Bugs clean up on the benchtop

The parts washing revolution is here

THE CRC SMARTWASHER IS PUTTING THE BIOSPHERE TO WORK, EATING UP OIL AND GREASE AT A WORKSHOP NEAR YOU

Washing dirty and greasy mechanical components parts in aggressive and environmentally damaging solvents can now be consigned to history. Getting rid of those solvents does away with the need to buy them and dispose of them responsibly, as well as the unpleasant side effects of breathing solvent fumes and skin contact, and the need to clean components in an increasingly filthy bath.

The SmartWasher effectively cleans components using the proprietary Ozzyjuice soap formulations that emulsify the sticky grease and dirt, releasing them from components. It then goes on to clean the washing fluid itself, making it ready for next time. The larger units also do this in a pleasant-smelling warm bath that is actually a pleasure to use on cold winter mornings.

MUNCHING MICROBES

The warm fluid in the reservoir contains special microbes that actually eat the oil and grease, breaking it down into oxygen and carbon dioxide. This biotechnology is used in the clean-up of wastewater treatment ponds and lagoons in petroleum refineries and industrial manufacturing facilities all around the world.

An electric element and thermostat keep the larger units at the optimum temperature for the biological process that is continually cleaning the Ozzyjuice fluid in the reservoir for reuse.

The SmartWashers have a pump that pumps fluid from the tank through a hose and nozzle into the sink for the washing process. It drains back into the tank through the third main component of the system — the Ozzymat filter — which traps the dirt. This is also the component that contains the special microbe blend, so replacing the filter also recharges the SmartWasher with a fresh batch of hungry microbes.

The filter and the trapped residues are the only component that need to be disposed of, which is significantly less than the volume of hazardous waste that must be safely disposed of in a chemical solvent wash process.

What’s more, it can do away with the need to use expensive consumables like aerosol brake cleaner under vehicles as an initial clean, as the SmartWasher can wash away all the dirt in the bath. The list of pluses for the SmartWasher solution add up to a compelling reason to change. The fluids and additives are non-hazardous and non-flammable so they don’t require storage precautions or compliance with Hazardous Goods Storage requirements,. or special arrangements for disposal. They are pH neutral, non-toxic, and nonirritating, which means only basic PPE — disposable gloves and glasses — is required. They meet a range of environmental approval standards, including the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Safer Product Standards.

SELF-CLEANING

Best of all, the ‘bioremediating’ process means the solution is self-cleaning. What’s more, they are less expensive to use than solvent units, and all spare parts and consumables are stocked in New Zealand.

SmartWashers come in a wide range of sizes for different applications. The 180kg capacity SW23 is the most popular model. It can’t be rolled to different locations, but it doesn’t take up much space, and is large enough for most workshops.

The 227kg SW-25 is a fixed location model but its higher capacity makes it suitable for workshops up to and including transmission specialists.

The SW-28 has the same capacity but it has twin wash brushes allowing two technicians to work at the same time.

The largest unit is the SW-37 which has a 454kg weight capacity and a bigger sink to accommodate the largest components.

A range of degreasers geared to different tasks is also available. SW4 is a general purpose heavy-duty degreaser. SWX1 is designed for heavy diesel applications, including the removal of DEF, burnt-on carbon, and tacky heavy-duty greases, while SW8 is designed for aircraft and weapon applications. Other specialist fluids are available on request.

CRC SmartWashers are available at NAPA Auto Parts. Visit napa.co.nz or call 0800 800 073 to find your nearest branch.

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