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| {{short description|Use of high-pressure water jet for cleaning hard surfaces}} | |||
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| {{Redirect|Powerwash|the game|PowerWash Simulator}} | |||
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| '''Pressure washing''' or '''power washing''' is the use of high-pressure water spray to remove loose paint, mold, grime, dust, mud, and dirt from surfaces and objects such as buildings, vehicles and concrete surfaces. The volume of a mechanical pressure washer is expressed in gallons or liters per minute,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.protoolreviews.com/pressure-washer-psi-vs-gpm-whats-more-important/|title=PRESSURE WASHER PSI VS GPM: WHAT’S MORE IMPORTANT? |website=Pro Tools Review |access-date=2023-11-01}}</ref> often designed into the pump and not variable. The pressure, expressed in pounds per square inch, ], or ], is designed into the pump but can be varied by adjusting the unloader valve or using specialized nozzle tips. Machines that produce pressures from 750 to 30,000 ] (5 to 200 MPa) or more are available. | |||
| The terms pressure washing and power washing are used interchangeably in many scenarios, and there is some debate as to whether they are actually different processes. | |||
| A '''pressure washer''' is a high pressure mechanical ] that can be used to remove loose paint, mold, grime, dust, mud, and dirt from surfaces and objects such as buildings, vehicles, and concrete ]s. The volume of a pressure washer is expressed in either Gallons or Litres Per Minute, which is designed into the pump and not variable. A pumps pressure, expressed in Pounds per Square Inch, Pascals or Bars (depreciated), is also designed into the pump but can be varied by adjusting the unloader valve. Machines that produce pressures from 750 to 30,000 ] (5 to 200 MPa) or more are available. A pressure washer differs from a ] in that a parts washer typically uses high-volume, lower-pressure (20-150 psi, 140-1000 kPa) cleaning solutions in an enclosed cabinet to clean dirty parts. The impact pressure generated in a parts washer is typically higher than a pressure washer.{{Citation needed|date=June 2011}} Additionally, the environmental issues in an enclosed parts washer are less because all of the solution is contained unlike a pressure washer. | |||
| An industrial pressure washing surface cleaner is a tool consisting of two to four high-pressure jets on a rotating bar that swivels when water is flowing. Some systems involve a wheeled circular shroud which is moved along the surface which protects the user from spray and debris. This action creates a uniformed cleaning pattern that can clean flat surfaces at a rapid rate. Many cheap household/consumer grade systems typically use a single orifice which cannot be altered for spray pattern. | |||
| The basic pressure washer consists of: | |||
| * An ] or ] that directly drives a ] | |||
| * A high-pressure ] | |||
| * ]-style ] | |||
| Hydro-jet cleaning is a more powerful form of power washing, employed to remove buildup and debris in tanks and lines.<ref Name="Blaxter&Russell">{{cite book | |||
| Just as a garden hose ] is used to increase the velocity of the liquid, a pressure washer adds its own power to create high pressure and velocity. The pump cannot draw more water from the pipe to which the washer is connected than that source can provide. Moreover, the water supply must be adequate for a given machine connected to it, as water starvation leads to ] damage of the pump elements. | |||
| |title=Advances in Marine Biology, Volume 21 | |||
| |last=Blaxter & Russell | |||
| |author2=J. H. S. Blaxter |author3=Frederick S. Russell|authorlink3 = Frederick Stratten Russell | |||
| |year=1984 | |||
| |publisher=Academic Press | |||
| |isbn=0-12-026121-9 | |||
| |page=33 | |||
| |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fUVYsxzBcHQC&q=%22Hydro-jet%22+cleaning&pg=PA33 }}</ref> | |||
| == Areas of use == | |||
| Several different types of nozzles are available, each useful for a particular application. Some nozzles cause the water jet to be ejected in a triangular plane (fan pattern), while others emit a thin jet of water, which spirals around rapidly (cone pattern). Nozzles that deliver a higher flow rate lower the output pressure. Most nozzles attach directly to the trigger gun. | |||
| Pressure washing is employed by businesses and homeowners to reduce allergies, minimize hazards, and improve aesthetics. A pressure washer is used to clean residential surfaces such as gutters, roofs, decks, paved areas, siding, cladding, and windows. They are also used to clean commercial surfaces such as office buildings, churches, schools, hospitals, and other large buildings.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Robison |first=Jeff |date=2023-06-21 |title=Signs Your Commercial Building Needs Pressure Washing |url=https://sunbriteservices.com/signs-your-commercial-building-needs-pressure-washing/ |access-date=2023-10-27 |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
