Influence of main factors on the quality of can cleaning in an immersion washer

Abstract

Investigations of the influence of main factors on the quality of can cleaning in an immersion washer in the course of canning are quite relevant and very important in the food industry. Hence, a new design of a two-section washer is suggested. Experiments were performed on the washer under discussion. Results of experimental research of the quality of metal can surface cleaning are given. Based on the results of unifactor experiments with two-step washing of can surface, relations were established between the can cleaning quality and wash liquor concentration at different wash liquor temperatures, also relations between the can surface cleaning quality and wash liquor temperature at different liquor concentrations by fixing the washer drive wheel’s rotation velocity. With increase of the washer drive wheel’s rotation velocity at constant wash liquor temperature its concentration at which the cleaning quality compliant with the standard is achieved fells down. At a velocity of 15 min−1, the wash liquor concentration is 3.5 g/l at 85 °C. The same quality of cleaning is achieved at wash liquor concentration equal to 1 g/l and its temperature equal to 85 °C at a velocity of 35 min−1. As the washer drive wheel’s rotation velocity increases at a constant concentration of the wash liquor, the temperature at which the cleaning quality compliant with the standard is achieved fells down. At a velocity of 30 min−1, the minimal temperature is 60 °C at 5 g/l concentration. The same quality of cleaning is achieved at a temperature of 48 °C in case of 5 g/l concentration at a velocity of 35 min−1. The quality of cleaning grows intensively at a concentration of 1 to 3 g/l. If the wash liquor concentration is further increased over 3 g/l, the quality of cleaning improves insignificantly. The optimal temperature providing good-quality cleaning of can surface that would comply with the standard is within 65…85 °C regardless of the washer drive wheel’s rotation velocity.