Recent Article Suggests Cleaning with Compressed Air could be Hazardous

April 16, 2012 - PRLog -- A recent article (Compressed Air, AIB Update March/April 2012) addresses the prevalence of compressed air uses in food processing and manufacturing plants, notably to power equipment, but also to clean and treat foods.  However, the article also suggests that unless the air is properly filtered, the compressor location is immaculately maintained, and the piping construction takes in to account its uses, it could lead to problems.
In addition, high-pressure compressed air has inherent dangers to the operator, including “ punctured and ripped skin and muscle.”  While it is tempting to use a compressed air source already in place to clean equipment, danger looms.  Compressed air can also contain oils used to lubricate parts among other contaminants.  
There is a better way.
Industrial steam cleaners heat water under pressure in an internal boiler to produce dry steam. The use of an industrial steam cleaner harnesses the cleaning power of dry steam, which due to its temperature cleans and sanitizes without any chemicals.  And, since the steam is delivered at up to 150psi, it can be used in the same manner as compressed air; however the pressure is not so great as to cause operator injury.  In addition, industrial steam cleaners, like the AmeriVap Xtreme Steam line, use a fraction of the water associated with conventional methods like pressure washing leaving the area dry, and saving valuable water.  
Normal AmeriVap Xtreme Steam units are robust; delivering a 365 degree internal boiler temperature at sea level, and 220 degrees at the point of contact.  The company’s new TruBlū Steam units reach 500 degrees internally and approximately 320 degrees at the point of contact, delivering 100% sterilized air with 1% moisture and operator controlled pressure up to 150psi.
The American made Xtreme Stem industrial steam cleaners from AmeriVap Systems are fully portable and ASME certified. Using only quarts of water per hour rather than gallons per minute associated with high-temperature pressure washers, AmeriVap’s Xtreme steam units introduce about as much moisture as a mop and bucket into a facility.  AmeriVap’s Xtreme Steam models are available in multiple power configurations and are available in sizes from 20kw-80kw.
AmeriVap Systems, the market leader in dry steam vapor cleaners for both commercial and industrial use, is committed to providing sustainable cleaning solutions to its customers.  Please visit www.amerivap.com to view AmeriVap’s full line of equipment, as well as view archived webcasts and videos that highlight its dry steam vapor technology. Please visit the company at FMI April 30- May 3, 2012. Booth # 4726.