the liquid to cool and condense on its surface, allowing the small amounts of residual dirt to be flushed away. Subsequently, by keeping the object in the vapor, its surface reaches the same temperature as the vapor, ensuring that cleaning liquid and vapor no longer cling to the object so that it can be removed in a dried state.
Useful for the Final Finish of Hydrocarbon-Based Cleaning Liquids
Vapor cleaning/drying is also very useful in the final processing stage when using flammable hydrocarbon-based cleaning liquids. However, due to the flammability, strict measures to prevent the cleaning liquid from coming into contact with atmospheric air are essential. Specifically, the final cleaning tank is operated within a vacuum chamber where heated hydrocarbon vapor is used, vapor is recovered by vacuum, and drying is performed. Specialized hydrocarbon cleaning liquids must be used.
Merits of Vapor Cleaning/Drying
Rapid Drying of Products
Vapor cleaning/drying enables quick drying due to its high drying efficiency, which improves productivity and saves time.
Environmentally Friendly
Since the process does not involve harmful solvents or chemical agents, it imposes minimal environmental impact.
Minimal Damage to the Objects Being Cleaned
It minimizes physical abrasion, reducing the risk of damage to the cleaned objects.
Disinfection and Sterilization Effects
The high-temperature vapor not only cleans but also provides disinfection and sterilization, ensuring hygienic drying.
Demerits of Vapor Cleaning/Drying
Not Suitable for Products Sensitive to High Temperatures
The process may not be applicable for materials or products that are sensitive to steam or high temperatures.
Processing Time Can Be Relatively Long
Since both vapor cleaning and vacuum drying are performed in a single chamber, the overall process may take a longer duration.
Costs Can Sometimes Be High
The cleaning tanks required to generate vapor involve advanced technology and equipment, which can make the process relatively expensive compared to other cleaning methods.
Important Considerations for Vapor Cleaning/Drying｜Stay Alert to Flammability
When using vapor cleaning/drying with flammable cleaning agents such as hydrocarbon-based solvents, care must be taken as heating these chemicals during the process can pose a risk of ignition or fire. Extreme caution is required when handling such agents. It is advisable to use machines equipped with robust safety measures, such as performing vapor cleaning in a vacuum environment.
If You Have Cleaning Issues, Contact us.
Vapor cleaning/drying, with its ability to accomplish both final cleaning and drying simultaneously, is an effective method for cleaning even intricate objects thoroughly, with the added benefits of disinfection and sterilization. Although it offers a wide range of applications, attention must be paid to its limitations, such as its unsuitability for items sensitive to high temperatures.
For any cleaning challenges, JFE Shoji Electronics provides expert guidance tailored to your specific cleaning process requirements.
