Why Is Water Based Detergent Popular in Industrial Cleaning?

Industries worldwide need to follow guidelines for the environment, and water based detergents fit the bill. Water based formulations are less harmful to air and water systems. This lowers a facility's carbon footprint and removes the costly, complex problem of waste disposal for hazardous, high-cost chemical waste. Many areas have even imposed low VOC emission (volatile organic compounds) standards, meaning water based detergents are the only legal option for Zone of Compliant Manufacturing within these areas.

Worker and Equipment Safety

Ensuring the safety of all employees within any industry comes first, and water based detergents are better for the worker's safety. They are neutral and, for the most part, non corrosive to skin, meaning people needn't wear heavy, protective, chemical compliant cleaning suits. This lowers the likelihood of any long term health effects resulting from the use of the products. They are also claimed to have no negative effects on industry equipment, even the more sensitive parts of machinery, which are often the metal surfaces, rubber seals, and electronic components. This leads to less costly upkeep and maintenance in the long run.

The Use of Machine Vision Systems in Automated Quality Control

The integration of machine vision for automated quality control in industrial cleaning has become ubiquitous due to its quality control accuracy and stability. Water based detergents enhance this technology because their streak free cleaning allows for the removal of contaminants and impurities that may obstruct the vision of machine vision systems. Water based formulations allow for the thorough and consistent cleaning so that inspection systems can detect even the smallest quality control defects and remaining soil. This synergy improves the integrity of the entire process because machine vision systems are more accurate with clean surfaces.  

The Use of Water Based Detergents

The versatility of water based detergents makes them applicable in many types of industrial cleaning. In the automotive industry, they help remove grease and oil from engine components. In the food processing industry, they remove food residues, food borne illness bacteria, and clean surfaces with strict hygiene compliance. In the aerospace industry, they help clean precision dust and remove coolant from industrial components. This versatility also allows for simplified inventory because they don't have to stock a vast variety of detergents.

Cost Effectiveness in Long Term Use

Although water-based detergents have a high initial cost, they often yield savings in the long run. Buying highly concentrated formulas saves money, as only a small amount diluted with water is needed for multiple uses. They are also compatible with existing cleaning equipment, meaning no new expensive machinery has to be bought. They also lower equipment maintenance costs. All in all, water-based detergents are far more cost-effective over time in comparison to solvent-based, and other specialized cleaning products, as they save more money in the long run.  

Enhanced Cleaning Effectiveness on Different Types of Soil

Different types of industrial soils are efficiently removed with water-based detergents. They dissolve soil, grease, and grime, and are water soluble, so contaminants are easily rinsed away. Unlike some solvent-based products which are ineffective in targeting all soil types, water-based detergents have no limitations. For example, a metal working facility is able to remove cutting oil and metal shavings in one cleaning cycle, eliminating the need for multiple passes. This enhances cleaning effectiveness which saves time, and in turn, boosts productivity as industrial operations are able to maintain efficiency.