Passivation & Ultrasonic Cleaner Automatic Line
In the aerospace and medical industries, the passivation process is a crucial step in the production of various products. It is the final stage of production before the products are sterilised and packaged. As such, the passivation process must be carried out with the utmost care and attention to detail to ensure that the end products are of the highest quality.
Passivation Solution
DECOMET is a highly effective passivation solution that is formulated with citric acid, making it a safer alternative to nitric acid. Nitric acid is a commonly used passivation solution, but it can be hazardous to work with due to its corrosive nature. Citric acid is a naturally occurring organic acid that is widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. It is much safer to handle and dispose of than nitric acid, making it a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option.
DECOMET is specifically designed to remove free iron oxide and other contaminants from the surface of stainless steel components used in medical equipment. It is highly effective and leaves no trace after drying. This is particularly important in the medical industry, where cleanliness and sterility are paramount.
Passivation Machine
The passivation machines consist of six to nine stages, depending on the specific requirements of each production line. Each stage is designed to carry out a specific function, such as cleaning, rinsing, or passivating. The stages are fully integrated, allowing for a smooth and efficient flow of products through the line. One of the key features of these passivation machines is the use of material 316 instead of 304. This provides a higher level of corrosion resistance, ensuring that the final products are protected from the elements and remain in top condition for longer.
Another important feature of these machines is the control for the passivation bath. This control system monitors the nitric concentration and automatically adjusts the process to ensure that the correct concentration is maintained throughout the passivation process. This helps to ensure that the final products are of consistent quality and meet the highest standards.
The machines also come equipped with batch reporting and data logging capabilities. This allows for detailed tracking and analysis of each batch of products, providing valuable information for future improvements and quality control. The machines are equipped with '21 CFR part 11' validation software. This software ensures that the machines meet the strict regulatory requirements of the aerospace and medical industries, making them ideal for use in these highly regulated fields.
Passivation Machine Functionality Overview
The passivation machine operates by first loading parts into a wash basket on the loading conveyor. The conveyor then moves the basket to a pick-up point where it is retrieved by a transporter and placed in the first tank. The basket is then automatically processed through the washing, rinsing, and drying stages according to a pre-selected wash program.
The multi-basket transporter provides automated vertical and horizontal movement of wash baskets throughout the various stages of the cleaning process. The control system is designed to support the simultaneous treatment of multiple baskets, thus optimising the efficiency of the process.
Upon completion of the passivation treatment, the washed basket is placed on the unloading conveyor. The parts can then be removed by the operator. The loading and unloading conveyors are equipped with a standard buffer of three baskets, and an extended buffer is available as an optional feature.
Example Passivation line setup:
Stage | Function | Media | Treatment time min. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ultrasonic cleaning | RO water + Galvex 2001, 60°C | 8 |
| 2 | Immersion rinsing | RO water, ambient | 8 |
| 3 | Passivation | RO water + Decomet 10-15%, 40 - 65°C | 8 |
| 4 | Immersion rinsing | RO water, ambient | 8 |
| 5 | Ultrasonic rinsing | DI water, 60°C | 8 |
| 6 | Immersion rinsing | DI water <4,3µS/cm, 60°C | 8 |
| 7 | Drying, metals | Fine filtered air, 70°C | 12 |
Samples are evaluated free-of-charge & ultrasonic cleaner reports are issued covering all aspects of the process & the likely consumable costs involved.
We provide a complete technical support programme as part of our package. Our ultrasonic cleaning technical team are always on hand to offer advice and assistance.
With over 80 years of expertise, our experienced in-house technical support team can help you with your processes.
