Bacteria in paint shops, a very common problem

In almost all cases, parts to be painted must be clean and free of grease. To achieve this, the components are washed in pre-treatment systems. After washing at 50 - 60 ° C, the parts are usually rinsed with demineralized water and these baths are particularly susceptible to the growth of bacteria.

Rinsing off the warm parts also creates a temperature in these tanks that is well above room temperature, creating very good growth conditions for bacteria. Such water baths are particularly suitable for disinfection with the FluidWorker 100, since the liquid is usually very clear and there are no additional additives in the water. A test with FluidWorker 100 at E. Krieg GmbH in Stuttgart has impressively demonstrated this.

Initial bacteria count: 10(7)

Value after 24 hours: 10(6)

Value after 72 hours: 10(4¤

Such problems in pre-treatment systems are widespread and, as a rule, a biocide is added if there is an increased bacterial infection, or the bath has to be changed out. The addition of biocide is of course uncomfortable and nobody has a good feeling about it, but it isn’t necessary anymore. A customer also told me that after the addition of biocide, the pH value often dropped drastically, which led to increased corrosion on the components.

Advantages of UV disinfection with FluidWorker 100 on baths in pre-treatment systems:

• High efficiency because liquid is very translucent
• No additives that could be incompatible with UV light
• No more use of biocide
• Longer service life
• No drop in pH after biocide use
• Improved work environment by decreased use of chemicals

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