| == Equipment == | |||
| Some pressure washers, in combination with a particular nozzle, allow ] to be introduced into the water stream, assisting in the cleaning process. Two types of chemical injectors are available — a high-pressure injector that introduces the chemical after the water leaves the pump (a downstream injector) and a low-pressure injector that introduces the chemical before water enters the pump (an upstream injector). The type of injector used is related to the type of detergent used, as there are many chemicals that will damage a pump if an upstream injector is used. | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| There are 2 main types of pressure washers. Hot water pressure washers and cold water pressure washers. Each have their own purpose. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-10-08 |title=Which Pressure Washer is Right for You? Hot Water Pressure Washer vs. Cold Water |url=https://www.mitm.com/blog/hot-water-pressure-washer-vs-cold/ |access-date=2023-10-27 |website=Mi-T-M Blog |language=en-US}}</ref> Hot water pressure washers are best for washing flatwork (concrete driveways, walkways, etc) that can have grease or oil residue. They are best to use when cleaning parking garages, drive thru's, and gas stations. Hot water is achieved with the use of a burner unit. Hot water helps emulsify grease and oil on surfaces and helping to remove it quicker. Cold water machines are most commonly used to wash residential areas. Siding, gutters, roofs, decks, and windows can all be cleaned effectively with the use of a cold water pressure washer. | |||
| Surface cleaners are pressure wash tools that facilitate the even cleaning of larger flat surface areas. There are many models available that attach to the end of a pressure washer wand. A surface cleaner has a disc shaped housing covering a rotating bar with a nozzle at each end. In use, the high pressure water is split into two steams which emerge through nozzles at the ends of the bar, directing the jets against the surface to be cleaned and inducing rotation of the bar. When the unit is moved over the surface the rotating jets clean a swathe a little smaller than the circular cover, which confines splashback and reduces noise. Larger models may have castors to maintain clearance and allow easy control of movement over reasonably smooth surfaces. Smaller versions may rely on a ring of plastic bristles for the same purpose.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-05-28 |title=The Best Pressure Washer Surface Cleaners Tested in 2023 |url=https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-pressure-washer-surface-cleaner/ |access-date=2023-10-27 |website=Bob Vila |language=en}}</ref> The water enters the surface cleaner through a trigger gun at the top of the handle bar, travels through a hose, the swivel, and the bar ending up passing through specifically sized nozzles to spray the surface and remove dirt and grime. | |||
| Pressure washers are dangerous tools and should be operated with due regard to safety instructions. The water pressure near the nozzle is powerful enough to strip flesh from bone. Particles in the water supply are ejected from the nozzle at great velocities. The cleaning process can propel objects dislodged from the surface being cleaned, also at great velocities. Pressure washers have a tendency to break up ] if aimed directly at it, due to high pressure water entering cracks and voids in the surface. | |||
| == Nozzles == | |||
| Most readily available consumer units, commonly found online or at hardware stores, are electric- or petrol-powered. The electric ones plug into a normal outlet, use cold tap water and typically deliver pressure up to about 2,000 psi (140 bar). Petrol powered units can often deliver twice that pressure, but due to the hazardous nature of the engine exhaust, they are unsuitable for enclosed or indoor areas. Some models can generate hot water, which can be ideal for loosening and removing oil and grease. | |||
| Pressure washer nozzles alter the direction of flow and velocity of the water. Nozzles allow users to reach a greater distance or apply more pressure to a difficult-to-clean surface. Nozzles are color-coded for easy identification, with black nozzles covering the widest degree (65°) and red nozzles covering the least (0°). Great care should be taken when using a 0° nozzle as it can cause injury to both the user and passersby, as well as damage to surfaces.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/pressurewashersafety.html |title=Pressure Washer Safety |website=cdc.gov |access-date=2021-02-23}}</ref> Nozzles are sized based on the flow rate (GPM) and delivery pressure (PSI) of the machine.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nozzle Chart – ENVIROSPEC |url=https://envirospec.com/catalog/nozzle-chart/ |access-date=2023-10-27 |website=envirospec.com }}</ref> | |||
