TT-931: Wash Equipment Maintenance

Models Affected: All Wash Equipment

Proper Maintenance of Battery Wash Equipment

Description:

As with all machinery, the best way to ensure longevity of your BHS Wash Equipment is to properly maintain the equipment. This Tech Tip will briefly discuss a few necessary maintenance items and why they are important.

• Water Condition - The most important maintenance item when caring for wash equipment is the water condition. The pH of the water must be maintained to prevent damage from high acid levels. If the wash equipment is not used regularly, the pH must be checked and adjusted (if required) prior to the equipment being shut off for an extended period of time. Doing so will prevent highly acidic water or residue from damaging equipment components. Tech Tip-906 further discusses pH monitoring procedures and importance.
• Neutralizer - When neutralizing the water in the Recirculation/Neutralization System (RNS), a liquid, non-foaming neutralizer is recommended. Do not use any type of battery wash or neutralizer containing a detergent which creates foam. The foam in the water could result in air gaps in the system, which may cause inconsistent readings from the in-line pH meter (RNS-4-SS) and could also be detrimental to the pump life.
• Inspection & Cleaning - Also important in maintaining good water condition is regular inspection and cleaning (or replacement if necessary) of filters and screens. The five-micron canister filters, in-line strainer, bag filter (on RNS-3 and RNS-4 units) and debris screen (in the wash pan) all must be maintained. Failure to properly care for the filters in the wash system will allow debris and particles to enter the system, thus causing damage to pumps, valves, wash nozzles, and other system components.
• Wash Cabinets With Scrub Brush - Battery Wash Cabinets (BWC) with a scrub brush option (BWC-SB) require special attention. The scrub brush cleans the bottoms of the battery as it enters the wash cabinet. Often this will dislodge a fair amount of rust and debris that will collect in the BWC pan. This sand-like debris must be cleaned regularly to prevent damage to the pumps and valves.
• Water Replacement - Periodically the water in the wash system may become too dirty to filter efficiently and may need to be replaced. When the RNS is emptied, any sludge remaining at the bottom of the tank should be removed as well. Handle and dispose of all wash water and solid waste in accordance will all local codes and regulations. Proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be worn when servicing any wash equipment.

Recommendation:

As with all material handling equipment, the battery wash equipment should be inspected prior to each use for any visual damage or defects, and required liquids should be checked for proper fill levels. Any defects or damage found during the inspection should be addressed prior to operation. The equipment should also undergo scheduled Planned Maintenance (PM) which includes thorough inspection and maintenance performed by trained personnel.

A general daily inspection form as well as model specific planned maintenance inspection reports are available on our website.