Conveyor cleaning systems cost more but may offer better process control and higher throughput. Batch systems are simpler and less expensive but are more labor intensive and may require more worker exposure to cleaning chemicals. Equipment Types Soak Tanks From 5 gallon buckets to 500 gallon tanks, soak tanks are simple, inexpensive and require little maintenance. Soak tanks can be made more effective by adding heat, agitation, immersion spray or ultrasonics. Soak tanks are very good for cleaning blind holes and crevasses but usually require more aggressive chemicals than spray cleaners.
Oils floating on the surface of the bath can recontaminate parts as they are being removed.
This may be desired as a rust inhibitor but if not, soil buildup may require continuous filtration or frequent replacement of the cleaning fluid. Spray Washers Spray washers are much more aggressive than soak tanks and often clean well using only water. Heat, parts turntables and rotating spray nozzles can enhance cleaning. Spray washers are more expensive than soak tanks, require more maintenance and are not as good at cleaning blind holes. A flammable cleaning solution can become explosive when sprayed.