| ==High-pressure water jetting== | |||
| ==Origin== | |||
| <!-- target for redirect ] --> | |||
| The first hot-water high-pressure washer was invented by ] in 1950.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kärcher History|publisher=Kärcher|url=http://www.karchercommercial.com/KarcherHistory.aspx|accessdate=April 22, 2012}}</ref> However, Frank Ofeldt in the United States claimed to have invented the steam pressure washer or "high-pressure Jenny" much earlier, in 1927.<ref>{{cite book|title=ManVentions: From Cruise Control to Cordless Drills - Inventions Men Can't Live Without|publisher=Adams Media|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=lpDTyljqFCYC&pg=PA175&dq=Manventions+pressure+washer&hl=en&sa=X&ei=B0CUT5f5L-PO2wXn47XpBA&ved=0CE8Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=Manventions%20pressure%20washer&f=false|page=175-176||accessdate=April 22, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Frank Ofeldt|publisher=Jenny Products, Inc.|url=http://www.steamjenny.com/history-1.html|accessdate=April 22, 2012}}</ref> | |||
| High-pressure water jetting, also called hydrojetting, is a variation in which the pressure can be significantly higher (up to {{convert|1400 |bar|psi}}) than consumer models, and is sufficiently hazardous that special precautions are necessary for acceptable safety. High-pressure water jetting also has applications in cutting a wide range of materials with very low heat input or dust production, and can be effective underwater.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bestline.co.za/high-pressure-water-jetting-3/ |title=About High-pressure Water Jetting Systems and Their Applications |website=www.bestline.co.za |access-date=26 February 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://pressurejet.com/Images/Library/pdf/Hydro_Jetting_Machine_Catalogue.PDF |title=High pressure hydrojetting catalogue 2018 |website=pressurejet.com |access-date=27 January 2014 }}</ref> | |||
| Some advantages of this technology for use in the oil and gas production industry are that it has a low fire and explosion hazard and the waste products are relatively easy to dispose of. It is used for cleaning tanks, pipes, sieves, filters and heat exchangers, for removal of coatings, corrosion products, scale, old paint, burned materials, biological fouling, and many insoluble substances, with little or no damage to the substrate when the appropriate pressure is used. These procedures can be done above and under water.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://s1.kaercher-media.com/asset/media/file/12990/brochurewomagas.pdf |title=High pressure water jetting in the oil and gas industry |website=s1.kaercher-media.com |access-date=26 February 2024 }}</ref> | |||
| ==Uses== <!-- (Reads like a promotional advertisement- biased) --> | |||
| ] | |||
| In its extreme high pressure form, water is used in many industrial cleaning applications requiring the removal of surface layers as well as dust-free cutting of some metals and concrete. For exterior applications, gas or propane powered pressure washers provide enhanced mobility not available in electric models, as they do not require use in proximity to an electrical outlet. However, for indoor applications, electric pressure washers produce no exhaust and are much quieter than their gas or propane powered counterparts. | |||
| High-pressure water at medium pressure, in combination with special chemicals, aids in the removal of ]. This process (especially when the water is hot) is used as a quick rinser of the softened graffiti. Sometimes people use a pressurized mixture of air/sand or water/sand to blast off the surface of the vandalized area, thus etching the surface and therefore making it extremely difficult for anyone to ever use high-pressure cleaning as a follow-up process. ], when used in graffiti removals, often overcleans a surface and is capable of leaving a permanent scar on the building surface. | |||
| ==Types== | |||
| Pressure washers are classified into following groups based on the type of fuel/energy they consume. | |||
| *Electric pressure washer | |||
| *Diesel pressure washer | |||
| *Petrol pressure washer | |||
| *Gas pressure washer | |||
| *Ultra high pressure washer | |||
| *Hydraulic high pressure washer | |||
| *High pressure steam cleaner | |||
| ==Specialty Washers== | |||
| An Insulator Pressure washer <ref> http://tdworld.com/overhead_distribution/insulator-washing-reliability/index.html </ref> is a mechanical high pressure washer designed to remove contamination/pollution from Overhead Power line ] using low ] water with the power on (energized). Cleaning is necessary to prevent flashovers (High Voltage shorts to earth across the insulators) which can damage Power Line equipment. <ref> http://tdworld.com/overhead_transmission/power_nepcos_solution_insulator/index.html </ref> | |||
| ] | |||
