Importance of engine degreasing in maintenance of engines
Why maintaining clean engines is crucial for businesses
Maintaining clean engines is essential for ensuring optimal performance and longevity. Engines are critical components in various industrial applications, powering machinery and equipment that drive production processes. A clean engine operates more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and minimizing the risk of overheating, which can lead to costly downtime and repairs.
Regular cleaning of engines helps prevent the accumulation of dirt, grease, and other contaminants that can impair functionality. Contaminants can cause increased friction, leading to wear and tear on engine components, which may result in premature failure. This is why implementation of a routine cleaning schedule is important; businesses can enhance the reliability of their operations and extend the lifespan of their engines.
Engine degreasing is a vital aspect of this maintenance process. Effective degreasing removes built-up grime and oil, allowing engines to run cooler and more efficiently. This not only improves performance but also helps in identifying potential issues early, enabling timely maintenance and reducing the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns.
Methods of engine degreasing
Engine degreasing is a critical process in industrial cleaning, aimed at removing grease, oil, and other contaminants from engine components. Various techniques and products are employed, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.
Traditional methods;
Solvent-based cleaning:
Products: Common solvents include mineral spirits, kerosene, alcohol, and gasoline.
Technique: These solvents are applied directly to the engine surfaces, often using brushes or rags to scrub away grime. The solvents dissolve grease and oil, making it easier to wipe away contaminants.
Advantages: Effective at breaking down heavy grease and oil: relatively inexpensive.
Disadvantages: High volatility and flammability; potential health hazards due to fumes; environmental concerns regarding disposal. 
High-pressure washing:
Technique: High-pressure water jets are used to blast away dirt and grease.
Advantages: Quick and effective for large surfaces; can reach difficult areas.
Disadvantages: May not remove all contaminants, can lead to high water consumption, and can cause water damage, including increased risk of rusting due to residual moisture.
Modern & Eco-Conscious options:
Water-based degreasers:
Products: These cleaning solutions contain water and biodegradable ingredients, such as surfactants, detergent, de- and emulsifiers. These degreasers are designed to break down grease without harming the environment.
Technique: Apply the DST-DEGREEZ at the suggested concentration in the cleaning plant to clean the parts.
Advantages: Safer for workers and the environment; effective on a variety of contaminants.
Disadvantages: The cleaning process may take longer if the appropriate cleaner is not used.
Ultrasonic cleaning:
Technique: Uses high-frequency sound waves in a liquid solution to create tiny bubbles that remove contaminants.
Advantages: Gets into all the tight spots for a super thorough clean. Works great with the DST-DEGREEZ products.
Disadvantages: The equipment can be pricey and might not work for every engine part.
While traditional methods like solvent-based cleaning and pressure washing are popular for their effectiveness and low cost, they have major downsides, especially regarding health and environmental safety. Modern, eco-friendly options might need a higher upfront investment, but they bring long-term benefits like better worker safety, less environmental impact, and meeting stricter regulations.
Why you should be using a cleaning machine
Even with modern cleaning technologies available, many industrial facilities still rely on traditional methods without washing machines. This can be due to familiarity, perceived cost savings, or a lack of awareness about the benefits of modernization. However, there are compelling reasons to transition to machine-assisted cleaning methods:
1. Efficiency: Cleaning machines can significantly reduce the time and labour required for degreasing tasks, leading to faster turnaround and increased productivity.
2. Consistency: Clean baths can really up your game. That is why we perform regular service visits performed by our Service Advisors to maintain those bath lifetimes. Free of charge that is. Clean baths help you achieve optimized cleaning results, ensuring all components are thoroughly cleaned for longer. And saving you money and time. Time and money.
3. Safety: Modern cleaning systems offer an efficient, rapid, and innovative solution for cleaning your metal parts. These systems work well with our water-based cleaners, which are designed to separate the oil from water and operate at lower temperatures. Unlike traditional cleaning methods using petroleum or acetone, which pose health risks and environmental harm, our approach prioritizes safety and sustainability.
4. Regulatory compliance: As environmental regulations become stricter, using cleaning machines and eco-friendly cleaners can help businesses stay compliant and avoid potential fines.
Choosing the right engine degreasing service provider
We believe that our commitment to you goes beyond just the initial stages; it continues even after the conversion to a DST-product has been completed. We are always ready to provide expert knowledge and exceptional service whenever you need it—that’s just how we do things.
To make sure that everything runs smoothly, our Technical Advisor will conduct regular service visits to address your needs. Additionally, our industrial cleaning solution guarantees Pure Performance, delivering optimal results. Our Technical Advisor will also offer training for your staff, giving them with valuable insights and best practices for maintaining the bath efficiently.
Nick Bjerregaard
