We'Do Cleaning the Cool-Phos way

Citation

(1999), "We'Do Cleaning the Cool-Phos way", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 46 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/acmm.1999.12846faf.001

We'Do Cleaning the Cool-Phos way

We'Do Cleaning the Cool-Phos way

Keywords: We'Do, Surface treatment, Pre-treatment, Powder coatings

We'Do Powder Coating Limited is a family owned and run Leicester based powder coating company. A little under a year ago it installed the Cool-Phos solvent-based surface pre-treatment process as part of its commitment to improve the standard of service that it provides (Plate 1). In common with many trade finishers, We'Do coats a wide range of components from panels, tubework and assemblies and in many shapes and sizes.

Plate 1A basket of components entering liquid Cool-Phos at We'Do

Prior to adopting Cool-Phos We'Do Powder Coating had, over several years, used various methods and agents to clean components prior to finishing. However, future work throughput required a more efficient cleaning and phosphating system that would give consistently high standards and at the same time be safe and non-hazardous to use. It investigated the alternatives that were available - essentially the choice rested between solvent and aqueous systems. However, we understand that a closer examination lead to the conclusion that Cool-Phos, a solvent-based system, would be the right decision for its future development.

Commented Michael Wright, We'Do's chairman, "We realised that Cool-Phos would provide processing and operational advantages for us. Foremost was its ability to undertake complete surface treatment, degreasing, phosphating rinsing and drying, all in one tank. A further significant advantage of the process was its speed, which although dependent on the size of the items being treated at any one time, ranges from as little as five to only eight minutes. We also realised that Cool-Phos gave us a choice of treatment options from simple vapour degreasing, a rinse for maximum surface cleanliness on items made from zintex, to phosphating using the spray system or fully immersing components."

As all processes take place in one tank Cool-Phos reportedly only needs one-fifth of the space required by a similar aqueous system with just a single hoist over the tank. Stated Mr Wright, "This means that we were able to put the space save to a more profitable use".

Cool-Phos reportedly operates at only 38úC and its energy requirement that is stated to be 1 per cent of similar water-based processes. Mr Wright stated, "Other advantages of the low operating temperature are components that are coated immediately on removal from the tank without the risk of pre-curing. This significantly increases our flexibility to meet urgent orders and lower working temperatures also mean that oils and grease are not carbonised, requiring less frequent clean-outs. With an average working life of between four to five years for the initial tank charge (depending on throughput) Cool-Phos is extremely cost effective."

Mr Wright summarised, "Cool-Phos has enabled We'Do to redeploy personnel originally employed on full-time cleaning to other areas of the powder coating process. Operating a Cool-Phos system and its control is simple, as the colour on the processed items gives instant visual quality control. Maintenance consists only of regular checks on the Cool-Phos liquid and does not require a degree in chemistry as a monthly sample is sent to Croftshaw for analysis". Croftshaw, the sole UK distributor of Cool-Phos, provide a comprehensive training programme that is similar to NVQ standards. This enables any operative to be quickly trained to use the process, receiving a diploma to prove their competence.

A final comment from Mr Wright of We'Do Powder Coating underlines the significance that using Cool-Phos has made, "We have been able to attract new customers with 'high-spec' pre-treatment requirements. The surface produces an excellent key for powders and the high seek characteristics of Cool-Phos are said to be ideal for the removal of production soils and grease. The result, improved production efficiency and versatility with a quality pre-treatment, as well as improving the durability of the finish we achieve".

Further details are available from Croftshaw (Solvents) Limited. Tel: +44 (0) 181 508 5564; Fax: +44 (0) 181 508 5559.