Brief
Better Engineering has partnered with a premier rebuilder of Cummins & CAT engines for heavy machinery. Remanufacturing engine blocks is an essential part of the heavy machinery process, especially in mining, where heavy equipment endures extreme conditions over many hours. This heavy equipment engine block remanufacturer sought Better Engineering to build a large cabinet parts washer to clean engine blocks as large as 25’’ W x 115’’ L x 72’’ high and weighing as much as 12,000 lbs.
Challenge
The customer’s primary pain point was the inefficiency and safety concerns associated with their current part washer. The existing machine struggled with cleaning engine blocks thoroughly, and the process required operators to position the large engine blocks on edge on a door-mounted turntable. Their previous cabinet parts washers with door-mounted turntables sagged over time, increasing the risk of operator injury and making safety the main driver for seeking a new washing solution. Additionally, the throughput of the current system was insufficient, further justifying the need for an upgraded machine.
Approach
To solve these challenges, Better Engineering designed a stainless steel, large cabinet parts washer tailored to the customer’s needs. The solution featured a 120″ turntable with a 75″ internal vertical clearance (IVC) and a 15,000 lbs. weight capacity, capable of handling large and heavy engine blocks. The system was equipped with a roll-in door, conserving valuable floor space. Additionally, the parts washer was equipped with multiple stages, including a recirculated wash, a fresh rinse with rust prevention diverted back to the wash tank, and a heated dry stage, all operating at a working temperature of 180°F. The machine also incorporated several safety features, such as a pull-string emergency stop, plumbing shields, and guarding. To enhance performance, the washer utilized a 220 PSI output pump, quick disconnect mid-arm manifold, dual bag filtration with a switch-over valve, and data acquisition capabilities (Aqua Insight) for monitoring and improving the cleaning process. Finally, the customer’s decision was solidified when they discovered Better Engineering is the only parts washer manufacturer offering lifetime warranties on our turntable parts washers.
Conclusion
Implementing the custom turntable part washer significantly improved the customer’s safety and cleaning performance. The new machine eliminated the need for operators to position parts on edge and provided a much more efficient and effective cleaning process. The enhanced safety features reduced the risk of operator injury, while the washer’s robust design allowed it to handle the large engine blocks easily. As a result, the customer experienced increased throughput, improved cleaning quality, and greater efficiency in their operations. This successful collaboration highlights Better Engineering’s commitment to delivering solutions that prioritize performance and safety in demanding industrial environments.
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