| The basic design <ref> http://mitsacy.com/Brochure/Typical%20Insulator%20Washer%20Specifications.pdf </ref> consists of the following components: | |||
| * A Power Source (a diesel engine or a from a truck chassis) | |||
| * A | |||
| * A stainless steel water storage tank | |||
| * A high pressure water hose | |||
| * A high pressure dead-man type water wash gun | |||
| * Electrical grounds for the wash gun and washing system | |||
| Insulator washers typically have a pump pressure of about 1000 PSI and a nozzle pressure between 500 - 750 psi. They have a very high flow rate (about 60 gallons per minute) The high flow rate is necessary to provide consistent and fast cleaning of the insulators. | |||
| Insulator washers have several basic design layouts <ref> http://www.mitsacy.com/Insulatorwashers.html </ref> as follows: | |||
| * Trailer mount for use in electricity substations <ref> http://www.mitsacy.com/Blog/?p=115 </ref> | |||
| * Chassis mount for mounting on a truck bed <ref> http://www.mitsacy.com/Blog/?p=51 </ref> | |||
| * Aerial platform mount for mounting on trucks that have aerial platforms | |||
| * Helicopter mounted units <ref> http://tdworld.com/ieee/IEEE_PES_Update/Products_and_Services/simplex-aerospace-systems-0412/index.html </ref> | |||
| The washing unit must be able to access the electric towers to be washed. If the towers are off road in rough terrain, a 4x4, 6x4 or even 6x6 truck chassis may be required. | |||
| The systems must have a robust design as they are used outdoors, often in adverse climates. | |||
| ==See also== | ==See also== | ||
| * |
*{{annotated link|Briggs & Stratton}} | ||
| * |
*{{annotated link|Kärcher}} | ||
| * |
*{{annotated link|Nilfisk}} | ||
| *{{annotated link|Reverse graffiti}} | |||
| *] | |||
| *] | *] | ||
| == References == | == References == | ||
| {{Reflist}} | {{Reflist}} | ||
| == |
==Further reading== | ||
| *] (1995), ''Surface Preparation and Cleaning of Steel and Other Hard Materials by High- and Ultrahigh-Pressure Water Jetting Prior to Recoating.'' Pittsburgh, PA. SSPC | |||
| {{Wiktionary}} | |||
| *U.S. Water Jet Technology Association, ''Recommended Practices for the Use of Manually Operated High-Pressure Water Jetting Equipment'', St. Louis, MO: US Water Jet Technology Association, 1987 | |||
| <!-- please stop adding advertising links here, they WILL be reverted --> | |||
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Latest revision as of 08:21, 10 December 2024
Use of high-pressure water jet for cleaning hard surfaces "Powerwash" redirects here. For the game, see PowerWash Simulator.
Pressure washing or power washing is the use of high-pressure water spray to remove loose paint, mold, grime, dust, mud, and dirt from surfaces and objects such as buildings, vehicles and concrete surfaces. The volume of a mechanical pressure washer is expressed in gallons or liters per minute, often designed into the pump and not variable. The pressure, expressed in pounds per square inch, pascals, or bar, is designed into the pump but can be varied by adjusting the unloader valve or using specialized nozzle tips. Machines that produce pressures from 750 to 30,000 psi (5 to 200 MPa) or more are available.
The terms pressure washing and power washing are used interchangeably in many scenarios, and there is some debate as to whether they are actually different processes.
An industrial pressure washing surface cleaner is a tool consisting of two to four high-pressure jets on a rotating bar that swivels when water is flowing. Some systems involve a wheeled circular shroud which is moved along the surface which protects the user from spray and debris. This action creates a uniformed cleaning pattern that can clean flat surfaces at a rapid rate. Many cheap household/consumer grade systems typically use a single orifice which cannot be altered for spray pattern.
Hydro-jet cleaning is a more powerful form of power washing, employed to remove buildup and debris in tanks and lines.
Areas of use
Pressure washing is employed by businesses and homeowners to reduce allergies, minimize hazards, and improve aesthetics. A pressure washer is used to clean residential surfaces such as gutters, roofs, decks, paved areas, siding, cladding, and windows. They are also used to clean commercial surfaces such as office buildings, churches, schools, hospitals, and other large buildings.
Equipment
There are 2 main types of pressure washers. Hot water pressure washers and cold water pressure washers. Each have their own purpose. Hot water pressure washers are best for washing flatwork (concrete driveways, walkways, etc) that can have grease or oil residue. They are best to use when cleaning parking garages, drive thru's, and gas stations. Hot water is achieved with the use of a burner unit. Hot water helps emulsify grease and oil on surfaces and helping to remove it quicker. Cold water machines are most commonly used to wash residential areas. Siding, gutters, roofs, decks, and windows can all be cleaned effectively with the use of a cold water pressure washer.
