Cleaning with High-Pressure Directed Waterjets

Editor(s)

Stelson, K. and Oba, F.

Abstract

This paper describes an experimental study of cleaning with high-pressure, directed waterjets. Waterjets are shown to effectively clean surfaces that are contaminated with aspirin deposits, oil paints, or epoxy paints. Experimental investigation of process parameters demonstrated that the standoff distance is critical. A distance that is too large results in ineffective cleaning, and a distance that is too small results in damage to the cleaned surface. We use the `critical cleaning standoff distance' and `damage standoff distance' to capture these effects. As the water pressure increases, these critical standoff distances become larger, also, a higher cleaning rate and a lower water consumption are achieved. These critical standoff distances also depend upon the type of nozzle, diameter of nozzle, diameter of focusing tube, travel speed, coating material, etc. Increase in the removal rate is also achieved by modification of jets with surfactants.

Meeting Name

1996 Japan-USA Symposium on Flexible Automation Part 2

Department(s)

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Keywords and Phrases

High Pressure Effects; Jets; Nozzles

Document Type

Article - Conference proceedings

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 1996 American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Jan 1996

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