Tank cleaners save time and water

Despite their inefficiencies spray balls are still commonly seen as the preferred choice for cleaning small tanks with lighter residue. This is due, in part, to the logic that more expensive, powerful tank cleaners, such as impingement cleaners, are not justified for less challenging tank cleaning applications. This logic, however, is now being challenged due to the introduction of a new breed of very fast cycle impingement cleaners (FCIC) such as the Orbtior Eco from the Spray Nozzle People Group.

Based on their design the new Orbitor Eco models are still powerful impingement cleaners but rather than being geared for maximum power they are configured for maximum speed and water efficiency. Some sacrifices in jet length and cleaning strength are made but the new machines can complete a cleaning cycle in under two minutes with flow rates as low as 45 litres per minute.

When compared directly to spray balls the new Orbitor Eco is said to offer: a greater cleaning power despite its faster cycle time; a bigger range of cleaning (up to 10 metres diameter); reduced water consumption per cycle by up to 95%; significantly reduced cleaning cycle time (5 min eco-cycle, compared to a typical 30 min spray ball cycle, depending on the residue; and the ability to operate at similar pressures (2-3bar).

Installing the fast cycle impingement cleaners is relatively simple. For example, the Orbitor Eco will fit through a 100 mm opening and can operate at pressures as low as 2-3 bar with flow rates as low as 45 litres per minute.