Manual washing and degreasing with mobile steam generators is a highly effective solution for production environments (such as finished parts and machinery), public space sanitization, and surface treatment applications.
Manual Washing and Degreasing in the Mechanical Industry and Machinery Maintenance
Dry steam cleaning and degreasing provide numerous advantages over traditional manual methods (such as using rags with chemicals or solvents):
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Significant Water Savings: Reduces water consumption and wastewater production by up to 95% compared to conventional high-pressure washing.
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On-Site Cleaning Capability: Enables efficient cleaning and degreasing directly within the facility, with minimal water residue on the floor.
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Chemical-Free Process: Replaces banned solvents and hazardous cleaning agents. Saturated steam eliminates the need for solvents, acid baths, and other chemicals.
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Regulation-Proof Investment: The system remains compliant with evolving environmental and safety regulations, avoiding the risk of obsolescence.
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Immediate Reusability: Leaves machinery, equipment, and parts clean and dry—ready for immediate use—minimizing production downtime and boosting productivity.
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Versatile and Precise: A wide range of accessories allows for both quick general cleaning and access to intricate, hard-to-reach areas.
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Safe Near Electronics: Suitable for use near sensitive components such as electrical systems, sensors, internal control panels, motors, wiring, and junction boxes.
Why Choose Steam for Manual Washing and Degreasing
High Temperature Steam Cleaning
The dry steam on the surface reaches a temperature of approximately 120°C. This heat effectively dissolves oils, greases, and other dirt that has penetrated the material’s pores. Heated surfaces dry rapidly, leaving them ready for use and preventing rust or corrosion.
The high temperature also opens the pores of materials, ensuring a thoroughly clean surface. It can serve as an alternative to acid baths and water for passivating metals.
Note: Despite the high exhaust temperature, the low moisture content eliminates any risk of burns or scalds to operators or personnel, making it a safe method for machinery cleaning and degreasing.
Very Low Humidity
Dry or saturated steam contains only 5% water.
The REA STEAM CLEANING sanitization process uses just 4 gallons of water per hour (for 9 kW models), up to a maximum of 16 gallons (for 36 kW models). This is 20 to 50 times less water than traditional washing methods that use water, foam, and rinse cycles.
5% Water Content
REA dry steam generators consume between 4 and 16 gallons of water, which is approximately 50 times less than high-pressure washing. The steam can be safely applied to electrical and electronic equipment, including controls, sensors, and seals, without the risk of short circuits or damage. This eliminates the need to cover or relocate equipment before cleaning, reducing the costs of replacing damaged components.
The process results in up to a 95% reduction in water usage and wastewater generation, saving money on water supply and disposal. Additionally, minimal water is required for cleaning, which saves time.
This low water usage allows the equipment to be utilized in areas without water pipes and supports “dry” cleaning protocols. The combination of low humidity and high heat leaves surfaces dry and ready for immediate use, minimizing downtime. Furthermore, the low humidity ensures there is no risk of burns for operators.
Detergent Compatibility
All REA STEAM CLEANING generators offer the option to use detergents in combination with steam.
Water and cleaning agents can be introduced alongside the steam flow, with the digital handle allowing precise control over the addition of water or chemicals. Adding water can help dislodge dirt more quickly, slightly increasing water consumption but significantly speeding up the cleaning process.
Degreasers and other cleaners can be used to enhance cleaning efficiency and results. Thanks to the high temperature of the steam acting as a catalyst, smaller quantities of chemicals are needed—saving both time and cost.
Additionally, chemical treatments can be applied through the system to prevent oxidation or meet specific surface cleanliness standards.
Low Pressure
REA STEAM CLEANING systems operate at a steam pressure of just 145 PSI at the nozzle—significantly lower than traditional high-pressure washing systems, which typically exceed 1000 to 2000 PSI.
This lower pressure makes it safe to clean all types of components, including delicate and sensitive parts. Surfaces, bearing seals, motors, sensors, and other equipment are not at risk of damage, eliminating the need to mask or disassemble them before cleaning.
Compared to high-pressure washing, steam cleaning significantly reduces the spread of dirt and moisture, keeping surrounding equipment and surfaces cleaner. Additionally, the low pressure ensures maximum safety for operators, with no risk to personnel during use.
