Appendix 5: Cleaning The Powder Coating - BERG Meto-SWT Technical Handbook

Appendix 5:
The importance of cleaning and maintenance:

It retains the appearance and image of the product over a longer period.

It extends the life-span.

It prevents corrosion.

It helps prevent the spread of plant diseases.

It stimulates employees to operate the machines with care.
Removing contamination periodically prevents any chemical substances that may be present from affecting
the powder coating. The protective layers are vulnerable to acids, salts and corrosive substances which cause
premature aging. Moreover, thick layers of dirt and contamination absorb more moisture which increases the
effects of corrosion on the protective layers.
The cleaning frequency depends on the following factors:

The level of contamination depends on what is being grown.

Type of product, or usage between the crops or, e.g. usage only on concrete tracks.

Exposure to chemical fluids (spraying equipment).

Exposure to chemical vapours or mists (treating the air space in the greenhouses).

Exposure to sunlight and UV rays.

Humidity in the air and condensation.
The above results in a load factor that depends on the type of usage, and where applicable, the following
cleaning schedule should be followed.
When to clean:

Plant and product residues.

Earth and sand

Glass, string, plastic, elastic, clips, wire hooks, etc.

Exposure to chemicals

Dullness or contamination on the top layer
How to clean:

Remove dirt or contamination on the top layer using a soft brush or cloth, or a compressed air line
(<6 bar).

Chemical contamination should be removed using a coarse sponge or soft cloth drenched in tap
water.

Clean a dull or contaminated top layer using a neutral cleaning agent with a pH value between 5 and
8 (check the label on the packaging) and a sponge or soft cloth.

Tip, when a cleaning agent is used for the first time it is recommended to initially test the agent on a
small section of the top layer before continuing.
What you must not do:

clean the powder coating using an abrasive or burnishing cleaning agent.

Never use cleaning equipment with an abrasive surface (steel wool, pot scourer,
Never etc).

Pressing down, polishing or scrubbing, etc, is not permitted.

Never use organic cleaning solutions for cleaning or maintaining the powder
coating.

Pouring over water, using a water hose or high pressure cleaner can cause
damage.
After cleaning:

Ensure that the cleaned surfaces are properly dry and temporarily remove overlapping protective
covers and screens.

All pivots and hinges, etc, that have been in contact with cleaning agents should be lubricated
according to the recommendations given in the maintenance schedule in the user manual.

Treat any damaged areas on the powder coating layer with lacquer or paint.
Please note:
The above are only recommendations and therefore responsibility for the proper cleaning remains with the
person carrying it out. Please contact the manufacturer if you have any queries regarding the appropriate
cleaning products to be used.
Translated user manual V3_EN
Cleaning the powder coating
METO-SWT 7030.XX.XXXX
daily
2x weekly
2x weekly
immediately after use
periodically after detection
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