Empty drums, pails, and totes can create an ongoing waste and purchasing expense for manufacturers. When the container and its previous contents allow for safe reuse, industrial container cleaning can provide an alternative to continually disposing of used containers and purchasing replacements.
Cleaning and reusing suitable containers can help reduce waste, decrease the number of new containers a facility needs to purchase, and reduce costs associated with disposal and transportation. However, the right cleaning process depends heavily on the container, its previous contents, and the requirements for its next use.
Different Containers Require Different Cleaning Processes
Industrial containers vary considerably in size, construction, and what they hold. A cleaning system designed for a 5-gallon pail may have very different requirements from one intended for 30- or 55-gallon drums or larger totes.
The residue left inside the container also affects the cleaning process. Some products may be removed using heated water, while other applications require cleaning chemistry followed by a rinse. Before designing a system, AEC Systems considers factors such as the container size, residue being removed, required cleaning results, the number of containers processed each day, and how operators will load and unload them. This allows the washer to be designed around the application rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
Cabinet Washers for Drums and Pails
AEC Systems can design industrial cabinet spray washers to accommodate a range of container sizes, including:
- 5-gallon pails
- 30-gallon drums
- 55-gallon drums
- Special-size totes and containers
Production requirements can range from only a few containers per day to significantly higher volumes. The size and configuration of the washing system can be developed around the facility’s actual cleaning needs. Depending on the application, the process may include washing, rinsing, or other stages needed to prepare the container for reuse.
Choosing the Right Materials and Heating Method
The construction of an industrial container washer also depends on its operating environment and the cleaning chemistry being used. AEC Systems offers washers constructed from carbon steel or stainless steel. Solution tanks can be heated using electric, steam, or natural gas systems. Encased electric heating elements are also available for applications where sludge buildup may present a concern.
These choices are considered during the design process so the washer is appropriate for the cleaning application and facility requirements.
Manual or Automated Container Cleaning
Material handling is another important consideration, particularly when cleaning larger drums and totes. AEC can design cleaning systems with manual or automatic sequencing, and loading and unloading may be completed manually or with material-handling equipment. The appropriate approach depends on factors such as container size and weight, production volume, staffing, and the facility’s workflow.
For operations processing larger numbers of containers, incorporating automation or material handling into the design can help reduce the amount of direct operator involvement required.
Plan for the Waste Stream
Cleaning a reusable container doesn’t eliminate the material that was inside it. Instead, the cleaning process transfers that residue into the washer’s waste stream. That makes waste management an important part of planning an industrial container cleaning system.
Manufacturers should understand the products previously stored in their containers, the cleaning chemistry being used, and the resulting waste produced by the process. Wastewater and other by-products must be managed according to applicable local, state, and federal requirements. Depending on the material involved, facilities may also need to work with an authorized waste disposal provider. Considering these requirements during the design process can help ensure the cleaning process fits into the facility’s broader environmental and waste-management practices.
Is Container Reuse Right for Your Operation?
Not every industrial container can or should be reused. But when reuse is appropriate, a cleaning system designed specifically for your containers and residues can make the process more practical.
AEC Systems designs custom drum, pail, and tote washing systems around the customer’s container sizes, cleaning requirements, production volume, available utilities, material handling needs, and facility workflow. If your operation is looking for a better way to clean reusable industrial containers, contact AEC Systems at 1-888-211-6006 to discuss your application and determine what type of washing system may fit your requirements.