One of the challenges in working in specific industries is to ensure that the parts and components are free from any type of contaminants or impurities after production. This is true in many different industries including the manufacturing of medical devices and implants, in the semiconductor industry as well as in pharmaceutical manufacturing and production.
In Massachusetts, there are several companies offering oxygen cleaning services. Different companies may use different cleaning methods to remove surface contaminants to industry or customer standards. Experience, knowledge and a complete understanding of the most effective process based on industry requirements will determine which method will be used by the oxygen cleaning services.
Mechanical Cleaning
At the most basic level, there are options to remove surface irregularities off of the part or component. This will include removing the grit, weld slag, specific types of metal coating or finishes or even to remove paint.
This type of cleaning is typically done through grinding, polishing, wire brushing or other types of physical methods to remove the surface irregularities and impurities. This type of cleaning many be done in isolation or before other oxygen cleaning services.
Aqueous Cleaning
Steam is highly effective at removing many different surface contaminants. This includes greases and oils and their hydrocarbon components that may be left as a residue with other types of cleaning methods.
Some Massachusetts companies combine steam cleaning with alkaline cleaning agents as well as ultrasonic agitation. This will remove virtually all organic materials, but will also have the additional rinsing requirements to ensure any residual cleaning solvent is also removed.
Semi-Aqueous
This an emulsion of water and specific solvents. Typically, this will be the choice for heavy types of organic deposits includes waxes and other types of residues. It can also be used to remove scale or oxides as well.
This process includes the use of various acids based on the contaminants present. It will be critical to ensure all acid is removed from the part before being allowed to dry. This can be done through a neutralizing process.
Finally, it is also possible for oxygen cleaning services to use vapor to remove contaminants. In this case, the solvent itself is heated to vaporization then the vapor condenses on the colder surface of the part. This process allows the even distribution of vapor and condensation to clean areas of a part that may be impossible to clean using other methods.
