Guide to efficient tank cleaning

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Part 5: Conclusions and recommendations

Quick wins can often be found by looking at the mechanical action element of the cleaning mix. The efficiency of the mechanical action delivery mechanism can often be improved by correct cleaning head selection. Typically this will mean upgrading to rotary jet cleaning heads. Many of the historical impediments to installing rotary jet cleaners have been removed by smaller and faster wash cycle models. This means that real absolute efficiency gains in time, water and energy can be achieved with
minimal disruption.

These gains can be further multiplied by considering how the 4 elements of the cleaning mix can be reconfigured. It may, for example, be more beneficial to reduce the heating and chemical elements of the mix rather than use all the efficiency gains to reduce water consumption. The optimum configuration of the mix will vary from application to application but regardless improvements in the mechanical action component of the mix are often a quick win with a payback time measured in weeks rather than months.

5 Steps to improve efficiency

Step 1 - Consider the true cost of each of the 4 elements of the cleaning mix.

Step 2 - Consider the current contribution to cleaning from each element.

Step 3 - Look at which elements have absolute efficiency gains to be made.

Step 4 – Look carefully at the potential “quick win” by increasing mechanical action

Step 5 - Assess how the new cleaning mix will be optimised