Full Steam Ahead For Longworth’s Component Cleaning
Longworth began cleaning highly engineered components for the polymer-melt industry in 1976. As the environmental and economic impacts of oil-based solvents have become clear, Longworth has invested heavily in R&D resulting in a low-energy and low-cost alternative: DEECOM®.
Most businesses in the polymer industry have the headache of filter and component cleaning and rejuvenation, often seeing component down time for lengthy periods while contaminant polymer is removed by a messy and costly process which often leaves them damaged and in worse condition for future use. Precious budget may even be allocated for new filters on a regular basis as a cost of production.
There are many alternative technologies capable of cleaning the woven steel mesh filters and other complex components used in polymer production. Historically these technologies involve harsh solvents, chemicals or burning, all of which can damage the components.
Better for the Component
The patented DEECOM® system uses only steam as a cleaning medium. The complete absence of air and chemicals removes the risk of burning and consequent degrading and ‘pitting’ of the steel.
Better for the Environment
DEECOM® boasts impressive environmental credentials including low energy, reduced off-line time and even the ability to reclaim previously scrapped components.
Better for Efficiency/Business
Currently during production, molten polymer is filtered through layered steel mesh. Food and medical grade polymer products require highly effective filtering and therefore a very small orifice (down to 5 micron). The required high process pressure and temperatures compact the contaminants deep into this mesh, making it difficult to return the filter to full efficiency.
Recent developments to our technology include reducing the number of cleaning steps and a full cleaning process without stripping units down to competent parts; saving time and cost.
Trials are on-going to retrofit DEECOM® technology to polymer-melt production lines, again reducing the need to remove, cool and strip down items for cleaning.
Better for Waste Reduction
Longworth have also patented DEECOM® applications in waste reduction and repurposing. Independent analysis by world-renowned Clemson University has shown DEECOM® is capable of reclaiming carbon fibres in near-virgin conditions. Reclaimed fibres have high tensile strength and good length.
Better for the Future
DEECOM® is capable of repurposing segregated household waste into low-grade products with some value or processing waste into something less unpleasant and of lower volume. Plastic waste can be processed into a low-grade filler and mixed food waste can be processed into a clean, dry pellet with a calorific value.
In a time of what the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) refers to as a ‘global waste crisis’ it is noteworthy that DEECOM® is capable of processing mixed waste at a low cost and significantly reducing its volume. The process heavily reduces off-gassing and limits problems with vermin and odours at landfill sites.
DEECOM® is a process patented around the world by Longworth. Visit www.bmlongworth.com/deecom for more information.
Longworth was established in 1976 and is a global leader in the latest cleaning technology solutions. Headquartered in Blackburn, Lancashire and with partner agents in Taiwan, South Korea and USA, Longworth offers professional, reliable and flexible component cleaning solutions globally to a diverse range of sectors that see the service as a perfect alternative to in-house or sub-standard cleaning.
B&M Longworth Ltd
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