Surface cleaners are pressure wash tools that facilitate the even cleaning of larger flat surface areas. There are many models available that attach to the end of a pressure washer wand. A surface cleaner has a disc shaped housing covering a rotating bar with a nozzle at each end. In use, the high pressure water is split into two steams which emerge through nozzles at the ends of the bar, directing the jets against the surface to be cleaned and inducing rotation of the bar. When the unit is moved over the surface the rotating jets clean a swathe a little smaller than the circular cover, which confines splashback and reduces noise. Larger models may have castors to maintain clearance and allow easy control of movement over reasonably smooth surfaces. Smaller versions may rely on a ring of plastic bristles for the same purpose. The water enters the surface cleaner through a trigger gun at the top of the handle bar, travels through a hose, the swivel, and the bar ending up passing through specifically sized nozzles to spray the surface and remove dirt and grime.
Nozzles
Pressure washer nozzles alter the direction of flow and velocity of the water. Nozzles allow users to reach a greater distance or apply more pressure to a difficult-to-clean surface. Nozzles are color-coded for easy identification, with black nozzles covering the widest degree (65°) and red nozzles covering the least (0°). Great care should be taken when using a 0° nozzle as it can cause injury to both the user and passersby, as well as damage to surfaces. Nozzles are sized based on the flow rate (GPM) and delivery pressure (PSI) of the machine.
High-pressure water jetting
High-pressure water jetting, also called hydrojetting, is a variation in which the pressure can be significantly higher (up to 1,400 bars (20,000 psi)) than consumer models, and is sufficiently hazardous that special precautions are necessary for acceptable safety. High-pressure water jetting also has applications in cutting a wide range of materials with very low heat input or dust production, and can be effective underwater.
Some advantages of this technology for use in the oil and gas production industry are that it has a low fire and explosion hazard and the waste products are relatively easy to dispose of. It is used for cleaning tanks, pipes, sieves, filters and heat exchangers, for removal of coatings, corrosion products, scale, old paint, burned materials, biological fouling, and many insoluble substances, with little or no damage to the substrate when the appropriate pressure is used. These procedures can be done above and under water.
See also
- Briggs & Stratton – American manufacturing company
- Kärcher – German company known for its high-pressure cleaners
- Nilfisk – Danish cleaning equipment company
- Reverse graffiti – Method of creating images on surfaces by removing dirt
- Washdown
References
- "PRESSURE WASHER PSI VS GPM: WHAT'S MORE IMPORTANT?". Pro Tools Review. Retrieved 2023-11-01.
- Blaxter & Russell; J. H. S. Blaxter; Frederick S. Russell (1984). Advances in Marine Biology, Volume 21. Academic Press. p. 33. ISBN 0-12-026121-9.
- Robison, Jeff (2023-06-21). "Signs Your Commercial Building Needs Pressure Washing". Retrieved 2023-10-27.
- "Which Pressure Washer is Right for You? Hot Water Pressure Washer vs. Cold Water". Mi-T-M Blog. 2022-10-08. Retrieved 2023-10-27.
- "The Best Pressure Washer Surface Cleaners Tested in 2023". Bob Vila. 2021-05-28. Retrieved 2023-10-27.
- "Pressure Washer Safety". cdc.gov. Retrieved 2021-02-23.
- "Nozzle Chart – ENVIROSPEC". envirospec.com. Retrieved 2023-10-27.
- "About High-pressure Water Jetting Systems and Their Applications". www.bestline.co.za. Retrieved 26 February 2024.
- "High pressure hydrojetting catalogue 2018" (PDF). pressurejet.com. Retrieved 27 January 2014.
- "High pressure water jetting in the oil and gas industry" (PDF). s1.kaercher-media.com. Retrieved 26 February 2024.
Further reading
- Steel Structures Painting Council (1995), Surface Preparation and Cleaning of Steel and Other Hard Materials by High- and Ultrahigh-Pressure Water Jetting Prior to Recoating. Pittsburgh, PA. SSPC
- U.S. Water Jet Technology Association, Recommended Practices for the Use of Manually Operated High-Pressure Water Jetting Equipment, St. Louis, MO: US Water Jet Technology Association, 1987
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